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 | Exclusive & Luxurious Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay House | Exclusive & Luxurious Home

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 | Exclusive & Luxurious Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay House | Exclusive & Luxurious Home

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 Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home

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 | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home
Prestige Properties

Mandalay Aqua | Private Whitsunday Holiday Home

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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Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa
Prestige Properties

Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa

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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Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa
Prestige Properties

Paradise Cove Waterfront Villa

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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23 The Cove - 5 Bedroom, Whitsunday Waters Edge Luxury Holiday Home.
A lovely house in a great location. We loved watching the boats come and go. Easy and lovely walk to shops and park. House had everything we needed and beds were comfy. Very enjoyable few days.
October 4, 2025
Sasha
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Spacious 2 bedroom Whitsunday Waterfront Penthouse
The apartment matched the description and photos and was actually bigger than we expected. Amazing view from balconies and comfy furniture to sit on and enjoy it. Lots to do in the area and very child friendly. Many restaurants within walking distance. Would recommend.
October 3, 2025
Kevin
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Marina Waterfront Living at Port of Airlie
A fantastic apartment! Everything you need and more. In walking distance to main town of Airlie Beach. Quiet area and great swimming pool for the whole family to enjoy! We will definitely recommend to others
October 3, 2025
Tanya
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Holiday on The Horizon, Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
well worth the moneyLocation and view
October 1, 2025
peter
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Shutehaven Beach House with Ocean Views.
We didn’t want to leave!!! We would recommend this wonderful property to anyone. Absolutely breathtaking views, beautiful home, private swimming pool and everything you need for a relaxing holiday. The team at Whitsunday Vacations were fabulous hosts. Thank you! 🙏
October 1, 2025
Sally
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Nautilus on Nara - Spacious Airlie Beach Holiday Home with Ocean Views (Pets on application)
房子位于斜坡之上有点难走,但是找到了路就还好 房东很热情 房子很大很干净 只是厕所有些昏暗 可以加两个白炽灯会更好 舒适的体验
October 1, 2025
韩雪
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Whitsunday Escape - Beachfront with Swimming Pool
Great apartment, it’s huge. Easy hosts. Location is amazing
October 1, 2025
Courtney
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Airlie Beach Marina-Front Luxury at 10 The Cove
This is definitely a premium accomodation - a home away from home with its excellent layout and top of the range gadgets through out the house.It was in a quiet and private area not accessible by many with beautiful views of various boats entering and leaving the docks.
September 29, 2025
Zanelle
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Shutehaven Escape, Home with Pool with Ocean Views
Quiet, relaxing location with awesome views of Shute Harbour.Had a wonderful stay with our family. 3 Adults and 2 Kids (3 & 6)We would definitely return to this home for future vacations
September 28, 2025
David
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Penthouse living at the Port of Airlie
Amazing views, beautiful locationWhat’s an absolutely amazing place, so beautiful?Location was spot on and the place is Deadset huge, will return.
September 28, 2025
Steve
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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Fantastic place!
September 27, 2025
Alex
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Amazing Penthouse with Whitsundays lifestyle
We had a wonderful stay and would definitely visit again! The view is beautiful! Photos don’t do it justice. We loved having our own private rooftop with pool, spa and BBQ. The accommodation had everything we needed and was very clean and comfortable. The only downside was not being able to check in on time as the apartment was still being cleaned but other than that everything went smoothly and communication from the host was great!
September 26, 2025
Jodie
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Spacious 2 bedroom Whitsunday Waterfront Penthouse
Very happy with this Penthouse. View amazing and everything within walking distance. Would stay here again.
September 26, 2025
Maria
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23 The Cove - 5 Bedroom, Whitsunday Waters Edge Luxury Holiday Home.
Perfect location walking distance to main areas of town. The house was spacious in a fantastic location with an awesome pool.
September 24, 2025
Cameron
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'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Exquisite views and beautifully appointed for a relaxed family holiday.An exquisite home, thoughtfully appointed for a relaxed family holiday. Incredible views, we can’t wait to return.
September 24, 2025
Clare
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'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
Loved our stay here. Spacious for 6 adults. Two separate living areas (one with a ping pong table) a bonus. Loved the outdoor shower! Magical view over Airlie beach from the great outdoor area. Although up a very steep hill, we had a hire car or used uber whom you can give gate code to.
September 24, 2025
Theresa
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Seascape on Shutehaven - Adults Only
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We had an amazing stay at this beautiful Airbnb in Shute Harbour. The views were absolutely stunning and the peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect place to relax and unwind. The location was ideal, and the property had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the Whitsundays – we would love to return!
September 23, 2025
Bryce
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15 Kara - Stunning 5 Bedroom Home With Million Dollar Views, walk to Airlie Beach Main Street.
The house was amazing & everything it looked like in the photos. Really wonderful communication & provided flexible check out. We’d definitely stay again.
September 23, 2025
Sarah
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