Whitsunday Islands

Airport shuttle to Airlie Beach(25 minutes)

Whitsunday Transit shuttle from Proserpine Airport. Pre-book online or buy at the terminal (AUD 22 one-way)

Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon(1.5 hours)

Free, stinger-safe swimming lagoon on the foreshore — lifeguard patrolled, open daily. Perfect for cooling off after travel

Dinner at Fish D'vine(1.5 hours)

Seafood and rum bar on the main street. Coral trout with macadamia crust (AUD 38) and a Bundaberg rum cocktail. Buzzy local vibe

Full-day Whitehaven Beach tour(8 hours)

Several operators run this (Cruise Whitsundays, Ocean Rafting). From ~AUD 150 per person including lunch, snorkeling gear, and Hill Inlet lookout stop. Book the day before at agencies on the main street for possible discounts

Hill Inlet Lookout(45 minutes)

10-minute walk from Tongue Bay. The swirling turquoise-and-white sand patterns are best at low tide. This is the most photographed view in the Whitsundays

Swim and relax on Whitehaven Beach(2 hours)

The silica sand doesn't retain heat so it's comfortable barefoot even in summer. Wear stinger suit Nov-May

Casual dinner on the boardwalk(1.5 hours)

Grab fish and chips at Whitsunday Sailing Club (members welcome visitors, mains from AUD 18) with harbor views

Outer reef pontoon day trip(9 hours)

Cruise Whitsundays operates to their Hardy Reef pontoon (~AUD 220). Includes snorkeling gear, semi-sub glass bottom boat, and underwater observatory. Intro dives available from AUD 100 extra. Use reef-safe sunscreen only

Snorkeling at Hardy Reef(2 hours)

Warm, clear water with massive coral gardens, clownfish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Stinger suits provided free Nov-May. Even non-swimmers can use pool noodles in the roped area

Dinner at Deja Vu Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Modern Australian dining on the main street. Pan-seared barramundi (AUD 36). BYO wine available (corkage AUD 5)

Ferry to Hamilton Island(1 hour)

Cruise Whitsundays from Port of Airlie. AUD 65 return. Book online for better rates. First ferry usually departs 7:30AM

Walk to One Tree Hill lookout(1.5 hours)

A steep but short walk to the island's best panoramic viewpoint. Free. The view across the Whitsunday Passage with sailing yachts below is the postcard shot

Lunch at Manta Ray Cafe(1 hour)

Casual waterfront cafe at the marina. Fish burgers (AUD 22) and smoothie bowls. Great people-watching as yachts come and go

Catseye Beach afternoon swim(2 hours)

Hamilton Island's main beach with free water sports equipment for guests. Non-resort visitors can use the beach freely. Calm, sheltered waters

Sleep in and late breakfast at Denman Cellars Beer Cafe(1.5 hours)

Big breakfasts with harbour views (AUD 18-24). Good coffee. On the esplanade near the lagoon

Saturday Markets at Airlie Beach (if weekend)(1 hour)

Local arts, crafts, tropical fruit, and handmade jewelry. Main street foreshore, 7AM-1PM Saturday

Walk the Bicentennial Walkway(1 hour)

A flat coastal boardwalk from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale (3km one way). Spot wallabies in the bush sections. Free

Sunset cocktails at Northerlies Beach Bar(2 hours)

Beach bar with live music on weekends, pizza from AUD 18, and the best sunset seat in Airlie Beach. Right on the water

Heart Reef scenic flight(1 hour)

GSL Aviation or Air Whitsunday offer 1-hour scenic flights from ~AUD 250. Fly over Heart Reef (no swimming — it's a protected zone), Whitehaven Beach, and the outer reef. Window seat essential — sit on the left side outbound

Lunch at Mr Bones(1 hour)

Wood-fired pizza and craft beer on the main street. Margherita AUD 20, local pale ale AUD 10. Relaxed garden setting

Sunset sailing trip(3 hours)

Several operators run 3-hour sunset sails from Abel Point Marina (~AUD 80-120 including drinks and nibbles). Sail past Hook Island and the Molle Islands as the sun drops. Ask about standby discounts at booking agencies

Early morning lagoon swim(1 hour)

The lagoon is quietest before 8AM. Have a peaceful last swim with the harbour backdrop

