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.
Daydream Island Resort
Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort
Mandalay Escape Serenity and Pool

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Whitehaven Beach

Lotus, Lotus House on Hamilton Island

Lotus, Lotus House on Hamilton Island

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

Papillon, Papillon on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
Papillon, Papillon on 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
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
Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island

Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island
Bella Vista East 5

Bella Vista East 5

4 out of 5
1 Coral Sea Ave, Whitsundays, QLD
Bella Vista East 5
Bella Vista East 4

Bella Vista East 4

3.5 out of 5
4/12 Whitsunday Boulevard, Whitsundays, QLD
Bella Vista East 4
Cooinda Gardens 4, Cooinda Gardens 4 on Hamilton Island

Cooinda Gardens 4, Cooinda Gardens 4 on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
Cooinda Gardens 4, Cooinda Gardens 4 on Hamilton Island
Cooinda Gardens 5, Beautiful Apartment on Hamilton Island

Cooinda Gardens 5, Beautiful Apartment on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
Cooinda Gardens 5, Beautiful Apartment 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 stunning Whitehaven Beach with a variety of tours that cater to all interests, from relaxing beach clubs to adventurous excursions. Enjoy Whitsunday holidays filled with exciting experiences, including guided whitehaven tours that showcase the beach's pristine beauty. Whether you're soaking up the sun or engaging in thrilling water activities, Whitehaven Beach promises an unforgettable getaway in Queensland, Australia.

Shopping

For shopping in Whitehaven Beach, visit the Airlie Beach Market, located 32.2km away, offering a lively public market experience. If you're up for a drive, check out Whitsunday Shopping Centre, 33.8km away, for family-friendly shopping, and Fresh Fields Shopping Plaza, 48.3km away, for more variety.

Recreation

The Hamilton Island Golf Club offers stunning views and a challenging course for golf enthusiasts, located 14.5km from Whitehaven Beach. For relaxation, Spa Wumurdaylin provides rejuvenating body treatments 11.3km away, while Daydream Island Rejuvenation Day Spa, 22.5km away, promises a tranquil wellness experience.

Adventure

At Turtle Boardwalk, located 33.8km from Whitehaven Beach, immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while hiking through lush trails. Experience the thrill of adventure as you explore the diverse wildlife and breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

Nightlife

For a lively night out near Whitehaven Beach, visit the Hamilton Island Bowling Alley, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone about 11.3km away. This venue offers a fun-filled atmosphere perfect for families and friends, combining adventure and entertainment for a memorable evening.

Find the best attractions near Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays offers a stunning array of attractions, perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can soak up the sun on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach, explore the scenic beauty of nearby Hamilton Island, or relax at Boathaven Beach. With its breathtaking views and outdoor experiences, Whitehaven Beach is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.

  • Catseye Beach: Located 11.3km from Whitehaven Beach, Catseye Beach offers a relaxing atmosphere with its soft sands and gentle waves. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the stunning coastal views while soaking in the laid-back beach vibes.
  • Pelican Island: About 19.3km away, Pelican Island is a tranquil escape featuring pristine beaches and lush greenery. Ideal for outdoor activities, visitors can explore nature trails, enjoy birdwatching, or simply unwind by the beach, all while immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere.
  • Hamilton Island Marina: Just 11.3km from Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island Marina is a hub of adventure. With various water sports, dining options, and shopping available, it’s a lively spot for those seeking both beach and outdoor activities.

Best time to go to Whitehaven Beach

Visitor numbers around Whitehaven Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 CloudyAverageSlightly 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
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, take advantage of the free entry to the beach and nearby attractions like Hamilton Island Marina and Whitsunday Islands National Park. Visit during the cheaper months of March, May, or August, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Consider last-minute deals on Expedia and note that Saturdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can offer significant savings, especially when using their budget filters to find affordable options.

  • 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 Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Moreover, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: By booking an Expedia package, you can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at Whitehaven Beach with your flights and activities.