Whitehaven Beach

With a backdrop of tropical rainforest, Whitehaven Beach is regularly crowned Australia’s #1 beach.

Pristine, pure, perfect – the silica sand here is dazzlingly white, washed in on the tide over thousands of years.

Located on the largest island in The Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach offers up 7km of shore to explore – swim, snorkel, laze on the sand or even take a hike through the forest to an ocean lookout or secret swimming spot: your time here can be as energetic or relaxed as you’d like it to be.

Don’t miss the walk to the spectacular viewpoint over Hill Inlet at Whitehaven’s northern end, where a swirl of white sand and turquoise water fuse to create a stunning blend of colours.

Cruise Whitsundays runs a range of full and half-day cruises to Whitehaven Beach.

Getting To Whitehaven Beach

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.

Southern Whitehaven Beach Scenic Trails

Exploring the natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes on the scenic trails of Southern Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

Southern Whitehaven Beach offers visitors a network of scenic walking trails.   While most visitors come to soak up the sun and admire the pristine white sands, the southern end of Whitehaven Beach offers an additional treat for nature enthusiasts.

The Headland Track, Solway Circuit, and South Whitehaven Beach Lookout Track provide unique opportunities to explore the island's natural wonders and soak in the breathtaking views from elevated lookout points.

Whether you choose a short stroll or a longer trek, these trails offer an unforgettable experience amidst the untouched beauty of the Whitsunday Islands.

So lace up your hiking boots, embrace the adventure, and uncover the magic of southern Whitehaven Beach on your tour to Whitehaven Beach.

Headland Track:
The Headland Track is a mesmerizing coastal walk that takes you along the rugged cliffs and headlands of the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. As you embark on this trail, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and the surrounding islands. The trail winds through a variety of terrains, including sandy paths and rocky outcrops, adding an adventurous touch to your hike. Along the way, keep an eye out for native flora and fauna, such as coastal shrubs and birdlife. The highlight of the Headland Track is the breathtaking vista from the elevated lookout point, where you can take in the vast expanse of Whitehaven Beach and the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

Solway Circuit:
For those seeking a longer and more immersive hiking experience, the Solway Circuit is a must-try. This moderately challenging loop trail takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes, including dense rainforest, eucalypt woodlands, and coastal heath. As you make your way through the trail, you'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, with the chance to spot wildlife and vibrant bird species. The Solway Circuit offers a serene escape from the bustling beach, allowing you to connect with the island's pristine natural environment. Don't forget to bring your camera along to capture the captivating views of the Whitsunday Passage and the surrounding islands from the designated lookout points.

South Whitehaven Beach Lookout Track:
For a shorter but equally rewarding walk, the South Whitehaven Beach Lookout Track is an ideal choice. This track provides a glimpse of the stunning beauty that awaits at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. As you venture along the trail, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and may even spot native wildlife along the way. The track leads to a lookout point that offers a picturesque view of the beach, with its glistening white sands and crystal-clear waters. Take a moment to soak in the tranquility and appreciate the untouched beauty of this natural wonder.

Hill Inlet Lookout

Hill inlet lookout walk
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. 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. Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path.

• 1.3km Return
• Allow 40min walking time.
• Moderate (walk)

Betty's Beach
Betty’s Beach can be accessed from the Hill Inlet walking track from Tongue Bay.
The Beach offers calm, clear water for swimming and photo opportunities.

Tongue Bay

Tongue Bay is located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island, near the Northern end of 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.

Chance Bay Track

Branching off the Solway circuit track, this track forms part of the magical Whitsunday Ngaro sea trail and explores giant hills covered in hoop pines and tropical rainforest before reaching the crystal-clear waters of Chance Bay. Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path.

• 7.2km return
• Allow 3hrs walking time.
• Moderate (walk)

Solway Circuit Track

Starting from the Southern end of Whitehaven Beach. Follow this winding, uphill track to a natural rock platform with breathtaking views over Solway Passage and the surrounding islands. The Solway Circuit track has the same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path.

• 2.4km circuit
• Allow 40min walking time.
• Moderate (walk)