Breakfast at Sorrento's(1 hour)

Italian cafe on the main street. Eggs benedict (AUD 19) and flat white. Good spot for a final Whitsundays meal

Last-minute shopping at Port of Airlie(45 minutes)

Pick up reef souvenirs, local macadamia products, or Whitsunday photography prints from the shops at the marina precinct

Airport shuttle to PPP(25 minutes)

Allow 2 hours before your flight. Whitsunday Transit shuttle, AUD 22

Airport shuttle to Airlie Beach(25 minutes)

Whitsunday Transit shuttle from Proserpine Airport. AUD 22 one-way

Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon(1.5 hours)

Free, stinger-safe swimming lagoon on the foreshore, lifeguard patrolled

Dinner at Fish D'vine(1.5 hours)

Seafood and rum bar on the main street. Coral trout with macadamia crust (AUD 38) and a rum cocktail

Full-day Whitehaven Beach tour(8 hours)

Ocean Rafting or Cruise Whitsundays from ~AUD 150. Includes lunch, snorkeling, and Hill Inlet stop

Hill Inlet Lookout(45 minutes)

The iconic swirling sand-and-turquoise panorama, best viewed at low tide

Swim on Whitehaven Beach(2 hours)

98% pure silica sand stays cool underfoot. Wear stinger suit Nov-May

Dinner at Whitsunday Sailing Club(1.5 hours)

Visitors welcome. Fish and chips (AUD 18) with harbour views

Outer reef pontoon day trip(9 hours)

Cruise Whitsundays to Hardy Reef pontoon (~AUD 220). Includes snorkeling gear, semi-sub, and underwater observatory

Intro scuba dive(45 minutes)

No experience needed. AUD 100 extra. Instructor guides you among coral gardens, clownfish, and reef sharks

Dinner at Deja Vu Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Pan-seared barramundi (AUD 36) on the main street. BYO wine available

Ferry to Hamilton Island(1 hour)

AUD 65 return from Port of Airlie. Book online for better rates

Walk to One Tree Hill lookout(1.5 hours)

Steep but short walk to the best panoramic viewpoint in the Whitsundays. Free

Lunch at Manta Ray Cafe(1 hour)

Fish burgers (AUD 22) at the marina

Catseye Beach swim and paddleboard(2 hours)

Paddleboard hire from AUD 30/hr. Calm, sheltered waters

Sleep in and brunch at Denman Cellars Beer Cafe(1.5 hours)

Big breakfasts (AUD 18-24) with harbour views

Walk the Bicentennial Walkway(1 hour)

Flat coastal boardwalk to Cannonvale (3km). Spot wallabies in the bush sections. Free

Browse the Saturday Markets (if weekend)(1 hour)

Local arts, tropical fruit, handmade jewelry. Main street foreshore, 7AM-1PM Saturday

Sunset cocktails at Northerlies Beach Bar(2 hours)

Pizza from AUD 18, live music on weekends, beachfront sunset

Heart Reef scenic flight(1 hour)

GSL Aviation or Air Whitsunday, ~AUD 250 for 1 hour. Fly over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the outer reef. Sit on the left side outbound

Lunch at Mr Bones(1 hour)

Wood-fired pizza (AUD 20) and craft beer in a relaxed garden setting

Afternoon at the lagoon and foreshore(2 hours)

Swim, read, relax. The lagoon area has free BBQ facilities and shaded picnic tables

Dinner at Hog's Breath Cafe(1.5 hours)

Classic Australian steakhouse chain. Prime rib steak (AUD 32). Casual family-friendly vibe

Board sailing yacht at Abel Point Marina(1 hour)

2-night trips from AUD 500-900 per person depending on vessel. Operators include Derwent Hunter, Solway Lass, and Atlantic Clipper. All meals included. Depart around 3PM

Afternoon sail through the Whitsunday Passage(3 hours)

Learn basic sailing skills from the crew. Watch for dolphins racing the bow. The passage between islands is protected and calm

Snorkeling at a secluded bay(1.5 hours)

Anchor at a quiet bay for afternoon snorkeling among reef fish and coral. Stinger suits provided

Sunset on deck and dinner aboard(2 hours)

BBQ dinner cooked by crew, eaten under the stars. BYO alcohol or buy from the bar on larger vessels

