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When you're on a road trip along the east coast of Australia, one of your must-see places has to be the Whitsunday Islands. This incredible group of 74 islands located just over 50 kilometres from Airlie Beach on the Queensland coast is at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
In this blog, first we’ll take a look at what makes The Whitsundays so special, then give you an inside track into some of the best Whitsunday Tour packages, and how to book them easily. We've done the comparing of all Whitsunday tours & packages for you and have listed our favourites below. Your road trip planning life just got a whole lot easier.
What makes the Whitsundays so special?
The Whitsunday Islands are as close to paradise on earth as you will get. With pristine, white unspoiled beaches and crystal clear blue and azure waters, their natural beauty is spectacular. The swirling mixture of blue and turquoise water is caused by fine sediment in the relatively shallow ocean, which allows the almost constant sunshine to create the swirling iridescent shades of blue in the water.
Talking of the sea, it’s also the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef system on the planet stretches an incredible 2300 kilometres up the Queensland coast to Cairns and can be seen from outer space. Like The Whitsundays, it’s a mecca for snorkelling and diving. A boat trip from Airlie Beach to the Whitsundays can take you to some great dive sites.
Many of the 74 islands are uninhabited, so you can find your own little bit of secluded heaven on earth. As well as giving you the most insane shots for Insta, the sheer jaw-dropping beauty of the islands is a sight to behold.
Enter paradise: the Whitsunday Islands are a must-see when roadtripping in Australia
You may have seen “It’s always sunny in Philadelphia”, but we can promise you, it really is always sunny in The Whitsundays! The Whitsunday Islands enjoy a tropical climate with 300 days of sunshine a year, warm sea water at around 25 degrees Celsius and average temperatures of 27 degrees. You may need some layers for evening or if it’s breezy, but the message is, “Come on over, the weather’s lovely!”
The Whitsunday Islands are also easy to reach if you’re on the east coast or using the Spaceships depot at Airlie Beach. Stop on your Queensland road trip or drop off at Airlie beach and take your Whitsunday tour package at the end of your trip.
If you are looking to do more activities on your East Coast Tour, that’s another great reason to take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands. As well as great diving and snorkelling in safe waters, the sailing and fishing is excellent. Have a go at kayaking or paddle boarding, and there are all kinds of boat trips with rafts, water slides and water skiing available. On top of that, there is the chance to fly or sky dive over the coast.
The best Whitsunday tour packages – all in one place!
Now let’s take a look at some of the best Whitsundays tours that you can book in one place, so you can book your best Whitsunday Island tour. In this case, “best” can mean different things to different travellers. It could be cheapest, quickest, most popular or real once in a lifetime adventures. Our best Whitsunday packages feature all of those! No matter which one you choose, it'll always be one item you can cross off your bucket list.
We’re highlighting our favourite Whitsunday island packages. There are so many Whitsunday Island tour packages to choose from, so we've created this list to make your roadtripping life even easier.
Best value Whitsunday tours
These tours are a bang for your buck if you’re on a budget: 3 fantastic Whitsunday Island tours that won’t break the bank.
Hamilton Island day trips with a free lunch at Marina Tavern
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Well, guess what…? This is a day tour from 7am – 6pm from Airlie Beach. Cruise to Hamilton Island, tuck into a free pub style lunch at the Marina Tavern with access to all the resort facilities. Use the beach side resort pool and Catseye beach, or explore the island’s bushwalks before a scenic return cruise back to Airlie beach.
- What we love: All inclusive trip, great crew and a free lunch thrown in.
- Keep in mind: It’s an early start. You need to check in well before the 7.15am departure. Other resort activities are available for an additional cost.
- Price, availability and how to book: more info about the Hamilton Island day trips
Whitsundays Sunset Sail
This is an early evening 2 hour trip on a gaff-rigged schooner to watch the sun go down. Enjoy this sunset cruise with a free on board cheese buffet and well, what else, a sundowner in your hand! Leaves Airlie Beach at 5pm, returning at 7pm.
- What we love: Who doesn’t love watching the sun set on the ocean? Great value with a drink and a snack included.
- Keep in mind: It goes cooler after sunset, so bring some layers. You can’t bring your own drinks, but an EFTPOS licenced bar is on board.
- Price, availability and how to book: more info about the amazing Whitsundays Sunset Sail
Experience amazing colours on your Whitsundays sunset tour | photo: Whitsundays Sunset Sail
Whitehaven Beach Club
An 8 hour trip on a fast cat to give you 5 hours at the exclusive Whitehaven Beach Club. Includes access to Beach Club facilities like stand up paddle boards, beach cricket and sun umbrellas. Spend 5 hours on the beach or take a self guided walk to the south Whitehaven look out.
