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    Diving and snorkelling

    Discover the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

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    Boat trips

    Explore the waters on a luxury cruise

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    Nature tours

    Head inland and enjoy following nature trails

    Whitsundays wildlife and natural wonders

    A chain of 74 islands, four of which boast renowned luxury resorts, the Whitsunday Islands are found in the middle of the incomparable Great Barrier Reef just off the coast of Queensland. Surrounded by the natural wonders of this marine paradise, you couldn’t be better placed to explore this natural marvel.

    The waves of its crystal-clear blue waters wash onto silver beaches beneath the warm sun. It comes as no surprise that these parts are celebrated as some of the finest beach spots in the country. Airlie Beach, in particular, is a great starting point, a coastal town from where you can set off on your adventures, exploring the hidden secrets of the region and participate in a variety of Great Barrier Reef experiences. Whitehaven Beach beckons with it’s stunning white sands and turquoise waters. Find great snorkelling spots or enjoy scuba diving sessions amongst the coral, interacting with curious fish and other marine creatures. Or simply relax on a stylish cruise, cocktail in hand and camera at the ready.

    The Whitsundays are renowned across the world as a yachting destination, also operating as a hub for kayaking, sailing and powerboating. But it’s not all about the ocean. There are numerous rivers, creeks and streams that run through brilliant trails and walking routes. Because of its high number of uninhabited national parks, there is always the chance to go on nature tours and journeys and spot wildlife such as enormous saltwater crocodiles.

    Highlights

    Spend a day exploring the magnificent Great Barrier Reef on a scenic cruise which gives you time to discover the colourful underwater world of magnificent corals, fish and marine life

    Head out for a day discovering the wonders of Whitehaven Beach, whose crystal clear waters and pristine white sand stretch along Whitsunday Island, enjoy a leisurely cruise and guided walk

    Take a private fishing trip on board a sports fisher. Bait and fishing tackle will be provided and you’ll be able to enjoy a mixture of trolling and bottom fishing, or all bottom fishing depending on your interests

    Set sail on an overnight trip through the Whitsundays and you definitely won’t be disappointed. You’ll spend the daytime exploring the largest living thing on Earth, The Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, diving or swimming amongst countless colourful fish, turtles, starfish and if you’re lucky like me you might get to swim with a reef shark! Then spend the most magical evening stargazing from your deck in the middle of the Coral Sea before sailing back to shore the next day. That’s a night I’ll never forget.
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    Ellie Khoury

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in Whitsundays

    There are many incredible places to stay in Whitsundays. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Whitsundays adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Discover more of Australia

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    Brisbane

    Founded on the banks of its eponymous river, the old city of Brisbane is located between the famous Sunshine and Gold Coast, each a magnet for surfers and beach lovers.

    Discover more
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    Great Barrier Reef and Northern Queensland

    The northern reaches of Queensland are incredible sites for those who enjoy vast wilderness. Considered one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef system on the planet.

    Discover more
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    Kangaroo Island

    Kangaroo Island is a deceptively large island off the southern coast of Australia, not far from Adelaide, playing host to a magnificent wilderness, with large populations of the country’s beloved wildlife.

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    Luxury Rail Travel Australia

    A great way to explore Australia is by luxury train, allowing you to cover vast distances in comfort and style while admiring the epic landscapes pass by.

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    New South Wales

    On the east coast of Australia, boasting the beautiful city of Sydney at its heart.

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    Perth and Margaret River

    Perth can be found on the far west coast of the country, the capital city of Western Australia state, and while it may appear to be isolated from other major cities, it carries a uniquely laid back and cosmopolitan charm and has been voted as one of the most liveable modern cities, not just in Australia, but in the world.

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    South Australia

    From the great stretching vastness of the wild Australian Outback to the charm of wine valleys and beaches of silver sand, your stay will be a memorable one.

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    Sydney

    Sydney boasts a rich and intriguing history, famous beaches and iconic landmarks.

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    Tasmania

    Widely known for its vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, diverse landscapes that range from rugged mountains and highland lakes to rainforests, cascading waterfalls and a dramatic coastline.

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    Top End

    Australia’s Top End contains some of the few remaining expanses of genuinely untouched wilderness in the world, a remote haven that abounds with national parks and rugged beauty.

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    Uluru and the Outback

    There is both an extraordinary physical beauty, exquisite in its isolation, as well as a tangible spiritual energy that binds together the land and the people.

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    Victoria and Melbourne

    With handsome Victorian-era architecture, museums, galleries, theatres, green parks, and an innovative art and nightlife scene, this is undoubtedly Australia’s cultural heart.

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    Western Australia

    Western Australia has everything from vibrant cities and quaint vineyards to epic coastline and vast, open plains.

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    Meet your Australasia team

    The best time to visit the Whitsundays is generally during the months of September and October. This period offers pleasant weather, abundant marine life, excellent sailing conditions and Great Barrier Reef Experiences. It’s also before the peak season crowds, making it a great time for a quieter experience. The winter months of June to August are great for whale watching.

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    Marine life

    September–October

    Whale watching main icon

    Whale watching

    June–August

    Fewer crowds main icon

    Fewer crowds

    April–May

    When is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

    When is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

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    Plan your trip to Whitsundays

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Whitsundays, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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