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Things to do in Whitsunday Regional

Our most recommended things to do in Whitsunday Regional

Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven

1. Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven

Ride, snorkel, and bushwalk as you embark on the perfect Whitehaven Beach tour, visiting both ends of the world-famous beach. Take off on the ride of your life in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and enjoy a guided nature walk, inner coral reef snorkeling, personalized snorkel instruction, and more. Departing from Airlie Beach, climb aboard the fastest day boat in the Whitsundays. Experience an informative ride and thrilling adventure on super fast semi-rigid inflatable vessels capable of speeds of up to 35 knots (65 kilometers per hour). Select the North Whitehaven option for an eco-adventure popular amongst avid snorkellers. This includes two different snorkel destinations, a visit to the beach at Hill Inlet, and a guided National Park walk to the lookout above the silica sand of Whitehaven. Select the South Whitehaven option for more beach time. Enjoy at least two hours of relaxing on the white silica sand, and a guided walk to Hill Inlet for breathtaking views of the tropical waters. Snorkel for over an hour amid corals and fringing reefs. Whatever option you choose, enjoy the only tour in the Whitsundays to have direct access to Hill Inlet beaches at Whitehaven. Have peace of mind by traveling with an advanced ecotourism-certified, climate change business and green travel leader. A tropical lunch pack is available to be pre-booked at the check out and paid for on the day of the tour. Water, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices, and chocolates are also available for sale on board or you can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and lunch.

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Lunch

2. Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Lunch

After pickup from your accommodation, head to the marina in Airlie Beach by bus. Board the custom-built catamaran and enjoy fresh, homemade, gluten-free brownies as a morning snack. The first stop is at one of the area's many beautiful reefs to go snorkeling. Be blown away by the vivid colors, bountiful fish, and coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef's outer fringes. This spot offers a quieter way to experience the UNESCO-protected reef. Then, head to the second snorkeling spot on the northern tip of Hook Island. With your guide, discover the area's underwater valleys, caves, and a variety of marine life. Continue to Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch of zucchini frittatas and quiche lorraine served with cold sliced meats, cheeses, salad, and fresh bread. After lunch, join a guided bush walk and history talk to Hill Inlet Lookout, located at the northern end of the beach. Admire the world-famous spot where white sands and turquoise waters blend in a unique swirling effect. Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach and soak up the scenery. An afternoon snack of fresh fruit will be provided before the scenic journey back to Airlie Beach by boat. Be dropped back at your accommodation at approximately 5:00 PM.

Airlie Beach: 1-Hour Whitsunday Reef & Island Scenic Flight

3. Airlie Beach: 1-Hour Whitsunday Reef & Island Scenic Flight

Board a modern airplane for a scenic flight to remember above the Whitsunday Islands. Benefit from a modern aircraft, in-flight commentary, and return transportation from Airlie Beach. Take a 60-minute scenic flight with guaranteed window seating and in-flight pilot commentary, and enjoy aerial views of the 74 Whitsunday Islands off the north coast of Queensland. Fly above the islands for stunning views of all the landmarks, such as Shute Harbour, Molle Islands, Long Island, Dent Island, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hill Inlet, and make 2 passes over Whitehaven Beach. Experience the dramatic natural aquarium of the Great Barrier Reef from a different perspective. Fly over the famous Heart Reef, nestled amongst the bright colors and patterns of Hardy Reef. Return to the mainland and land at Proserpine Airport, where a complimentary shuttle bus transfer can take you back to Airlie Beach.

From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise

4. From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise

Cruise to Whitehaven Beach on this 6-hour cruise. Depart early in the morning on a high-speed vessel for a cruise through the Whitsunday Islands and be the first on the beach. Alternatively, depart later in the day and enjoy a sunset cruise home. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea. Board the Whitehaven vessel for the scenic cruise to the magnificent beach. Your cruise vessel has expansive seating areas inside and out and your skipper will provide an informative commentary on the history and natural wonders of the area. Sit back, breathe in the sea air, sip a wine or beer, and marvel at the 74 Island Wonders of the Whitsundays, starting with views of Passage Peak and the Pentecost Island. The waters of Solway Passage lead you to Whitehaven Beach, a must-see in the Whitsundays. Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking beauty and vivid white sand of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. This uninhabited island is one of Australia's true gems. Wander along the beach to your own secluded stretch, laze on the sand or cool off in the azure waters. After spending some time at the Southern end of Whitehaven Beach, make the beautiful journey back to Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour

5. Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands stopping off at the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Cruise in air-conditioned comfort on a catamaran complete with modern facilities including a rooftop deck and capped numbers to ensure maximum guest comfort to roam around the boat enjoying the stunning views so you have a brilliant experience. Departing from Shute Harbour at 9:00 AM, the cruise takes you through the Molle group of islands before crossing the Whitsunday passage into Cid harbor, where you will learn its historic role in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The cruise then travels past Nara Inlet and through Hook Passage before anchoring at Tongue Point to visit Hill Inlet, known for its bushwalks and stunning views. Leaving Tongue Point, you will cruise across Whitehaven Bay to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach. Any tour of the Whitsundays wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the beautiful clear waters or just relaxing on the powder-white silica sand on Whitehaven Beach. With up to 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, basking in the water, or walking up to the lookout. This tour runs daily (excluding Christmas Day) and includes a complimentary bus pick-up and drop-off service from multiple transfer points. Enjoy morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea with the convenience of an onboard bar to purchase beverages throughout the duration of the tour. 

