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.

7
Property Shower icon
9
House
Helipad
View Property
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!

10
Property Shower icon
8
Villa
Helipad
View property
Paradise Cove Villas
Mandalay Aqua
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.

4
Property Shower icon
4
House
Helipad
View Property
The Great Barrie Reef located in the Whitsunday, Queensland, Australia
REVIEWS

Why Our Guests Keep Coming Back

Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
We loved our stay, the home was clean and tidy and having our own private pool was perfect.
December 14, 2024
Katerina
675cc9253a39938b8bb6f4f1
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
What an amazing property! Stayed with a group of friends and family and we all had our own space to chill , also fantastic areas to all hang out together. Kitchen is huge and has the extra bonus of a butler’s pantry. The outdoor entertainment area is where we spent a lot of our time soaking up the spectacular views and floating in the pool. Walking distance to the beach and cafes makes this property a must stay !
December 12, 2024
Leala
675a8a21ffc174df686f6dcb
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
We just returned from an amazing vacation in the Whitsundays, staying at a beautiful property on Hillcrest Ave. From the very beginning, Ali and the staff went above and beyond to make the booking process seamless and stress-free.The house itself was perfect—immaculately clean, well-equipped, and had everything we needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. It was the ideal spot to spend quality time with our family friends, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.Highly recommend staying here if you’re planning a Whitsundays getaway. Thank you, Ali and team, for making our trip so memorable!
December 12, 2024
Nate
11-hillcrest-1212202401
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
Stunning house, plenty of room for large family or friends group, walking distance to the township. Look forward to staying next time.
December 12, 2024
Kelly
11-hillcrest-1212202402
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Amazing holiday!!! Ali and the team were amazing!!!
December 9, 2024
Greg
wvgr-0912202401
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
We had a lovely stay - the pool was perfect for hot humid days and the rooms were clean and comfy. Only thing to note is the road up to the house is very steep, so not great if you dont have a car like we didnt!
December 9, 2024
Megan
675686163a39938b8b8e8f1b
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
We spent 5 nights in this apartment. It was in such a great location, was so convenient to town and had such beautiful views from the balcony. The apartment was stunning, it was very well equipped and was immaculately clean with lovely decor and many finishing touches. We loved the accommodation and made good use of the pool and coffee shops on site. We would totally recommend this accommodation.
December 9, 2024
Julie
6756849807c74f79374a2b28
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
Nine Isalnds was a fantastic place to relax for a few days with a group of friends. Everything you need is in this house so you just need to bring yourself and groceries. The views are amazing and we didn’t want to leave. Would definitely go and stay again.
December 8, 2024
Tania
6754a4e73a39938b8b36009a
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
This property is sublime!Breath taking views as you walk in!Even better than the pictures!Our group of 6 had the most comfortable stay, luxury amenitiesPool & views (champagne on arrival)Easy to get to all local shops/restaurants/activities.We had a hire car, definitely need some kind of car to get you to and from the property but being secluded up the hill is what made this home peaceful.We will be back.Thank you for having us.
December 6, 2024
Hannah
67529e943a39938b8bd8d523
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Relax & Daydream at 2 Elementa
Comfortable and within easy driving to the Main Street downtown. Adjacent to the Club Wyndham, which was a pick up point for our snorkeling adventure.
December 4, 2024
Rodney
67504c063a39938b8b6bc2dc
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Spacious 2 bedroom Whitsunday Waterfront Penthouse
We had a wonderful time at 308 the apartment was absolutely beautiful close to everything with an incredible view also a very special thanks to Ali from Whitsundays Vacation we will be back 😊
December 3, 2024
Kerry
674ea0ab3a39938b8b1d79d1
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
The air BnB really matches the photos, if anything was better in person. Great place to stay and very spacious. Close to town and all the amenities.Very clean and well equipped. Easy check in. Would definitely recommend and stay there again.
December 2, 2024
Hannah
674d33b03a39938b8bd84a98
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Shutehaven Villa
Amazing air bnb peaceful and relaxing. Great communication from hosts.
November 29, 2024
Kara
674962dd3a39938b8b2313df
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
The view is stunning and the place was so quiet and peaceful. Everything about stay was perfect. Highly recommended!
November 28, 2024
Seon
674728443a39938b8bb82b7c
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
14 The Cove - Waterfront Whitsunday Home
Fabulous house and location, had everything you'd need. Would definitely stay again. Thank you
November 28, 2024
Sara
674803114cbd5773dc7ceb7f
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Marina living with Whitsundays lifestyle
what a beautiful place to stay. the unit was exactly as advertised. great location and great amenities, beautiful unit. the support I received from the owner/manager was exceptional. they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. thank you so much. will be staying here again when next we visit.
November 28, 2024
Leanne
67481db43a39938b8be5d1e8
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Perfection. This home is beautiful with a spectacular view. The owners have thought of everything and have decorated their holiday home with beautiful detail and thought. We hope to stay again. Thank you so much. We had a brilliant week.
November 27, 2024
Kirsty
6746d1943a39938b8ba7dea1
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
15 Kara - Stunning 5 Bedroom Home With Million Dollar Views, walk to Airlie Beach main street.
Beautiful home stunning views, would stay there again
November 26, 2024
Ebony
6745133a3a39938b8b4f1c13
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Amazing Penthouse with Whitsundays lifestyle
Absolutely stunning view across Airlie. We stayed for 5 nights with our two teenage daughters. The apartment was clean and tidy. It’s a stunning location but you need a car or catch cabs to the Main Street and restaurants. The hill is hectic to walk. Whitsunday vacations were amazing and organised our seafood for arrival. The team went above and behind.
November 26, 2024
Cindy
674564153a39938b8b600aa6
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Uninterrupted Marina Views at Port of Airlie
Great location Awesome place
November 26, 2024
Shayna
674576243a39938b8b638d3c
Previous

Stay Up To Date with Our Specials

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest deals and event news.

SIGN UP
Please Enter Your Details
Close

Thanks for subscribing!

We’re working on NEWs for you – why not try our HOL-SPECIAL code for a 10% discount for any of your future bookings.

Click here for the best rates

We will not spam, rent, or sell your information.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.