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
Prestige Properties

Mandalay House

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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Prestige Properties

Mandalay Aqua

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
Paradise Cove Villas
Prestige Properties

Paradise Cove Villas

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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Mazlin House, Airlie Beach Waterfront Holiday Home ** New Waterfront Pool installed!**
Really great place, right by the beach and not so busy. The house is HUGE! Lots of little things to explore for sure
March 15, 2025
Mark
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
The place was perfect. Amazing view, lots of space and close to all amenities. We had an amazing time there with our friends.
March 13, 2025
Mike
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
Lovely apartment in a perfect location. Stunning views and great host!
March 13, 2025
Dawn
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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
La casa muy bonita, disfrutamos de la vista y de la alberca
March 13, 2025
Enrique
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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Stunning location!!! And also great host! Kind and friendly!
March 12, 2025
Meghan
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Executive Whitsunday Penthouse at 40 Reflections
Ali and her team were absolutely amazing to deal with when we were organising our holiday to Airlie Beach. The team is very professional, more than helpful and nothing was a problem for them. We had the most amazing time away. The unit was beautiful and and very clean throughout. Thank you so much to Ali and the holiday letting team!
March 11, 2025
Dodie
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15 Kara - Stunning 5 Bedroom Home With Million Dollar Views, walk to Airlie Beach main street.
Perfect for family stay!! Got amazing amenities and easy customer service! Couldn’t recommend this house enough!
March 11, 2025
Liarna
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
A very special place to stay whilst visiting the Whitsundays. The facilities and appliances were top notch, nothing was overlooked. The beds were super comfortable and the linen and towels were high quality. The location was ideal - a gentle stroll to town in one direction and a 5 minute walk to the port of Airlie for the ferry and bus connections in the other direction. Exemplary communication with the host made for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
March 6, 2025
Sheelagh
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The Power House - Views & More
We had a fantastic time, created fantastic memories, we still miss that beautiful view.Beds were amazing, the view was absolutely stunning, beautiful house very spacious. Hosts were excellent, friendly and so helpful.
March 4, 2025
Jodie
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'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
Nine Islands luxury home- What an absolute gem!! The view was stunning, beautiful home. We enjoyed our time & will definitely be back.
March 1, 2025
Belinda
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'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
WOW! What an experience! Myself, my husband and three other couples stayed at Nine Islands for a week, and we had the nicest time.The property was amazing,, the outdoor area was fantastic, infact this is where we spent most of our time. The pool was beautiful, as were the views!The house was very well appointed, and had everything that we needed for our stay.Very enjoyable holiday. I would highly recommend Nine Islands to anyone wanting some amazing accommodation in Airlie Beach.Thank you.
February 25, 2025
Kim
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
Lovely apartment, close enough to the town centre without being right on top of the restaurants so it was nice and peaceful for us to sleep. Beautiful views of marina. Two comfortable bedrooms and modern bathrooms. Kitchen amenities are modern and good selection of Utensils. We stayed as a family of 4 adults and a toddler and it was comfortable, would stay again 100%!
February 23, 2025
Sophie
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
Perfect. Couldn’t have wanted more. We’d have needed two hotel rooms and this was cheaper, more spacious and having kitchen and washing facilities really useful. Loved the view over the marina.Airlie is a fantastic place for a few days stay.Would add a * to the 5 rating if I could.
February 23, 2025
Mark
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Seascape on Shutehaven - Adults Only
Lovely home, comfortable beds, aircon in each room, great view from the balcony. The pool is chilly but very nice, loved the dining table on the covered patio and the huge wall of windows upstairs. Bring your own bath soap and beach towels. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need to cook your own meals, including some spices. 15 minute drive to the port and Airlie beach esplanade with all the shops and restaurants and a lovely public pool. Book your boat tours and adventures in advance!
February 19, 2025
Cara
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Cove 18 Luxury Whitsunday Waterfront Beach House
Great place, very clean, all amenities thought of, good layout, no issues, the team at Whitsunday vacation very helpful. Loved the location of this property!
February 18, 2025
Brenda
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3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
Great location, very clean and everything you need for amenities. Small but cute pool for a quick dip, nice view and very private. The team at Whitsunday vacation were very responsive and helpful! No issues at all, had a lovely time 🙂
February 18, 2025
Brenda
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Amazing Penthouse with Whitsundays lifestyle
It was a great stay, beautiful view, great pool and spa area
February 13, 2025
Callan
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
The apartment is in a fantastic location in airlie beach, short walking distance to ferry’s and restaurants. The apartment has a stunning view and although the weather was terrible it was still lovely to sit on the balcony and enjoy the views of the marina. There are good local cafes and restaurants close by. Great space for two couples. Clean , tidy and comfortable . Would recommend and hope to come back when the sun is out!
February 3, 2025
Sarah-Anne
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Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
Beautiful space and super close to everything. Very convenient.
February 3, 2025
Lukas
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Relax & Daydream at 2 Elementa
Absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful place! Will be our first pick when we return to Airlie! Super clean and tidy, easy to check in and out and has amazing views! We were given all information required and had a quick response for any other queries. Looks exactly as the photos show! No complaints from us, we will definitely be back!
January 31, 2025
Natasha
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