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Tallship Sunset Sail with Drink

6. Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Tallship Sunset Sail with Drink

Embark on an adventure and set sail on a 2-hour sunset sail across the bay. Be welcomed on board with a glass of bubbles.  Relax on the green cushioned seats on deck. Help pull up a sail, or two if you feel like it or just chill on deck and take in the tropical sunset.  Enjoy some snacks on the platter consisting of crusty bread, cheeses, fruit, and dips. This experience is perfect for a romantic evening and a journey to remember. Experience the boat Providence V that was in a Hollywood movie called Survive the Savage Seas and is one of the most picturesque sailing boats in the Whitsundays. The boat is built from North Queensland timber and is a replica of the old Grand Banks fishing boats,  a Bluenose or Gloucester schooner.

From Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Club Cruise

7. From Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Club Cruise

Travel directly to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach on a 50-seat fast-cat that was purpose-built for the Whitsundays and offers a stable and comfortable ride direct to Whitehaven. On arrival, you will have access to complementary equipment and activities including stand-up paddle boards, volleyball, sun umbrellas, and beach games. With up to 5 hours of beach time, you can make the most of your day by exploring or just relaxing. Take a self-guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout with magical views of the Whitsunday Islands.

From Airlie Beach: 60-Minute Whitsundays Scenic Flight

8. From Airlie Beach: 60-Minute Whitsundays Scenic Flight

Delight in a 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the big window views from your comfortable fixed-wing aircraft, and learn all about the area with your experienced pilot's expert commentary. After pickup from your accommodation in Airlie Beach, head to the nearby airport for take-off. Unlike flights offered by other companies in the area, the local partner is able to take-off from much closer to Airlie Beach, saving you the long 40-minute travel time. Once up in the air, marvel at the best bird's-eye views of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations Heart Reef. After you land, transfer back to your accommodation in Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine

9. Airlie Beach: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine

Depart from the Coral Sea Marina in the Northern Village, which is only a short walk from the main street of Airlie Beach. You will cruise around Pioneer Bay and then get up close to many of the points of interest along the Airlie Beach coastline. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot turtles on the way, and on Wednesdays you can see the locals on their weekly yacht race. Watch a picture-perfect sunset and observe Airlie start to light up at dusk, whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly.  The Sundowner is a fully covered purpose-built catamaran designed for socializing. Unlike a yacht, it has a flat surface and no trip hazards. There is ample room to move, and high heels are welcome. Plenty of seating is available on board, and every seat has a great view of the Ocean.

Airlie Beach: 2-Day, 2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Tour

10. Airlie Beach: 2-Day, 2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Tour

Soak up the stunning world heritage listed Whitsunday Islands and fringing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, while taking in the sun’s rejuvenating rays, never feeling overcrowded. Just the way it’s meant to be. Avatar caters to guests of all ages. She sleeps 26 guests and 3 crew in a mixture of open plan bunks and private doubles. All meals are freshly prepared on board and include: spaghetti Bolognese, beef tacos, fresh meats, salads, breads, fruits, dips and crackers plus loads more! You won’t go hungry! Avatar Whitsundays is truly a sailing specialist. 2-day 2-night tours of the Whitsunday Islands can include – Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, Hayman Island, Border Island and Whitsunday Island, with snorkelling stops at Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay plus plenty of other awesome locations. Snorkelling equipment, stinger suits/wetsuits are all included. Avatar is one of the fastest, most high-tech racing yachts ever to be offered for charter in Australia, so if your taste is for the extreme side, this is the boat to be on.

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What people are saying about Whitsunday Regional

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 4,088 reviews

Lovely trip regardless of the wet weather. Knowledgeable captain, good humoured and professional. Jasmine was lovely, very friendly. Decent wine, little snacks and a great atmosphere. Good for spotting sea turtles sand the occasional dolphin or dugong. Great for all types of travelers.

Absolutely loved our Whitsunday Tour day with Thundercat! Ian was our tour guide and he was great! The lunch was good and huge portions, the reefs they take you too are amazing and the White Haven Beach is just as beautiful as the pictures, definitely recommend this tour!

What a great day from start to finish, could not have asked for anything else, great communication, great staff on and off the cruise, food was more than you could imagine Definitely worth the money

It is the most beautiful and touching experience of Nature I have ever had. And I have travelled a lot. It almost brought me to tears of commotion for how stunning Mother Nature is. Just divine.

Absolutely amazing, despite the weather being awful at the time of the trip it was still an amazing day would definitely recommend