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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Holiday on The Horizon, Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
Amazing house with amazing views. Everything was great.
August 18, 2025
Amber
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Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
Our stay was very relaxing only 3 minutes to Airlie shop’s cafe and bars perfectDid not have breakfast
August 17, 2025
Deborah
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Whitsunday Waterfront Luxury at 19 The Cove
We had a fantastic stay at the cove. Everything was perfect and the accomodation had the wow factor when we walked in. The hosts were quick to call if we had a question, although we had very few questions as everything was so straight forward. We also really appreciated the hosts heating the pool for our arrival.The accomodation is in a perfect spot- a quick walk into the Main Street and far enough away that there is lovely peace and quiet. Coffee shops and restaurants are about 3 minute walk away which was perfect ( although the house was so nice we ate in quite a lot). I will definitely book this place again. Thanks to the hosts for helping me show my overseas guests how fab Australia is.😁
August 17, 2025
Anthea
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3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
Beautiful home in an amazing location. Everything within walking distance.
August 14, 2025
Amy
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Holiday on The Horizon, Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
Beautiful and spacious, definitely will be coming back!
August 14, 2025
Louvaro
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
Perfect stay! The location is amazing, set on a lovely hill with a stunning view of the whole bay. The room was nice, quiet, and very comfortable. Highly recommend!
August 13, 2025
Holly
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Shutehaven Beach House with Ocean Views.
Great stay
August 12, 2025
Michael
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Whitsunday Beachfront Apartment on Coral Esplanade
A great apartment with an even better view. Really well looked after, everything was exactly as described and a very responsive host.A quiet and pretty beach right across the road and nice track along the water into Airlie Beach itself.All in all, a relaxing stay in a special part of the world.
August 12, 2025
Justin
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23 The Cove - 5 Bedroom, Whitsunday Waters Edge Luxury Holiday Home.
Easy check-in and check out. The place is clean and with a beautiful view. Perfect for family to stay!
August 11, 2025
Ziyi
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Holiday on The Horizon, Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
An amazing apartment with exceptional views over the bay of Airlie Beach & Whitsundys. The apartment is well equipped, it is very comfortable & only a short walk to the center of Airlie Beach. The booking process and commuincation with the staff was very easy and professional.
August 10, 2025
Sandra
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
如果你是很多人一起来玩,那么它再适合不过了!
August 9, 2025
湛明
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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Beautiful location with stunning ocean views and easy access to tours and beaches. The property was clean, well-equipped, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. Host was friendly and helpful, making our stay in the Whitsundays unforgettable.
August 9, 2025
Vd
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Whitsunday Penthouse with rooftop swimming pool!
What a spot!!!!10/10 perfection.We will definitely be back!!
August 9, 2025
Brendon
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Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
Perfect location to explore Airlie Beach — walkable to everything, including the meeting points for boat excursions. The house was exactly as described and pictured—plenty of space for the 5 of us to spread out. All rooms have great views. The kitchen that opens to the terrace is fantastic. The pool isn’t very private, but still great to cool off. Overall a great stay!
August 8, 2025
Melissa
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