- What we love: Fast passage to Whitehaven Beach Club with free paddle boarding included
- Keep in mind: Optional extras like snorkelling and a buffet lunch prepared by a local Airlie Beach restaurant are extra.
- Price, availability and how to book: all info about the Whitehaven Beach Club
Most popular Whitsunday Island Tours
They’re popular for a reason – they’re great, mate! These fantastic tours are among the most popular on our Travello app. But book early, as they are the most likely to sell out first.
Atlantic Clipper 2 night Whitsundays sailing tour
The Atlantic Clipper is the number 1 social boat in the Whitsundays with air-conditioned cabins, a huge waterslide & hot tub. Your 2 day/2 night tour on a clipper is a party from start to finish, with all meals included, free access to two water slides, an on board jacuzzi, a 6m dive board, all equipment including snorkelling gear. Accommodation in 2-berth cabins with air con and showers. Whale watching from July to September.
- What we love: Great facilities and fun, heaps to see and do and all inclusive. Afternoon departure and return.
- Keep in mind: Bookings are on request and there is a surcharge for trips on public holidays, paid on boarding
- Price, availability and how to book: check out all details of the Atlantic Clipper package
There are heaps of reasons why this is such a popular tour: it's AWESOME | photo: Atlantic Clipper
Ocean Rafting Day Tour: Snorkelling and Whitehaven Beach Adventure
This small group ocean raft gives you more snorkelling time in 2 remote sites. Dive the spectacular reefs around Hook Island and get guided walks and talks with a bushwalk to Hill Inlet.
- What we love: Choice of tours with either more time snorkelling, or more time chillin’ on the beach. Free snorkel gear on both tours.
- Keep in mind: Lunch is optional and will cost extra, payable on boarding, with optional flight tour also available as an extra.
- Price, availability and how to book: see all details of the Ocean Rafting Day Tour
Siska 2 Day/1 Night Whitsundays Sailing Tour plus Great Barrier Reef
A small group overnight Whitsunday Islands sailing experience with the chance to become one of the crew, or just kick back and enjoy the wind in your hair on the deck of this fast maxi yacht. Meals, snacks and coffee included, as well as all snorkelling gear and tuition. National Park and Marine Fees included too.
- What we love: The chance to crew on a classic yacht with great snorkelling on the great barrier reef at Whitehaven Beach
- Keep in mind: On board accommodation is a shared open style cabin with shared bathroom facilities
- Price, availability and how to book: all info about the Siska Whitsundays Tour
The fastest Whitsunday tour packages
These packages are guaranteed to give you a good time when you don’t have much time! If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a fast and furious tour of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach coast.
Jet Ski Tour – Airlie Beach
Take a 1 hour high speed, white knuckle Jet Ski tour of the Airlie Beach coast. Power through the clear blue waters or pause to feed the sea turtles and see lots of marine life up close. It’s a Scooby–Dooby Sea-Doo Ski experience in just 60 minutes!
- What we love: No experience required, jet-skis for 2 with a qualified guide to help if you want it.
- Keep in mind: If you don’t show up at your booked time you could lose your booking as a no-show
- Price, availability and how to book: all info is listed here, it'll get you excited about exploring the Whitsundays by jetski
Whitsundays Half Day Sea Kayaking Tour
Explore the Whitsunday Islands on a high-quality stable kayak. Beginners welcome with refreshments, dry bags and snorkelling equipment provided. Transport from Airlie Beach available and experienced guides lead the tour.
- What we love: It’s environmentally friendly and a bit of a work out. After a morning’s kayaking, you’ll earn that cold beer at lunchtime!
- Keep in mind: Your trip may be cancelled or re-scheduled in heavy rain or if the wind exceeds 20 knots
- Price, availability and how to book: check out all info about these amazing kayak tours
Explore the beautiful Whitsundays by kayak & encounter unique wildlife! | photo: Whitsundays Sea Kayaking Tour
Whitsundays Half Reef Scenic Flight
This is definitely a Whitsundays bucket list experience, because this 1 hour flight in a small single propeller plane is an unforgettable experience. Get a bird’s eye view of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and the Great Barrier Reef on this scenic flight over The Whitsunday Islands.
- What we love: It’s a small group of 4 maximum and everybody gets a window seat. Don’t forget your camera!
- Keep in mind: There is an individual weight limit of 125kgs.
- Price, availability and how to book: all info about scenic flights to see the Whitsundays from above
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime
The Whitsundays aren’t just a destination - they’re an experience that stays with you long after the trip is over. From the thrill of gliding over vivid reefs to the serenity of walking barefoot on untouched beaches, every moment is a reminder of nature’s magic. A tour here isn’t just about seeing -it’s about feeling connected to the breathtaking beauty of the world. One thing is for sure: it’ll be a good day, mate!