Whitehaven Beach Tours and Activities

Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach


Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green.

Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you.

The pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach stretch undisturbed for nearly 5 miles (7 kilometers). It is part of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays and a designated national park.

At low tide the beach expands and shows more of the fine, white sand it is so famous for. This almost pure silica sand doesn’t retain the heat, so take your shoes off and feel its cool, powdery sands under your toes. Dip your toes in the lapping water or wade in for a refreshing swim. Wear a full-body “stinger suit” in summer, provided by most tour operators, to protect yourself from harmful jelly fish.

For something more energetic, jog or walk the length of the beach to the Hill Inlet at its northern edge. From the lookout at Tongue Point, watch the swirling sands and waters below, a breathtaking fusion of white sands and emerald and turquoise currents. You may even see green sea turtles and brown stingrays swim by.

Arrange a guided bush walk to learn all about the unusual history, flora and fauna of Whitsunday Island. You may also camp on Whitehaven if you prebook this with an operator from Airlie Beach. Bring your own food and water supplies and repellent against sandflies.

To get to Whitehaven Beach, take the ferry across from the Port of Airlie or book a Whitsunday Cruise package tour to sail to Whitehaven Beach via Hamilton Island in one day, with lunch included. Upon arrival, little tender boats transport you safely to shore. To speed things up, you can also book a power boat from Airlie Beach or a half-day excursion from Hamilton Island, which has accommodations. For the ultimate views, explore the beach via a helicopter or book a seaplane. There are airports on Hamilton Island and in Proserpine on the mainland.

Whitehaven Beach has basic toilets and a picnic area on its southern end, where many boat tour operators drop off their passengers for a swimming break.

Plan a trip to see Whitehaven Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Peninsula Airlie Beach
 Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat
Yangaro

Reviews of Whitehaven Beach

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
223
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
52
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled on Camira Catamaran would highly recommend this trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great afternoon trip with Hamilton Island Watersports, the ReefRyder is a quick boat out to Chalkies Beach to snorkel and then to Whitehaven. Both fantastic and a great option during a short holiday.

3/5 - Okay

TG

It's a nice beach but for anyone who has lived with good beaches or visited plenty it's honestly not that impressive.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Do tour with Ocean Rafting best day

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

TAKE A SHADE SHELTER WITH YOU.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This place is as beautiful in real life as it is in all the tourist brochure – definitely a must-see!!!

Popular places to visit


Top Whitehaven Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lotus House

Lotus House

Hamilton Island, QLD
Lotus House
Papillon, Papillon on Hamilton Island

Papillon, Papillon on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
Papillon, Papillon on Hamilton Island
Papillon - Hamilton Island

Papillon - Hamilton Island

Whitsundays
Papillon - Hamilton Island
La Bella Waters 2 Hamilton Island

La Bella Waters 2 Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
La Bella Waters 2 Hamilton Island
La Bella Waters 1 Wide Ocean Views

La Bella Waters 1 Wide Ocean Views

3.5 out of 5
1/1 Coral Sea Avenue, Whitsundays, QLD
La Bella Waters 1 Wide Ocean Views
La Bella Waters 5 Oceanview BBQ Buggy

La Bella Waters 5 Oceanview BBQ Buggy

4 out of 5
1 Coral Sea Ave, Whitsundays, QLD
La Bella Waters 5 Oceanview BBQ Buggy
North Cape 5, North Cape 5 on Hamilton Island

North Cape 5, North Cape 5 on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
North Cape 5, North Cape 5 on Hamilton Island
La Bella Waters 6 - Hamilton Island.

La Bella Waters 6 - Hamilton Island.

Hamilton Island
La Bella Waters 6 - Hamilton Island.
Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island

Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Whitehaven Beach

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Whitehaven Beach with various tours available, including day trips and scenic helicopter rides for stunning aerial views. Relax on the pristine sands and swim in the crystal-clear waters, making the most of your visit to one of Australia's most iconic beaches. Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-exploration day, Whitehaven Beach promises an unforgettable experience in the Whitsundays.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Airlie Beach Market, located 32.2km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for finding unique gifts. For more shopping, the Whitsunday Shopping Centre and Whitsunday Plaza, both 21 and 37.0km away respectively, provide a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options.

Recreation

The Hamilton Island Golf Club offers a scenic 14.5km drive from Whitehaven Beach, perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking outdoor sport vibes. For relaxation, Spa Wumurdaylin, located 11.3km away, provides a tranquil body treatment experience, while the Daydream Island Rejuvenation Day Spa, 22.5km distant, focuses on wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

The Turtle Boardwalk, located 33.8km from Whitehaven Beach, offers a scenic hiking trail surrounded by stunning landscapes. Enjoy the outdoor adventure as you explore the vibrant wildlife and breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit the Hamilton Island Bowling Alley, just 11.3km from Whitehaven Beach, offering family-friendly arcade games. For a cultural experience, head to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 49.9km away, where you can enjoy theatre performances that cater to all ages.

Find the best attractions near Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays offers stunning scenery and outdoor experiences. Explore the famous Whitehaven Beach and nearby Whitsunday Island, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine sands. For a taste of local life, head to Airlie Beach, the gateway to these natural wonders, and discover marinas and bays that enhance your tropical getaway. Whether relaxing on the beach or taking in the breathtaking views, there's something for every traveller.

  • Catseye Beach: Located 11.3km from Whitehaven Beach, Catseye Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With its gentle waves and soft sand, it's an ideal spot for families and those seeking a peaceful beach vibe.
  • Hamilton Island Marina: Also 11.3km away, Hamilton Island Marina is a hub of adventure. You can explore water sports, dining options, and outdoor activities while soaking in the vibrant marina atmosphere, perfect for those looking for excitement.
  • Hill Inlet: Just 1.4km from Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet is renowned for its stunning scenery. The breathtaking views and unique swirling sands create an unforgettable backdrop for swimming, hiking, and photography enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Whitehaven Beach

The best time to visit Whitehaven Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Whitehaven Beach falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Whitehaven Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February80.8°F (27.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March80.1°F (26.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June70.2°F (21.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August69.4°F (20.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October74.8°F (23.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Whitehaven Beach

To save money on your trip to Whitehaven Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March, May, or August, while avoiding peak times like April and the December-January period. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance often yields the best rates, and Saturday is typically the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices and take advantage of last-minute deals or package offers that bundle flights and activities. Don’t forget to explore free activities like beach walks and snorkelling to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Whitehaven Beach are March, May and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Whitehaven Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Whitehaven Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Whitehaven Beach is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by bundling your hotel stay at Whitehaven Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia