A dazzling collection of 74 islands set off the coast of Queensland, the Whitsunday Group are the stuff of dreams for beachgoers and outdoorsy explorers of all ages. Dotted amidst the bright blue waters of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef, the islands are largely uninhabited; many are protected national parks, home to a vast array of birds and wildlife. Only seven of the islands are inhabited, and the best places to stay in the Whitsunday Islands range from simple campsites to gorgeous luxury resorts. There really is something for everyone in this tranquil wonderland!

Airlie Beach, on the mainland, is the springboard for most Whitsunday adventures. Hamilton Island is the most developed of the group, with its own airport, as well as a burgeoning array of shops and eateries. You’ll find a popular marina, too — it’s no surprise that the islands are a favourite of keen sailors. Long Island is another lively spot, with great hiking as well as water sports. Smaller islands include Daydream, Hayman, and Hook, the last of which offers excellent camping.

Spend your days swimming, sailing, snorkelling and diving amidst a marvellous underwater world home to more than 400 types of coral and countless fish. Kayaking, paddle boarding and jet skiing excursions are great fun, too. Thrill-seekers will adore taking to the skies for helicopter or small plane tours over picturesque Heart Reef and to beautiful Whitehaven Beach, famed for its 7km of pristine white sands. Most of the best places to stay in the Whitsunday Islands are perched on brilliant beaches of their own; you may choose to simply soak up the sunshine, unwind at the spa and tuck into gourmet cuisine in the privacy of your own ocean-facing villa.

The Best Places to Stay in the Whitsunday Islands

For Families

• Daydream Island Resort and Spa is a big contemporary resort with a plethora of pools, restaurants, and watersports. Games and team challenges abound, there's a great kids club, and outdoor cinema nights are fun for the whole family. A beautiful island escape with a family-friendly buzz.
• Hayman Island Resort Island, on the outer edge of the Whitsunday group, has a magical feel, with pristine white sands surrounding the tiny island. Popular with romantic couples, the resort also boasts an excellent kids club, swimming pools, multi-bedroom suites and adventures ranging from kayaking tours to snorkelling and sailing trips. The five bars and restaurants are brilliant. A luxury choice.
• Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas, each with four bedrooms, sit within gated grounds close to the marina. Brilliant for keen sailors, these modern villas are also ideal for families or groups, who can book a private house complete with sitting room, kitchen, leafy gardens and balconies with dazzling views.

For Romantic Luxury

• Qualia is a gorgeous luxury resort near the northern tip of Hamilton Island. Elegant suites boast uninterrupted ocean views, private pools and sink-into bathtubs, plus there's a serene spa and gourmet cuisine. A marvellous honeymoon escape, this adults-only paradise takes Whitsunday holidays to the next level.
• Beach Club is a chic, contemporary hotel with swish, sea-facing guest rooms featuring pale wood furnishings, crisp linens and deep blue textiles. Set on Hamilton Island, this adults-only spot has a soothing spa, infinity pool and a modern Australian restaurant. Very romantic.
• Elysian Retreat, a 10-villa retreat on three hectares of magical Long Island, will delight couples seeking tranquility. Thatched villas have cosy beds and ocean-view terraces — the best have plunge pools. Guests also share access to a mineral pool and Ayurvedic spa. The resort's cuisine showcases superb home-grown produce, and the whole place is solar-powered.

For Great Value

• Palm Bay Resort on Long Island, just off the mainland, offers 25 light, airy suites and villas, many with self-catering facilities. There's a lively restaruant, direct beach access and plenty of activities on land and water — all at very reasonable rates. Book the whole place for a big group celebration.

For a holiday cottage or apartment

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Whitsunday Islands?

• Fly to Hamilton Island Airport, or to the larger Whitsunday Coast Airport and onwards to your hotel by ferry, private boat charter, helicopter or seaplane. Many resorts will be happy to arrange a transfer in advance.
• Queensland is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• The Whitsunday Islands have two seasons: the warm, dry season — from April to September — and the hot, wet season, between October and March. Visit during the warm, dry season if you can, avoiding the school holidays for great hotel deals.

Still Not Sure?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Airlie Beach.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Queensland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Whitsunday Islands