Sunrise on the water(30 minutes)

Wake up surrounded by islands. Most boats anchor in sheltered bays — the stillness at dawn is extraordinary

Morning snorkel at Mantaray Bay(1.5 hours)

One of the best snorkeling spots in the Whitsundays — massive coral bommies and schools of tropical fish

Sail to another island for beach time(3 hours)

Visit a quiet beach on Hook Island or Whitsunday Island's southern bays. Kayaking usually available from the yacht

Stargazing from the deck(1 hour)

Zero light pollution at anchor. The Milky Way is vivid. The crew often points out Southern Cross and other southern hemisphere constellations

Disembark at Abel Point Marina(30 minutes)

Usually back by midday. Transfer back to your Airlie Beach hotel

Shower, rest, laundry(2 hours)

Most hostels and hotels have coin laundry. You'll want a proper shower after 2 nights on a boat

Dinner at Sorrento's(1.5 hours)

Italian cafe on the main street. Proper pasta and wine after boat food. Linguine marinara (AUD 26)

Ferry to Daydream Island(30 minutes)

Cruise Whitsundays from Port of Airlie. Day passes from AUD 99 including ferry and resort access

Living Reef experience(1.5 hours)

An outdoor coral lagoon with stingrays, baby sharks, and fish you can feed and interact with. Included in the day pass

Snorkeling off Daydream's beach(1.5 hours)

The house reef just off the main beach has surprisingly good coral and fish. Gear hire included

Lunch at the resort restaurant(1 hour)

Tropical buffet or a la carte options. Mains from AUD 28

Drive to Cedar Creek Falls(45 minutes)

20km south of Airlie Beach. Rent a car for the day (~AUD 70) or join a tour. The falls have a deep swimming hole surrounded by rainforest. Free entry

Swim at Cedar Creek Falls(1.5 hours)

The natural rock pool beneath the falls is perfect for swimming. Bring water shoes — the rocks are slippery. Pack a picnic

Brandy Creek produce stall(30 minutes)

Roadside tropical fruit stand selling mangoes, lychees, and macadamia nuts. Cash only. The frozen mango smoothies are incredible

Conway National Park bushwalk(2 hours)

The Kingfisher Circuit (3km loop) starts from Forestry Road. Rainforest walk with ocean glimpses. Free, no booking needed. Watch for cassowaries — they're rare but present

Dinner at La Tabella Trattoria(1.5 hours)

Small Italian restaurant near the lagoon. Handmade gnocchi (AUD 24). Intimate and popular — book ahead

Ferry to Long Island (optional)(30 minutes)

Cruise Whitsundays operates. The island has quiet beaches, snorkeling, and rainforest walks. Day trip from AUD 50 return

Beach walking and snorkeling on Long Island(3 hours)

The 2km beach walk along the east coast is peaceful. Bring your own snorkel gear — the fringing reef is accessible from shore

Lazy afternoon at hotel or lagoon(3 hours)

Read, swim, nap. The lagoon has free BBQ facilities if you want to cook your own lunch from the Woolworths supermarket

Sunset drinks at Boathouse by the Bay(1.5 hours)

Waterfront bar at Port of Airlie. Craft beer and sharing plates (AUD 15-20)

Morning at Shute Harbour lookout(1 hour)

Drive 10 min east to the old Shute Harbour for panoramic views across the islands. Free parking. Good spot for whale watching Jun-Sep

Lunch at Anchor Bar(1.5 hours)

Beachfront bar near Abel Point. Battered fish tacos (AUD 16) and local craft beer

Sunset sailing trip(3 hours)

3-hour sunset sail from Abel Point Marina (~AUD 80-120 including drinks). Sail past Hook and Molle islands as the sky turns orange

Farewell dinner at Airlie Beach Hotel(1.5 hours)

The deck restaurant overlooking the marina. Seafood platter for two (AUD 85) and a bottle of Australian sparkling

Early morning lagoon swim(45 minutes)

The lagoon is quietest before 8AM. A peaceful final swim

Breakfast at Sorrento's(1 hour)

Eggs benedict (AUD 19) and flat white. A fitting farewell meal

Last-minute shopping at Port of Airlie(30 minutes)

