Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach is not overhyped — it really is that good. Hill Inlet at high tide is the shot. Airlie Beach itself is backpacker-heavy but Fish D'vine and the Sailing Club are gems.
Current conditions
Weather
Warm & Clear
Temperature
29°C
Humidity
72%
Best time to visit
September-November
Our picks in Whitsundays
Every spot personally vetted. No pay-for-play, no sponsored listings.
Whitehaven Beach
Seven kilometres of pure white silica sand. Consistently rated one of the world's best beaches.
The whitest sand in the world. Hill Inlet lookout at high tide is the money shot. Full-day boat trip is the way.
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Free public lagoon pool on the foreshore with ocean views, BBQs, and tropical gardens.
Free infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The heart of Airlie Beach. Sunset sessions are a local tradition.
Fish D'vine
Airlie Beach's best seafood restaurant with an incredible rum bar upstairs.
Best seafood in Airlie. The rum bar upstairs is an unexpected gem. Try the Coral Trout if it's on the menu.
Fat Frog Beach Cafe
Casual beachside cafe. Reliable breakfast and coffee with water views.
Solid brekkie with ocean views. Not fancy, just good. The big breakfast fuels a full day of island hopping.
Whitsunday Sailing Club
Members and visitors welcome. Cheapest drinks in town with unbeatable sunset views over the marina.
Cheapest beers in Airlie with the best sunset views. Where the locals actually drink. Wednesday night trivia.
Daydream Island Resort
Renovated island resort with a living coral reef lagoon, restaurants, and water sports.
Recently renovated. The living reef is amazing for families. Close enough for a day trip but better overnight.
Heart Reef
Naturally formed heart-shaped coral reef. Iconic aerial view via helicopter or seaplane.
Natural heart-shaped coral formation. Scenic helicopter flight is the only way to see it properly. Bucket list.
Mr Bones
Wood-fired pizza on Airlie Beach's main street. Great pizza, cold beers, lively atmosphere.
Best pizza in the Whitsundays. The outdoor seating on the main strip is great for people-watching.
Airlie Beach Markets
Weekly Saturday morning market on the foreshore. Local art, tropical fruit, handmade goods.
Saturday mornings. Small but good. Local art, tropical produce, handmade jewellery.
Ocean Rafting
Adventure day trips to Whitehaven Beach and the outer reef. Fast boats, snorkelling, beach time.
The best day trip operator in the Whitsundays. Northern or Southern exposure tour — both hit Whitehaven Beach.
Upcoming events
What’s happening in Whitsundays right now and in the weeks ahead.
Airlie Beach Markets
4 Jan 2025
Airlie Beach Foreshore
Weekly Saturday morning market on the foreshore with local art and tropical produce.
Curated itineraries
Tried-and-tested trip plans from people who actually live here.
Whitsundays Sailing Trip
Three days in the Whitsundays — Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, and Airlie Beach at sunset.
Perfect for: couples
Ask about Whitsundays
“Where should we eat near the beach?” “What’s on this weekend?” Ask us anything — our AI concierge has local knowledge baked in.
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