WHITSUNDAY VACATIONS

About the Whitsundays

The History

Located on the tropical coast of Queensland, Australia, and alongside The Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands were formed by significant volcanic activity over 100 million years ago. Over the years, changes in ocean temperatures and sea levels began to separate the mainland mountain ranges, creating the string of 74 islands we know today as the Whitsundays.

The Traditional Custodians of the Whitsundays are the Ngaro Aboriginal people. Recorded as one of the earliest indigenous groups in Australia, the Ngaro people lived throughout the Whitsunday Islands and on the nearby mainland for around 9000 years.

On the 3rd of June 1770, Captain James Cook sailed the Endeavour through what is now known as the Whitsunday Passage. They sailed through on 'Whit Sunday,' marking the Sunday of the feast for the Christian festival Pentecost. Captain Cook was inspired enough to name the passage Whitsunday Passage and the location as Whitsunday Group of Islands.

Aerial view of Whitsundays
View to Whitehaven Beach from rocky outlook

Best Time to Visit

The Whitsundays is an experience like no other. Beautiful all year round, with an average temperature of 27.4 degrees Celcius and 10 hours of sunlight every day, making it the perfect destination for swimming, exploring or simply relaxing.

September and October are the best time to visit the Whitsundays. Being the start of Spring, sunny days hit a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius, and there is usually little rainfall. Humidity is also typically low in September and October, being more pleasant when travelling around the Whitsundays.

The average winter temperatures (June, July and August) reach 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, making Whitsunday Islands the perfect winter escape for travellers located in colder climates.

Popular Destinations

The Whitsundays comprises many popular holiday destinations.

Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, and Cannonvale are thriving coastal towns and gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Whether you attend the weekly markets, restaurants or festivals, you will be consumed in the community spirit. Luxury holiday homes and apartments in the Whitsundays also provide privacy and room for the whole family.

Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and Hayman Island are a few of the islands renowned for their private resorts & beaches. Tours, ferries and other activities also provide direct access from the coastal towns to several islands, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches & fringing reefs.

Shute Harbour boat moorings
Boat moored at Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach

The famous Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The popularity of crystal-clear turquoise waters and white silica sand that feels amazing led Whitehaven Beach to be voted the world's #1 best beach in 2021!

Protected by Whitsunday Islands National Park, the eco-friendly beach is frequented in all seasons by tourists and locals via boat, seaplane or helicopter. Surrounding bushwalks, including Hill inlet Lookout, also provide the most incredible views of the blue-green shades of water and ever-shifting sand.

The Whitsunday Vacations team can assist with planning your trip to Whitehaven Beach, making it a truly memorable experience.

Fringing Reefs

Formed over time in clear waters around the Whitsunday Islands and occasionally along the mainland, these reefs were built by polyps, tiny animals resembling small sea anemones. They have a sac-like body and mouth opening surrounded by tentacles.

A single polyp establishes itself by attaching to a submerged rock around the edges of the islands. Then new polyps build from it, forming a coral colony that makes up a fringing reef.

We have put together an information sheet of various travel options to assist your travels around the various Whitsunday destinations. Our team is happy to provide you with further options and recommendations.

Boat cruising amongst Whitsunday Islands
Mandalay House | Exclusive & Luxurious Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay House | Exclusive & Luxurious Home

With spectacular views, private marina, Mediterranean inspired architecture, and unrivalled luxury features throughout, Mandalay House is a dream home on the beautiful Whitsunday Coast.

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Mandalay House | Exclusive & Luxurious Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay House | Exclusive & Luxurious Home

With spectacular views, private marina, Mediterranean inspired architecture, and unrivalled luxury features throughout, Mandalay House is a dream home on the beautiful Whitsunday Coast.

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Mandalay Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home

AQUA is an iconic architectural masterpiece, arguably Australia’s finest seaside residence set within the serene aqua waters of the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Australia. Situated on a secluded and private peninsula surrounded on three sides with its own private beach, marina and helipad, AQUA is akin to an exclusive luxury private resort.

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Mandalay Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home

AQUA is an iconic architectural masterpiece, arguably Australia’s finest seaside residence set within the serene aqua waters of the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Australia. Situated on a secluded and private peninsula surrounded on three sides with its own private beach, marina and helipad, AQUA is akin to an exclusive luxury private resort.

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Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa
Prestige Properties

Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa

Situated on over 4000 acres of privately owned land, Paradise Cove is one of the Whitsundays most popular Wedding and event venues. The exclusive beachfront location is a tropical paradise,ideal for any event and only a short drive from Airlie Beach!