Reef souvenirs, macadamia products, and Whitsunday photography prints

Airport shuttle to PPP(25 minutes)

Whitsunday Transit, AUD 22. Allow 2 hours before your flight

Airport shuttle to Airlie Beach(25 minutes)

Whitsunday Transit, AUD 22 one-way

Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon(1.5 hours)

Free, stinger-safe, lifeguard patrolled

Dinner at Fish D'vine(1.5 hours)

Coral trout with macadamia crust (AUD 38) and rum cocktails

Full-day Whitehaven Beach tour(8 hours)

Ocean Rafting or Cruise Whitsundays, from AUD 150 including lunch and snorkeling

Hill Inlet Lookout at low tide(45 minutes)

The turquoise-and-white sand patterns — the most photographed view in the Whitsundays

Dinner at Whitsunday Sailing Club(1.5 hours)

Fish and chips (AUD 18) with harbour views

Outer reef pontoon day trip(9 hours)

Cruise Whitsundays to Hardy Reef, AUD 220. Includes snorkeling, semi-sub, underwater observatory

Intro scuba dive(45 minutes)

AUD 100 extra. No experience needed. Instructor-led among coral gardens

Dinner at Deja Vu Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Barramundi (AUD 36) on the main street

Sleep in and brunch at Denman Cellars Beer Cafe(1.5 hours)

Big breakfasts (AUD 18-24) with harbour views

Bicentennial Walkway stroll(1 hour)

Flat 3km coastal boardwalk to Cannonvale. Spot wallabies. Free

Sunset drinks at Northerlies Beach Bar(2 hours)

Pizza (AUD 18), live music, beachfront seating

Ferry to Hamilton Island(1 hour)

AUD 65 return from Port of Airlie

One Tree Hill lookout walk(1.5 hours)

Panoramic views across the Whitsunday Passage. Free

Lunch at Manta Ray Cafe(1 hour)

Fish burgers (AUD 22) at the marina

Catseye Beach swim(2 hours)

Calm, sheltered waters

Heart Reef scenic flight(1 hour)

GSL Aviation, ~AUD 250. Overflies Heart Reef, Whitehaven, and outer reef. Sit left side outbound

Lunch at Mr Bones(1 hour)

Wood-fired pizza (AUD 20) and craft beer

Dinner at La Tabella Trattoria(1.5 hours)

Handmade gnocchi (AUD 24). Book ahead

Board sailing yacht at Abel Point Marina(1 hour)

2-night trips AUD 500-900 pp. Operators include Derwent Hunter, Solway Lass, Atlantic Clipper. All meals included

Sail through the Whitsunday Passage(3 hours)

Learn sailing basics from the crew. Watch for dolphins at the bow

Snorkeling at a secluded bay(1.5 hours)

Anchor at a quiet bay for afternoon snorkeling. Stinger suits provided Nov-May

Morning snorkel at Mantaray Bay(1.5 hours)

Massive coral bommies and tropical fish schools

Stargazing from the deck(1 hour)

Zero light pollution. Vivid Milky Way and Southern Cross

Dinner at Sorrento's(1.5 hours)

Linguine marinara (AUD 26). Comfort food after two nights on a boat

Ferry to Daydream Island(30 minutes)

Day passes from AUD 99 including ferry and resort access

Living Reef experience(1.5 hours)

Feed stingrays and baby sharks in the outdoor coral lagoon

Snorkeling off Daydream's beach(1.5 hours)

Good house reef accessible from shore

Lunch at the resort(1 hour)

Mains from AUD 28

Drive to Cedar Creek Falls(45 minutes)

Rent a car (~AUD 70/day). The falls have a deep swimming hole surrounded by rainforest. Free entry

Swim at Cedar Creek Falls(1.5 hours)

Natural rock pool. Bring water shoes. Pack a picnic

Brandy Creek produce stall(30 minutes)

Roadside tropical fruit. Frozen mango smoothies are incredible. Cash only

Conway National Park — Kingfisher Circuit(2 hours)

3km rainforest loop with ocean glimpses. Free. Watch for cassowaries

Dinner at Hog's Breath Cafe(1.5 hours)

Prime rib steak (AUD 32)

Revisit Whitehaven Beach (half-day tour)(5 hours)

Half-day tours from AUD 100. Worth a second visit to see it in different light/tide conditions

