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
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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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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Mandalay House
Chesapeake
Prestige Properties

Chesapeake

Experience luxury Whitsundays accommodation at 'Parc Exclusif', offering stunning ocean views, spacious living areas, and modern amenities. Perfect for families or couples seeking a serene tropical getaway. Enjoy proximity to beautiful beaches and the tranquility of a secluded setting.

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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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Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
Location is key here, perfect spot to walk to both the beautiful marina and the Main Street, full of cafes and restaurants. Also Airlie lagoon at your feet, which we didn’t need due to the stunning little private pool perfect for a sunny morning dip. Shady in the arvo so bit cool for a September arvo swim, but beach accessible also metres from the home. Highly recommend!
September 14, 2024
Fiona
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Idyllic Whitsunday Holiday Home with amazing views
Lovely views from the house. The communication was great with Whitsunday accommodation.
September 14, 2024
Deepti
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
Great comfortable house for family holiday with an amazing view.
September 13, 2024
Raeleen
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Mazlin House, Airlie Beach Waterfront Holiday Home! ** New pool + more have been installed - photos coming soon!***
Great location and the property was very clean! Whitsundays vacations were very responsive and made the entire process extremely simple.
September 11, 2024
Hasith
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The Power House - Views & More
beautiful house, well equipped, stunning views
September 11, 2024
Tricia
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23 The Cove - Whitsunday Waterfront Living
Absolutely beautiful place and awesome service. The only problem we faced was not wanting to leave! Thanks team.
September 10, 2024
José
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Spacious 2 bedroom Whitsunday Waterfront Penthouse
Lovely apartment, very spacious with beautiful high ceilings and views over the port. Easy walk into the town.
September 10, 2024
Carlee
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Marina Views at The Boathouse
Our group of friends had an amazing time and will be backLocation was amazing Central to everything View gorgeous over the marina
September 8, 2024
Nicole
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14 The Cove - Waterfront Whitsunday Home
Absolutely stunning home in a beautiful location. Very clean and tidy, perfect walking distance to the heart of Airlie. Whitsunday Vacations made the whole experience so easy and hassle free. Highly recommend the property to anyone!
September 7, 2024
Stephanie
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Whitsunday Beachfront Apartment on Broadwater
We had a great time. The view is amazing……
September 6, 2024
Priscilla
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23 The Cove - Whitsunday Waterfront Living
We are return vistors. What an Incredible place to stay. We had a fantastic time. Location perfect. House is well equipped. The experience was nothing short of amazing. Thank you guys always a complete pleasure to deal with you. See you in 2025. 🙏
September 5, 2024
Eric & Zoey
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Executive Whitsunday Penthouse at 40 Reflections
Ali from Whitsunday Vacations was an absolute pleasure to deal with from my initial enquiry to an inspection and upon departure.
September 3, 2024
Ben
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Marina Living with views and more!
Sensational destination and accommodation.The location was sensational with views a plenty. The accommodation was extremely clean and tidy.
September 2, 2024
Bellchambers
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Marina Living with views and more!
The accommodation was everything it was described as and we had a memorable stay.
September 2, 2024
April
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"High Tide" - Whitsundays Beachfront Accommodation
Absolutely knock out view and location. Stunning and very peaceful
August 31, 2024
Pat
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Mazlin House, Airlie Beach Waterfront Holiday Home! ** New pool + more have been installed - photos coming soon!***
We had an outstanding stay at Mazlin House. Location is perfect and the house is very spacious which was ideal for our group.
August 30, 2024
Chris
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Holiday on The Horizon, Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
Great place to stay !
August 29, 2024
Valentin
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Amazing Penthouse with Whitsundays lifestyle
Lovely house. Amazing amenities. Beautiful views. Great location (…walking distance to Airlie beach).Property management team was very helpful and responsive.Highly recommended!
August 29, 2024
Jai
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'Parc Exclusif' Whitsundays Best Ocean Views!
Amazing as expected. Brooke was great. 10/10 service always available no matter the time.Amazing view. 10/10 property. Under priced for the value provided
August 29, 2024
Chris
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