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Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa
Prestige Properties

Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa

Situated on over 4000 acres of privately owned land, Paradise Cove is one of the Whitsundays most popular Wedding and event venues. The exclusive beachfront location is a tropical paradise,ideal for any event and only a short drive from Airlie Beach!

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The Great Barrie Reef located in the Whitsunday, Queensland, Australia
REVIEWS

Why Our Guests Keep Coming Back

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Marina Living with views and more!
Beautiful apartment and location.We had a relaxing stay and would highly recommend this apartment to anyone that visits Airlie Beach.
September 17, 2025
Elee
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Whitsunday Beachfront Apartment on Broadwater
Clean, spacious and close to everything. The view from the balcony is wonderful. This unit is within walking distance to town but far enough away from the noise.
September 17, 2025
Jennifer
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Whitsunday Beachfront Apartment on Coral Esplanade
Very nice Air Bnb inside and a lovely balcony to look over the water. Away from the hustle and bustle but you can still go for nice walks and very close to a good Cafe. Plus only a 5 minute drive into the centre of Airlie whenever you feel like it. Hosts were very friendly and accommodating too 👍👍
September 16, 2025
Adam
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Whitsunday Escape - Beachfront with Swimming Pool
Amazing place to stay ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 15, 2025
Alec
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
Wonderful ......we will be backApartment was really good and new
September 10, 2025
Bradley
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Shutehaven Villa
Great place to stay, nice and quiet.
September 10, 2025
Matthew
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
Lovely accommodation. Very response via messages. Great price. Parking was a bit tight though, but otherwise a wonderful stay.
September 10, 2025
Shannon
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Whitsunday Penthouse with rooftop swimming pool!
Beautiful place, very well maintained made it feel like a home for our holiday, will definitely be coming back!
September 10, 2025
Tayissa
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Cove 18 Luxury Whitsunday Waterfront Beach House
amazing place! close to the town and the port if you want to go on excursions
September 9, 2025
Goran
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Amazing Penthouse with Whitsundays lifestyle
A spacious apartment with fantastic expansive views of Airlie beach and the Whitsunday islands. Private and peaceful being located at the top of the hill. It has great facilities and little touches like pantry staples being included are welcomed. Lots of outdoor space for soaking up the incredible views.
September 8, 2025
Lee
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Luxury Airlie Beach Home with Panoramic Ocean Views
Our stay in the stunning home overlooking Airlie was perfect. There were all the amenities of home, including a beautifully appointed kitchen with everything you needed should you want to stay home and enjoy the best views in the region. The cleanliness of the property was first class, no need to clean anything before using anything. Plenty of towels for the pool and thoughtful to leave some basic necessities.This home has the best views across Airlie Beach and the islands, just stunning. We loved the home and hope to stay again in the future.
September 8, 2025
Ruth
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Marina Waterfront Living at Port of Airlie
This apartment is in an excellent location close to the Main Street and beach. Nice view from the balcony. The pool is lovely (but just a tad too cold!). A perfect space for a family for 4 to stay.
September 7, 2025
Jacinta
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Marina Living with views and more!
Stunning apartment with an awesome view and conveniently located!The apartment was stunning! The view was amazing. Location was ideal!
September 7, 2025
Jennifer
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3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
A lovely home with great facilities. Well placed to Airlie Beach township. Comfortable beds. Great indoor/outdoor areas for relaxation. Very helpful & friendly management. We will be back ! 👍🏻☺️
September 6, 2025
Pete
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Shutehaven Beach House with Ocean Views.
Very beautiful place and very peaceful
September 5, 2025
Jenny
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Marina living and Whitsundays lifestyle
Excellent one of my favourite holidaysAbsolutely fantastic
September 4, 2025
Darren
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
I wonderful time at Airly Beach in a really great apartmentThe property was well appointed looked over the marina and was very close to town.
September 3, 2025
Lindsay
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'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
Well appointed. The hosts are great. Absolute pleasure to stay there and a perfect place for my wife to get ready for our wedding
September 2, 2025
Daniel
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
Great location in Airlie overlooking the harbour. We had a group of six over 60's and it was perfect for us. Whilst no pool, we were out on a boat or could have had a swim down at the lagoon if the weather was hot, so didn't really miss it. Great spacious deck for relaxing on as a group.
September 2, 2025
Wendy
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Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
This is house was fab! We had 6 adults and 3 children and we all fit really comfortably in the house. There was a a lot of space. The pool and outside area were great with fans to keep cool and also a fab view of the town and water. Super walkable only 5 minutes into the main town. Would definitely stay again!
September 1, 2025
Melissa
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