If Australia's 12,000 beaches had one reigning star, it would undoubtedly be Whitehaven in the shimmering, azure waters of the Whitsundays. This beach, on the traditional lands of the Ngaro people, is set within a World Heritage-listed national park, and regularly features at number one on 'best beach in the world' lists – and for good reason. This pristine paradise has sand that's 98 per cent silica (meaning it's whiter and softer than pretty much anywhere in the world), the warm turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, and a general kind of stunning beauty that normally isn't seen outside of postcards. Other popular beaches to explore in the Whitsundays include Betty’s Beach and Turtle Bay on Whitsunday Island, Chalkie’s Beach on Haslewood Island, Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island and Crayfish Beach on Hook Island.
Did you know that more than 1,500 weddings take place each year in the Whitsunday Islands? It’s easy to see why: Instagram-worthy landmarks like Heart Reef and secluded, long white stretches are very romantic. But you don’t need to fork out for honeymoon-priced hotel rooms to enjoy a tropical weekend getaway to the world-famous islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
Just 55 kilometres off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays comprise 74 tropical islands, most popularly Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island. There’s no wrong way to explore the islands – whether you’re relaxing on the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach (ranked fifth best in the world), wandering through the national parks (fun fact: the Whitsundays is 70 per cent national park), or snorkelling with thousands of brightly coloured fish in the Great Barrier Reef.
With a little planning, you can jet off for an adventure-filled weekend that’ll cost you less than a flight to Bali. Here are the best things to do in the Whitsunday Islands.