 The Whitsundays is one of the world's most stunning aquatic playgrounds, containing over 74 spectacular islands and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.
Beautiful Airlie Beach, located on the mainland, is the hub of the Whitsundays and very popular with families. There is a wide variety of accommodation and Airlie Lagoon offers year-round swimming.
Should you prefer to stay on one of the magnificent islands ringed with glittering turquoise waters and fringed with silky white sand, there are plenty of options.
Hamilton Island is a great choice for families with its endless array of holiday activities and kids' club. South Molle, Long Island and Daydream Island also have excellent facilities.
How do I get there?
The Whitsundays are accessible by car or plane, with light plane and boat transfers between islands. The highway to Proserpine and the road into Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are suitable for all vehicles. Brisbane to Airlie Beach is roughly a 14-hour drive. Cairns to Airlie Beach is about 7 hours.
Qantas operate flights daily to Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine and Virgin Blue operate daily flights to Mackay from throughout Australia.
| From |
Hours |
| Sydney (via Brisbane) |
4 |
| Melbourne (via Brisbane) |
4 |
| Brisbane |
1:15 |
When to go, Weather
The Whitsunday region enjoys a warm, tropical climate all year round with the occasional tropical shower from December through February. Water temperature varies from 23°C in winter to 28°C in summer and the islands are protected from ocean swells by the Great Barrier Reef.
| Average Temperature |
|
| Summer (December to February) |
24 - 30°C |
| Autumn (March to May) |
20 - 28°C |
| Winter (June to August) |
16 – 24°C |
| Spring (September to November) |
19 – 29°C |
 Where to stay
Being a world-renowned travel destination, the Whitsundays offer a huge choice of accommodation options.
Click here for places to stay in the Whitsundays.
Food and Drink
The Whitsundays is the perfect Great Barrier Reef holiday spot for top-quality dining experiences. Fussy kids will be well-catered for, too, with a huge variety of dining choices in the many restaurants that have great kids' menus. Wherever you choose to eat, you’ll know the ingredients are always fresh, with a vast array of fruit, vegetables, meats and seafood all produced in the Queensland area. If you’re a bit of an angler, you’ll be pleased to know that many restaurants in the Whitsundays will be happy to cook your catch to perfection for you.
Shopping
Shopping is part of the island experience in the Whitsundays. Shop with the locals at supermarkets and specialty stores for fresh local produce, groceries, arts & crafts as well as distinctively Australian resort & surf fashion and accessories. Just about everything you could need during your stay is available in the Airlie Beach shopping centres, or the stores at your island resort.
Be sure to check out the open-air markets held every Saturday at Airlie Beach. Browse the stalls for fresh fruit and vegies, along with arts and crafts such as ceramics and hand-blown glass, while you enjoy live entertainment and one of the best views on the Queensland coast.
Airport
The Whitsundays are served by two airports, Proserpine Airport on the mainland and Hamilton Island Airport. Qantas operate direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney. Y ou can also fly to nearby Mackay and take a short coach trip to Airlie Beach.
Transfers from Airport
From Prosperine Airport on the mainland, you can hire a car or hop aboard a shuttle service bound for Prosperine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, Bowen or any number of other destinations in the surrounding area. Private transfers by car, coach and boats can be booked in advance from any of several transport companies in the area, or you can arrange a transfer with your hotel or resort.
 Getting around for families
There isa variety of transport options available to and from the islands, Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Coast. You can easily get from island to island via seaplane, helicopter and catamaran. The major tourist centre of Airlie Beach is serviced by taxis and buses. Driving is the best way to explore the mainland, with car hire available at the airports and at Airlie Beach.
What to wear
Light, natural-fibre casual clothing is suitable for any time of the year in the Whitsundays. A windcheater is useful for sailing and for the cooler evenings of the tropical winter. Don’t forget swimming and snorkelling gear, towels, hats and plenty of sunscreen.
HWK Travel Tips
Taking your own snorkelling gear is a good idea. Masks that don’t fit well can be uncomfortable and are prone to leaking. For those not familiar with snorkelling, take a class from a resort or dive shop and get comfortable in a swimming pool before venturing into open water.
During October to June, marine stingers and box jellyfish are to be found at beaches. Some beaches have stinger-resistant enclosures.
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