Call us on
    Exit
    Exit

    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.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our destination specialists

    Cruise the Great Barrier Reef

    toggle accordion

    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.

    Sail the length of Whitehaven Beach

    toggle accordion

    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.

    Cast a line on a private deep-sea fishing trip

    toggle accordion

    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.

    A word from one of our experts

    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.
    Ellie Khoury headshot
    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:

    Whitsundays

    InterContinental Hayman Island
    Found sitting pretty on a five by three-mile private island, located in the very north of the Whitsunday Islands, you’ll find the modernist InterContinental Hayman Island. This island is filled with wonderful flora and fauna such as brightly coloured birds, wallabies and a beautiful variety of sea life along the Great Barrier Reef. The interior is extremely slick in design thanks to a multi-million-pound refurbishment, and the hard lines of the white walls and stone floors make for an interesting visual contrast to the wild and exotic vegetation surrounding it. The 160 rooms here are spacious and feature four-poster beds for the upmost comfort and style as well as offering equally roomy lounges. Bathrooms are grand in design with sleek marble and boast baths big enough for two, as well as large showers. Private balconies offer incredible views over the blue ocean ahead or the pristine pool, while rooms on the ground floor offer access to the gardens and pool area. Here you will also find six beachside studio-style villas which provide the perfect place to relax: a private courtyard plunge pool. Dining options here are plenty, with five restaurants and a bar on-site. Head to Pacific restaurant for typically Australian laid-back vibes, with contemporary Australian cuisine served with the country’s best wines and boutique beers. Or for a more bold and energetic atmosphere, head to Bam Bam restaurant, located beside the infinity pool, where you can indulge in a range of Asian cuisine. For contemporary Italian cuisine, head to Amici Trattoria where you’ll find Amalfi Coast-inspired interiors. Or for a truly romantic experience you can enjoy private dining on the beach. The hotel’s location perfectly lends itself to a range of land and water activities, such as hiking and walking trails, as well as swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling through a string of reefs and sailing on the sparkling sea. After a busy day of exploring the island’s wonders, head to the Hayman Spa where you’ll find ten luxurious treatment rooms and a range of healing body treatments.
    Discover more

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    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.

    Authentic experiences illustration image

    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.

    Responsible travel illustration image

    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.

    Trip Inspiration

    Get inspired with our Whitsundays example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    A Grand tour of Australia and New Zealand

    25-Day Trip

    A Grand tour of Australia and New Zealand

    From
    $0 pp

    25-Day Trip

    A Grand tour of Australia and New Zealand

    Explore the best of Australia and New Zealand, from the unbeatable Whitsundays to the awe-inspiring mountains of Milford Sound and beyond, on an epic 25-day adventure.
    From
    $0 pp
    The Best of Australia and New Zealand

    15-Day Trip

    The Best of Australia and New Zealand

    From
    $0 pp

    15-Day Trip

    The Best of Australia and New Zealand

    Discover the Whitsundays, Sydney, Queenstown, Taupo and the Bay of Islands
    From
    $0 pp
    A Family Discovery of Australia

    11-Day Trip

    A Family Discovery of Australia

    From
    $0 pp

    11-Day Trip

    A Family Discovery of Australia

    An 11-day luxury trip to Melbourne, Sydney and beautiful Port Douglas
    From
    $0 pp
    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

    Brisbane thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Great Barrier Reef and Northern Queensland thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Kangaroo Island thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Luxury Rail Travel Australia thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    New South Wales thumbnail

    New South Wales

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

    Read more
    Perth and Margaret River thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    South Australia thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Sydney thumbnail

    Sydney

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

    Read more
    Tasmania thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Top End thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Uluru and the Outback thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Victoria and Melbourne thumbnail

    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.

    Read more
    Western Australia thumbnail

    Western Australia

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

    Read more

    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.

    Marine life

    September–October

    Whale watching

    June–August

    Fewer crowds

    April–May

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

    Read more

    Plan your trip to Whitsundays

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

    Start Planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

    Where would you like to travel?
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline