Whitsunday Islands National Park
The national park covers most of the islands, including Whitsunday, Hook and the Molle Islands. Bushwalking trails, basic campsites and bays for anchoring. For camping, you need a permit from Queensland Parks.
Australia
Whitsunday Islands
Region
74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, most uninhabited and national park. Explore them by sailboat, ferry, or day trip from Airlie Beach.
by Felix Gillen
74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, most uninhabited and national park. Explore them by sailboat, ferry, or day trip from Airlie Beach. Whitehaven Beach is famous for its almost pure white quartz sand.
Airlie Beach is the mainland base; from there, ferries and sailing tours depart for the islands. Hamilton Island has its own airport and the widest range of resorts. Whitsunday Island and Hook Island are almost uninhabited and only accessible by boat, kayak, or seaplane. Many visitors book a two- to three-day sailing trip and sleep on board. The most pleasant time is from May to October.
Sights in Whitsunday Islands
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Whitehaven Beach
Seven kilometers of almost pure quartz sand beach on Whitsunday Island's east coast. The sand remains cool even in the sun. Only accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter.
Hill Inlet Lookout
Lookout point at the north end of Whitehaven Beach. At low tide, white sand and turquoise water blend into patterns that look different every hour. Short climb from Tongue Point.
Heart Reef
Small heart-shaped reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef, about an hour's flight from the islands. Visible only from air, scenic flights depart from Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach.
Nara Inlet
A deep-cut, sheltered bay on the south side of Hook Island. Popular anchorage for sailboats. A short path leads to a cave with Ngaro rock paintings.
Essen & Trinken
Cozy rooms in an exclusive beach hotel with pools, cafés, and restaurants.
Food and Drink
You'll find most places in Airlie Beach and on Hamilton Island. On sailing trips, the crew cooks on board.
Oceanic Food
Prawns, barramundi, and coral trout are on almost every menu. In Airlie Beach, you can also get them freshly caught for takeaway.
Sundowner
A sunset drink is a must here, whether at the lagoon in Airlie Beach or on deck at anchor.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
20–25°C·15–80 mm(little rain)
May to October is dry and warm, with calm seas and good underwater visibility. Humpback whales pass through the passage from July to September.
November to May is jellyfish season; swim only in a Stinger Suit. Cyclones can cancel tours between December and March.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dry season
Rainy season and cyclone season
Bridging time
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.0 | 300 | 7.0 |
| February | 28.0 | 330 | 7.0 |
| March | 27.0 | 250 | 7.0 |
| April | 25.0 | 120 | 7.0 |
| May | 23.0 | 80 | 7.0 |
| June | 21.0 | 50 | 7.0 |
| July | 20.0 | 35 | 8.0 |
| August | 21.0 | 25 | 9.0 |
| September | 23.0 | 15 | 9.0 |
| October | 25.0 | 25 | 9.0 |
| November | 26.0 | 55 | 9.0 |
| December | 27.0 | 150 | 8.0 |
Culture & History
Land of the NgaroThe Ngaro lived on the islands for millennia, travelling between them in bark canoes. On Hook Island, rock paintings are preserved in Nara Inlet. The Ngaro Sea Trail connects hiking trails on several islands.Pentecost and SailingJames Cook sailed through the passage in 1770, naming it after Pentecost Sunday, which he believed was the day. Today, the islands are one of Australia's most important sailing regions. Every August, a major regatta takes place off Hamilton Island.
Getting Here & Around
Airports are located on Hamilton Island and in Proserpine, half an hour from Airlie Beach. From Airlie Beach, ferries depart several times daily to Hamilton Island and the resort islands.Sailing Trip: The classic way to see several islands. Choices range from backpacker boats to small luxury yachts.Bareboat: With sailing experience, you can charter a boat without a skipper.Day Trips: Speedboats travel to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in one day.From November to May is jellyfish season. When swimming, you'll wear a Stinger Suit, provided by the operators.
