Top Things to See and Do in the Whitsundays
The “land down under” has long been a sought-after holiday destination, but there is an area off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, where a chain of 74 islands sits pretty in the middle of the South Pacific. This less-travelled cluster of islands is known as the Whitsundays, and it just so happens to be a sailor’s paradise, best explored by boat.
A vast majority of the Whitsundays Islands are designated as national parks, so the beaches are stunning, the snorkelling and diving conditions are superb, and the wildlife is incredible. There is plenty to see and do during an island-hopping adventure in this one-of-a-kind cruising ground, but here is a list of some of the can’t-miss experiences…
Butterfly Bay
There are colonies of Ulysses butterflies that live at Hook Island’s Butterfly Bay all year long. Plan a visit to this spot if you wish to see a swarm of these majestic blue creatures flying out over the sea as they do every morning and afternoon.
Great Barrier Reef
No Aussie adventure is complete without a visit to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. So, grab your snorkelling or diving gear, kick up your fins, and explore the wondrous natural beauty that awaits underwater throughout this 2300-kilometre-long reef.
Hill Inlet Lookout
Feast your eyes on breathtaking views from atop Hill Inlet Lookout, which is technically located on rave-reviewed Whitehaven Beach. The peak provides a picture-perfect photo-opp and it is easy to reach following a scenic 15-minute walk.
Long Island
Close to the mainland Long Island is home to an array of exotic South Pacific plants, birds, and animals, including the adorable koala bear. This is an idyllic place to explore either by foot or bicycle, and keep your eyes peeled for unique wildlife sightings.
Nara Inlet
Slip on your fins and face mask to get an up-close look at the pristine coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish found at Nara Inlet. This is also a prime location to fish for coral trout and spangled emperor. And if you visit the Whitsundays during the “wet season”, you’ll encounter beautiful cascading waterfalls that are dormant during the rest of the year.
Passage Peak
Walking trails are few and far between in the Whitsundays, but if you’re up for some scenic hiking, head to Passage Peak on Hamilton Island. It’s an easy 45-minute foot trek, and the panoramic views from the top are spectacular.
Whitehaven Beach
One of the most fabulous and photogenic beaches in Australia, Whitehaven Beach spans 7 kilometres long and is blanketed with some of the whitest sand in the world because it is 98% pure silica.
Author Name:
Kaitlyn Nakagoshi
Contributor
Ian Pedersen
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