The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is a collection of 74 beautiful Great Barrier Reef islands. Visitors flock to the Whitsundays from around the globe to experience our world-class sailing and beautiful islands, many of which are uninhabited.

Skipper yourself and sail your very own luxury yacht, dropping anchor in pristine bays and inlets for a snorkel or dive. Or just sit back, relax and take in the beautiful surroundings a yacht charter in the Whitsundays has to offer.

The cost of hiring a yacht or catamaran to sail the Whitsundays is pretty similar to what you would pay for a hotel or resort in the Whitsundays, except that you have your own floating hotel room with different 360° views every day!

Explore lush rainforests on tropical islands, snorkel, dive or swim with colourful tropical fish, mantarays, turtles and dolphins and stroll along world famous Whitehaven Beach with its 7km stretch of pure white silica sand.

Seasons & Specials

High Season: Jan-Mar Best Specials and Offers
Mid Season: September and Christmas through New Year
Low Season: All the rest

Special Offers

Free night offers available outside of High Season. Anytime up to Christmas excluding School Holidays in 21 September - 7 October.

Whitsunday Region Race Weeks

10-16 August - Airlie Beach Race Week
17-25 August - Hamilton Island Race Week

Things to Do

  1. See Hill Inlet – a beautiful body of water with great views of the reefs
  2. Visit Whitehaven Beach an uninhabited island with one of the world's best beaches!
  3. Visit Airlie Beach Lagoon with its lush gardens
  4. See Hamilton Island Marina with the best in restaurants, shopping and more
  5. See the Heart Reef – a reef in the shape of a heart that will take your breath away.

Whitsundays Climate

The Whitsundays have a tropical climate, with year-round beautiful weather.

Temperature

Average temperatures are 23°C in Winter and 29°C in Summer. The wet season is from January to March.

Winds

April to September winds are east-south-easterly to southerly and stronger than in the summer. October to March lighter north-easterly winds prevail.

Tides

Tidal range is 4m

Exposure

The Islands are protected by the outer reef. If you have limited experience, ask us about extra sailguide training on your first day, or simple training you can undertake at before you arrive.

Useful Info

Language

English

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Bases

  • Shute Harbour
  • Hamilton Island
  • Abell Point Marina