Sunset in the Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 tropical islands off the Queensland coast and the resort town of Airlie Beach located about 250 miles south of Cairns and 560 miles north of Brisbane. Only eight of these islands are inhabited, and a substantial percentage of their area makes up one of the country’s many national parks. Things to do in the Whitsunday Islands include numerous activities, both on the pristine uninhabited islands and around the beautiful resorts of those islands with populations. Whitehaven Beach on the largest of the islands, Whitsunday Island, is one of the finest beaches in this country that is known for its long stretches of beautiful beaches.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system, lies in the ocean to the east of the Whitsunday Islands creating a natural barrier that produces magnificent Queensland beaches and clear, calm waters. Most of the things to do in the Whitsunday Islands involve the water and these beaches.

Hamilton Island is the country’s largest island resort. It boasts an airport with direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, as well as from Cairns, Prosepine, Airlie Beach, and Mackay. Other transportation is by boat. There is high-speed catamaran service from Airlie Beach as well as numerous day trips from the mainland for visitors not staying in the islands. Since sailing and yacht charts are popular all along the Australia coast, there are also marinas for those who arrive in their own vessel. The most deluxe of the Whitsunday Island accommodation is located here. There is even a world-class golf course here.

Other Australia beach resorts and beach hotels are located on the other seven inhabited islands. The Daydream Island Resort boasts a full-service spa, a manmade natural aquarium made of a network of reef lagoons, mini-golf, and a scenic open-air movie theater, even a wedding chapel. The Hayman Island Resort is famous for its internationally respected chefs who ply their art in six restaurants. The Hook Island Wilderness Resort has its own underwater observatory. Lindeman Island is home to the country’s only Club Med, and Paradise Bay on Long Island boasts an intimate and deluxe eco-lodge. There is even Whitsunday Island accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers at the Koala Adventure Island Resort on South Molle Island. Here you can book charming bungalows for two as well as dormitory-style bunk rooms. One of the things to do in the Whitsunday Islands is get in some hiking on the trails of the tropical forests of the national park.

Every one of the Whitsunday Islands, offers beautiful secluded beaches (many of them virtually deserted), coral reefs great for scuba diving, and lovely forested interiors. But it is Whitehaven Beach that is the most famous and features in numerous photographs that advertise the beauties of the country’s coastline. Stretching for more than five miles, it is covered with pure white silica sand bordered by the azure and turquoise waters. There is a stunning cove at the northern end with lovely views all the way to the other end of the beach. Many of the day trips (by ferry, sailing yachts, and seaplane) from Airlie Beach a Proserpine have Whitehaven Beach as their destination. Nonetheless, the beach is seldom crowded. There are also guided and self-guided kayak tours that put in here.