The Whitsundays is a stunning cluster of 74 continental islands located 55 km (34 mi) off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, offering a tropical paradise with turquoise waters, swirling white sands, and picturesque secluded beaches. These islands are a popular tourist destination, attracting around 700,000 visitors between March 2008 and March 2009. Some of the most beautiful islands in the Whitsundays to visit include Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Island, Hayman Island, Long Island, Langford Island, and Keswick Island.
The islands are known for their world-class luxury accommodations, with notable resorts like Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef, Elysian Retreat, Palm Bay Resort (on Long Island), and Camp Island Lodge. The Whitsundays are a mecca for sailing, diving, and snorkeling due to their proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is a unique attraction, offering a mix of seaways and short walks across South Molle, Hook, and Whitsunday islands. Camping is available at eight camping areas on the three islands, providing an opportunity for more adventurous travelers to explore the natural beauty of the region.
To reach the Whitsundays, you can fly into Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) or Whitsundays Coast Airport (PPP), which service direct flights from various Australian cities. On the mainland, car hire is the easiest way to get around, but there are also options for moving between the mainland and islands, and between different islands.