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

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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

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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

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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.
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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.

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

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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.
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The Best of Australia and New Zealand

15-Day Trip

The Best of Australia and New Zealand

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15-Day Trip

The Best of Australia and New Zealand

Discover the Whitsundays, Sydney, Queenstown, Taupo and the Bay of Islands
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A Family Discovery of Australia

11-Day Trip

A Family Discovery of Australia

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11-Day Trip

A Family Discovery of Australia

An 11-day luxury trip to Melbourne, Sydney and beautiful Port Douglas
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Ready to plan your adventure?

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

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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.

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?

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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.

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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.