1. Great Barrier Reef
Shimmering under a clear Coral Sea, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure visible from space. For the Whitsunday Islands, it acts as a comforting coral coverage, protecting the waters from large ocean swells and creating ideal conditions for sailing, cruising, snorkeling and scuba diving. One of the richest ecosystems in the world, the reef has an amazing variety of marine life. In addition to over 1,625 species of fish and 1,400 species of coral, the reef is home to sea snakes, dugongs, giant clams, turtles, whales, dolphins, sharks and rays.
From a bird’s-eye view, tourists can feel their grandeur and see the famous Heart Reef. Naturally formed, this hearty coral splotch is a fitting symbol for how travelers feel when they first lay eyes on one of Mother Nature’s most impressive masterpieces.
2. Whitehaven Beach
Known as one of the most delightful beaches in the world, Whitehaven is an elevated 7-kilometer piece of white quartz sand and turquoise sea. This sparkling clean beach is located on Trinity Island, the largest island in the chain and a popular destination for day trips and picnics. Visitors can explore the beach and the island on footpaths. The highlight is Hill Inlet, a beautiful bay in the northern part of the beach, where iridescent tides swirl bright white sand and aqua sea into a marble mass of color. From the air it looks like an abstract watercolor painting. Tongue Point observation provides an impressive perspective, while Tongue Bay is a popular anchorage for shore boats.
Luxury yachts, ferries and motorboats bring visitors to the island for day trips, and many night sailing trips also stop here. Alternatively, tourists can enjoy a bird’s-eye view from a seaplane or helicopter. Camping is allowed at the southern end of the beach.
3. Daydream Island
A family favorite, Daydream Island is the smallest of the Whitsunday group and one of the closest to the mainland. Almost the entire island is dedicated to the Daydream Island Spa Resort, which also attracts multi-day visitors. Despite its small size, this popular resort is equipped with amenities including mini golf, an open-air cinema, sparkling lagoon-shaped pools, a kids club and an outdoor aquarium where guests can feed stingrays and sharks. Water sports abound with three beautiful beaches, and visitors can organize walks in the rainforest, reef fishing and coral excursions.
4 Hamilton Island
Awash with attractions, resorts and activities, Hamilton Island is the only Whitsunday Island with a commercial airport. Accommodation ranges from the luxury of Qualia on the northern tip of Hamilton to palm-shaded bungalows and yacht club villas. The events are also diverse. Trips to the Great Barrier Reef and stunning Whitehaven Beach are highlights, and the island itself has many attractions of its own. Guests can play golf and tennis, hike many trails and explore the island in a rented golf buggy, or shop and relax at one of the restaurants in the harbor. Wild cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets often join the diners here for lunch. Children will enjoy the wildlife park, bowling, go-kart track and mini golf.
As in all islands, water sports are the main entertainment and guests will find many opportunities here. Hamilton Island is easily accessible by air and sea. Direct flights are operated from major cities in Australia, and regular ferries provide Airlie Beach on the mainland; the crossing takes about 30 minutes.
5. Hyman Island
The northernmost inhabited island in the Whitsunday Group, Hayman Island is home to the exclusive five-star One & Only nature Resort. Guests travel to this tiny treasure by seaplane, helicopter or luxury yacht. One of the first islands on the reef to be developed for tourism, Hyman is incredibly beautiful with tropical forests, rocky coves, mangroves, palm beaches and even a botanical garden. Beyond these beautiful shores, guests can hop aboard a helicopter to Whitehaven Beach or take a trip to the outer reef for some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling. Kayaking, swimming, sailing, playing golf on the driving range and hiking along footpaths to scenic viewing platforms are other popular activities.If that’s too much effort, a luxury spa is waiting for you.