The Best Places to Stay in the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays attracts more than 900,000 tourists each year.
Spanning some 282km² across 74 islands, the Whitsundays isn’t the small area that many may envisage. Choosing when you visit and where you stay will shape your experience.
It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing adventure or relaxation - the Whitsundays has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly break or a luxury getaway, here is your ultimate guide to the best places to stay in the Whitsundays.
1. Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is one of the most popular places to stay in the Whitsundays. Dubbed the “Gateway to the Whitsundays”, Airlie Beach is an ideal launching pad to explore the best that the Whitsundays has to offer.
The postcard-worthy town is conveniently located just 30 minutes away from Proserpine Airport and has two ports, making it the perfect base to explore the rest of the Whitsundays islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
Airlie Beach is home to several beaches accessible by land, including the spectacular Airlie Main Beach, Airlie Beach Lagoon, or Boathaven Beach.
Perhaps one of the best things about Airlie Beach is that you can take some of the best attractions by foot. Take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Coral Sea Marina, stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, or hike the famous Airlie Creek Track.
From there, you’re a stone’s throw away from the beach is the Main Street which is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. Tourists can also enjoy browsing the bustling market stalls which sell delicious food and an array of souvenirs.
Airlie Beach offers accommodation to suit all travelers, including budget hostels, top-notch hotels and luxury resorts, so you are bound to find something perfect for you.
2. Hamilton Island
For travelers seeking a more luxurious and exclusive getaway in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island has many stunning resorts, perfect for a romantic escape or family trip.
Hamilton Island is easily accessible via its own airport and has a host of amenities including a 18-hole golf course, water sports, quad bikes, and wildlife tours where you can see native animals, like koalas and kangaroos, in their natural habitats.
This picturesque island is small enough to get around by foot, bike or golf buggy, so you can easily soak in its natural beauty without having to travel far.
3. Long Island
Long Island is the ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the Whitsundays’ spellbinding nature while escaping the crowds.
Travelers can relax on secluded beaches with unspoiled white sand and crystal blue water, and indulge their adventurous side with watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding.
Long Island is unique because it is largely covered by the Whitsundays Islands National Park and home to a variety of lush bushwalk trails of different lengths and difficulties.
Long Island offers two resorts for tourists to stay in - the more affordable Palm Bay Resort and the upscale Elysian Retreat which is run almost entirely on solar power.
For those looking to be more in tune with nature, the rainforest-lined Sandy Bay Campsite offers a rustic experience and has a maximum capacity of six people, making it ultra-secluded.
4. Daydream Island
Daydream Island is one of the smaller islands in the Whitsundays and is just a 30 minute ferry ride from the mainland.
This gorgeous destination caters to a variety of travellers thanks to its array of activities, like snorkelling, nature walks, and access to the iconic Living Reef - one of the world’s biggest coral lagoons which is home to diverse marine life.
You can only visit Daydream Island if you stay at the Daydream Island Resort. While this is considered a more expensive option compared to areas like Airlie Beach, they frequently have packages on offer to make your trip more affordable.
5. Boat/Overnight Sailing Tour
Unsure which area is right for you? Why not experience a mix of everything the Whitsundays has to offer on one of our overnight sailing tours.
One option is our fun-filled Atlantic Clipper tour. Over two days and two nights at sea, you will explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, take in the tranquility of Hill Inlet Lookout and enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving at Blue Pearl Bay.
On board, we have heated spas, two exhilarating waterslides, freshly-prepared meals and comfortable sleeping cabins equipped with air conditioning.
The boat comes alive when the sun goes down as guests dance the night away to great music against the mind-blowing backdrop of the Whitsundays.
The Atlantic Clipper can host up to 54 guests, so there will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends and form lasting memories.
For those looking for a more relaxed cruise, the New Horizon tour offers an intimate and activity-centred experience.
A smaller boat than the Atlantic Clipper, the New Horizon holds up to 32 guests, perfect for solo travellers or small groups wanting to explore all the wonders of the Whitsundays.