Or: Jet ski tour of the islands(1.5 hours)

Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours from AUD 180. Guided 1.5hr tour through the islands

Dinner at Anchor Bar(1.5 hours)

Fish tacos (AUD 16) and craft beer at the marina

Ferry to Long Island(30 minutes)

Cruise Whitsundays, from AUD 50 return

East coast beach walk(2 hours)

2km walk along empty beaches through vine-tangled forest. Peaceful and quiet

Snorkeling from shore(1.5 hours)

Fringing reef accessible directly from the beach. Bring your own gear

Picnic lunch on the beach(1 hour)

Pack lunch from Woolworths — there are no shops on Long Island

Full-day dive trip to Bait Reef(9 hours)

Operators like Explore Whitsundays offer certified dive trips to Bait Reef — rated among the top 10 dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. From AUD 280 for 2 dives. Visibility up to 30m

Two guided dives(3 hours)

Expect giant clams, moray eels, turtles, and whitetip reef sharks. Max depth 18m for open water certified

Dinner at Airlie Beach Hotel deck(1.5 hours)

Seafood platter for two (AUD 85) overlooking the marina

Massage or spa treatment(1.5 hours)

Thalgo Spa at Peppers Airlie Beach or various day spas on the main street. 60-min massage from AUD 90

Lunch at Cafe One 3(1 hour)

Healthy cafe with acai bowls (AUD 16) and fresh juices

Drive to Bowen(1 hour)

Rent a car or join a tour. Bowen is a local favorite with none of the tourist crowds

Horseshoe Bay beach swim(1.5 hours)

A wide, quiet beach with calm water. Free. Often has it nearly to yourself on weekdays

Photo with the Big Mango(15 minutes)

Bowen's roadside 'big thing' — a 10-metre fibreglass mango. Free. Very Australian

Lunch at Horseshoe Bay Cafe(1 hour)

Fish and chips with mango chutney (AUD 18). Local and unpretentious

Flagstaff Hill lookout(30 minutes)

360-degree views from town to islands. Free. Short walk from the car park

Whitsunday Crocodile Safari(3.5 hours)

Guided boat cruise on Proserpine River (~AUD 120). Spot saltwater crocodiles, kookaburras, sea eagles, and wallabies. Morning tours have the best sighting rates

Lunch at a Proserpine pub(1 hour)

Counter meal at the Proserpine Hotel — classic country pub food. Steak and chips AUD 20

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Lagoon, pool, or shopping on the main street

Dinner at Boathouse by the Bay(1.5 hours)

Waterfront bar at Port of Airlie. Sharing plates (AUD 15-20) and craft beer

Half-day guided sea kayak tour(3 hours)

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking runs guided paddles from Airlie Beach to nearby islands and coves. From AUD 80. Includes snorkeling stop

Standup paddleboard hire at the lagoon precinct(1.5 hours)

SUP hire from AUD 25/hr. Flat water in the harbour area is perfect for beginners

Sunset from Coral Point lookout(1 hour)

A short drive or 30-min walk south of Airlie. Less known than the main spots. Beautiful views over Shute Harbour

Ngaro cultural tour(3 hours)

Guided experiences exploring Aboriginal art sites and cultural heritage on South Molle or Hook Island. From AUD 100. Learn about the Ngaro people who navigated these waters for thousands of years

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Rest, swim, or revisit any favorite spot from the trip

Final sunset sail(3 hours)

One last sunset sail (~AUD 80-120). The perfect wind-down before departure

Morning at the lagoon(1.5 hours)

One last swim in the stinger-safe lagoon

Revisit favorite lunch spot(1.5 hours)

Go back to whichever restaurant won your heart. Fish D'vine, Mr Bones, or Sorrento's

Gift shopping on the main street(1 hour)

Reef prints, locally made jewelry, macadamia products, Australian-made sunscreen

Farewell dinner at Airlie Beach Hotel(2 hours)

The deck restaurant for seafood platter and Australian sparkling wine. Toast to three weeks in paradise

Breakfast at Denman Cellars Beer Cafe(1 hour)

One last big breakfast with harbour views

Airport shuttle to PPP(25 minutes)

Whitsunday Transit, AUD 22. Allow 2 hours before your flight