How Many Islands Are In the Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays region is home to 74 lush, tropical islands.
Which Whitsunday Islands Are Open to the Public?
Of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday region, many are not open to the public and are restricted. These are the islands that are accessible to the public, according to Queensland National Parks:
Whitsunday Islands National Park
- Whitsunday Island
- Dugong Beach
- Sawmill Beach
- Naris Beach
- Joes Beach
- Chance Bay
- Whitehaven Beach
- Cairn Beach
- Hook Island
- Maureens Cove
- Steens Beach
- Curlew Beach
- Crayfish Beach
- Manta Ray Bay
- Butterfly Bay
- Langford Island
- Border Island
- Cateran Bay
- Haselwood Island
- Stockyard/Chalkies Beach
- Henning Island
- Deloraine Island
- Hayman Island – accommodation options available
Molle Islands National Park
- South Molle Island
- Sandy Bay
- Paddle Bay
- North Molle Island
- Cockatoo Beach
- Planton Island
- Denman Island
- Tancred Island
- Long Island – accommodation options available
Lindeman Islands National Park
- Lindeman Island (reopening scheduled in 2026)
- Thomas Island
- Naked Lady Beach
- Shaw Island
- Neck Bay
Gloucester Islands National Park
- Gloucester Island
- Bona Bay
- East Side Bay
- Saddleback Island
- Armit Island
Repulse Islands National Park
- South Repulse Island
- Dent Island
- Hamilton Island – accommodation options available
- Daydream Island – accommodation options available
If a tropical island getaway is what you’re after in the Whitsundays, there are four main islands that offer overnight accommodation:
- Hamilton Island
- Daydream Island
- Long Island
- Hayman Island
Hamilton Island
Home to the Great Barrier Reef Airport, plus an array of resorts and private villas, Hamilton Island is a small town in its own right – it is the most populated tourist island in the Whitsundays with a permanent population of around 1,700 residents.
Island guests and day-visitors can hire a golf buggy to get around Hamilton Island. The island also hosts events year-round, including hilly half marathons, ocean swims off Whitehaven Beach, and the world-famous Hamilton Island Race Week.
Daydream Island hosts a family-friendly resort of the same name, best known for its 200m living reef that wraps around the resort. The living reef is home to over 100 species of marine life found in the Whitsundays region, making it a great highlight for kids and families.
Day trips to Daydream Island can be purchased as part of a package from the resort to enjoy its pool and spa facilities, living reef, and restaurants.
Long Island is the closest island to the mainland and can be reached via a short boat ride from Shute Harbour. The island is home to eco-resorts, including Long Island Resort, Palm Bay Resort, and Elysian Retreat (adults-only). While the island itself is open to children and families, it is generally suited for couples and adult groups.
Hayman Island is widely considered the luxury destination in the Whitsundays. The island is home to the InterContinental Resort, which offers 5-star accommodation alongside curated experiences from local providers.
Which Whitsunday Islands Should You Visit?
Regardless of where you choose to spend the night in the Whitsundays, your time in the Whitsundays should be spent frolicking on the waves or hiking the natural rainforests. Here are the islands in the Whitsundays that are worth including in your itinerary.
Whitsunday Island
The eponymous Whitsunday Island is the biggest island in the region, and more importantly, where you can witness the pearly white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Whitsunday sailing tours like the New Horizon and the Atlantic Clipper include a visit to Whitehaven Beach and guided tours to the nearby Hill Inlet Lookout for a postcard-worthy view of the naturally forming silica swirls.
Hook Island
Hook Island is worth visiting for snorkelling and scuba diving adventures at Manta Ray Bay. This location is aptly named ‘The Aquarium’ by local tour operators and divers for its abundance of fish life, from Maori Wrasse (George) to Giant Trevally.
Langford Island
Langford Island’s standout feature is its 800m-long sandbar or spit, which surfaces at low tide. The Langford Spit is also home to a coral reef that can be explored at high tide. Its secluded location also makes it ideal for picnics, beach parties, and sunbathing.
South Molle Island
South Molle Island is classified as a national park, but remains open to the public. Visitors can explore 16km of walking/cycling tracks on the island, go golfing at the local 9-hole course, and swim and snorkel in Bauer Bay. There are also camping grounds at Paddle Bay and Sandy Bay for adventurous travellers.