Whitehaven Beach offers a truly unforgettable experience with its pristine sands, breathtaking views, and tranquil ambiance. Whitehaven Beach located on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It is famous for its crystal white silica sands and stunning turquoise-colored waters.
Silica Sands of Whitehaven
The beach is renowned for its bright white sands, which are composed of 98% pure silica. The unique composition of the sand contributes to its incredibly soft and fine texture, making it a pleasure to walk on barefoot.
Tour Departures
Tours depart daily from Airlie Beach to visit Whitehaven Beach, allowing visitors to experience its beauty and serenity firsthand.
Walks accesible from Whitehaven Beach
There are two walking tracks to explore from Whitehaven Beach. The first is located on the southern end, leading through Australian native bush and local rainforest. This 1 km walk offers panoramic views of the sparkling waters in the inlets of Chance Bay and the 7 km stretch of pure white silica sand along Whitehaven Beach towards the northern Hill Inlet.
At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, you'll find Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet where the tides create a mesmerizing blend of colors as the sand and water shift. Many consider Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach to be among the most beautiful places they've ever seen. The best viewpoint to admire the swirling sands of Hill Inlet is from the lookout at Tongue Point. If you're up for a short bushwalk, consider booking a Whitehaven tour with an operator that includes a visit to the lookout.
Camping on Whitehaven Beach
Whitsunday Island, where Whitehaven Beach is located, is a national park with limited camping spots available. Self-sufficient boaties and campers have the option to anchor overnight off the beach or book a national park campsite on the southern end of Whitehaven Beach itself.
Tongue Bay
Tongue Bay is located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island, near Whitehaven Beach. It is a popular spot for visitors due to its stunning views and access to Hill Inlet. From Tongue Bay, you can embark on a short bushwalk to a lookout point that offers panoramic vistas of Hill Inlet and the swirling sands that create a mesmerizing fusion of colors. Many people consider this area to be one of the most beautiful spots in the Whitsundays.
Stonehaven Bay
Stonehaven Bay is a picturesque bay located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island, not far from Tongue Bay. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and lush tropical surroundings. Stonehaven Bay provides a tranquil and secluded setting for swimming, snorkeling, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
Mantaray Bay
Mantaray Bay is another scenic bay located near Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It is named after the majestic manta rays that frequent the area. Mantaray Bay offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, allowing visitors to encounter an array of marine life, including coral reefs, colorful fish, and, if you're lucky, even manta rays. The bay is known for its calm and clear waters, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration.
The duration of the journey from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach can vary depending on the tour.
Boat tour to Whitehaven Beach | 1 - 1.5 Hours
Most tours departing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach will take from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of the vessel.
Seaplane to whitehaven | 15 - 20 Minutes
Seaplane tours offer a unique and scenic way to reach Whitehaven Beach. The flight duration from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach by seaplane is usually around 15 to 20 minutes, providing a bird's-eye view of the stunning Whitsunday Islands along the way.
Cruise Whitsundays
They offer full & Half Day tours to Whitehaven Beach, including visits to Hill Inlet. Their tours often include snorkeling opportunities and beach activities.
Ocean Rafting
Known for their high-speed rafting adventures, Ocean Rafting offers tours that combine visits to Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.
Camira Sailing
Hike to the lookout over Hill Inlet, leave some footprints on Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the inner reef and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch before you set sail for home.
Thundercat
Thundercat offers an exhilarating 8 hour tour around the Whitsunday Islands all in one day. Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout and snorkel on the fringing Great Barrier Reef. Departs daily from Airlie Beach.
