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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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
WOW!! What an incredible property...worth every cent! I had the privilege of staying at Vue de blue with my four children for a week. We felt immediately at home and at peace. It was so peaceful, all you literary heard was sounds of nature. The beds were super comfy, had some of the best sleeps ive ever had. All the amenities were perfect and the pool was definitely the highlight...my children and I practically lived in there throughput the day. Lounging around, watching movies and playing boardgames ...honestly hands down the BEST holiday we have ever had. Thank you for letting us into your home, we'll be back for sure!
January 17, 2025
Tracey
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Cove 18 Luxury Whitsunday Waterfront Beach House
beautiful home .presented as per the listing .fabulous location .
January 16, 2025
Kate
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Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
Beautiful property and amazing location. We had the best time staying here with our family. Company are also super easy to communicate with :)Thanks guys
January 15, 2025
Hannah
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Mazlin House, Airlie Beach Waterfront Holiday Home ** New Waterfront Pool installed!**
This is an exceptional place that lives up to expectations, and it is a very close walking distance to all the places you need to be, not to mention it is close to Doctor's rooms, as well as Pharmacy and 24hr Cafe, and it is right close to the top of the start of the main street where all the info anb booking shops are, close to a Woolworths, and so on - best of all direct line of sight of the big swimming pool you see in all the broshures! You will be happy.
January 15, 2025
Dirk
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Airlie Beach Marina-Front Luxury at 10 The Cove
Absolutely stunning! My family and I all loved our stay at house 10, the location was incredible, so clean, spacious and homely not to mention the team were so helpful throughout our stay!
January 15, 2025
Sharni
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Relax & Daydream at 2 Elementa
Beautiful home
January 12, 2025
Kyle
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Shutehaven Villa
Amazing villa with loads of space and great facilities!
January 11, 2025
Susan
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Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
Great Airbnb
January 9, 2025
William
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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Excellent place for a family holiday
January 9, 2025
Sampath
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14 The Cove - Waterfront Whitsunday Home
Amazing property! Great location, quiet and beautiful views. We really enjoyed our stay!
January 7, 2025
Dion
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"High Tide" - Whitsundays Beachfront Accommodation
The house is amazing and the view is stunning. We really enjoyed our stay there
January 5, 2025
Kátia
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'Whitsunday Escape' - Expansive Coral Sea Views and Private Infinity Pool (Pets upon Request)
The property was incredible and exactly as described/in the photos. We had an amazing stay! The only small thing to flag is the front door lock can be tricky but very minor. Overall brilliant time!
January 4, 2025
Sarah-Jane
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Shutehaven Villa
With our little family spread out across different states we made the decision to have a Christmas family holiday in the Whitsundays we chose the Shute Haven Villa property it was stunning the view, the house, the pool with a view and how clean the property was on our arrival but it was the little attention to detail the house had a Christmas tree for us to put our Christmas presents under a beautiful welcome gift box on arrival was just a gorgeous touch . I’d definitely recommend this property and I’d stay here again . Thank you so much Whitsundays Vacations for helping make our holiday the best holiday ever 💕
January 3, 2025
Joanne
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Marina Waterfront Living at Port of Airlie
Nice stay, will do again !
January 3, 2025
Lukas
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
House was beautifully presented, good location and great views. House was equipped with everything you need for large group. Highly recommend. Only downside is parking with multiple cars
December 30, 2024
Tanya
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Airlie Beach Marina-Front Luxury at 10 The Cove
If George Clooney visits Whitsundays, I am sure this is where he would stay. But this time round it was me. I loved it! Exceeded all expectations. Reminded me of Higgins and his dogs Zeus and Apollo in Magnum PI! It is a seriously cool place.
December 30, 2024
Dirk
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15 Kara - Stunning 5 Bedroom Home With Million Dollar Views, walk to Airlie Beach main street.
Fantastic house, the views are just amazing .. pool fan .. outdoor living for a week I dealt with Nat from Whitsunday Vacations & she was brilliant 🤩
December 28, 2024
Annmarie
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Marina Living with views and more!
Great location and great space
December 27, 2024
Emma
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