White Sundays – Whitesundays – Whitsundays
No Matter How you spell it – This is an Australian Paradise
White Sundays is correctly spelt “Whitsundays” but do not worry you have arrived at the right place to learn more about this beautiful aquatic playground on the North East Coast of Australia. The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands stretching form Mackay to Bowen but the main port and gateway to these tropical islands is in Airlie Beach. This bustling seaside town is a tourism hot spot for tourists for all ages. Most tours depart from the 2 marinas in Airlie and range from fast day boats with 1200hp to ex racing yachts conducting over night charters. No Mater what your taste for adventure the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach will have something for you.
Over Night Sailing Tour Options for Adventure Travellers
Avatar 2 Days 2 Nights
$534 $399
Spank Me 2 Days 2 Nights
$474 $374
Mandrake 2 Days 2 Nights
$474 $374
The White Sundays / Whitsundays Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Known for their beautiful surroundings, the islands lie in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Because the islands are part of Whitsunday Islands National Park, most of them are uninhibited. Four of the islands however, do offer different forms of accommodation, with options ranging from luxury and family resorts, to eco style hotels.The islands are renowned for their easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and beautiful beaches, as well as waters that are known worldwide for amazing sailing and yachting.
The islands are also ideal for sailing, you can easily rent a boat to sail and operate yourself, or take a tour. Tour boats trips will usually anchor off uninhabited islands where you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and observe wildlife. From May until September, Humpback Whales also consider the islands home; over these months they raise their young in the reef. If you are visiting the area between May and September, take the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in the wild. Because the islands are located inside The Great Barrier Reef, a choice activity is to go scuba diving and snorkeling. Underwater you can see the biggest coral reef in the world in all its glory, and revel in the beauty of the sea creatures living there. Overall the Whitsunday Islands are a great option for travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature, the ocean and island life.
Whitehaven Beach The Jewel in the Crown
Whitehaven beach is one of the most well known beaches in Australia. With silky white sand and crystal clear waters it is the ideal place to visit whilst holidaying in the region. Located on Whitsunday Island, off the coast of Queensland, Whitehaven beach is easily accessible by boat, seaplane and helicopter. Proud of its immaculate appearance, neither smoking nor dogs are allowed on the pristine white sands. With incredibly pure sand at 98% silica, even in the hottest days the sand stays cool. The beach is 7km long, and is a must see if you are visiting the Whitsunday Islands. Both locals and tourists alike visit frequently to barbeque, swim and relax.
To visit the beach, it is ideal to begin from Airlie Beach, taking either a boat or form of air travel there’s The advantages of taking a boat to Whitehaven Beach include being able to stay longer and gain some privacy once those that travelled by air have left. Travelling by air, whether it be helicopter or plane, offers wonderful views of the beach from above, and gives you time to swim in the turquoise waters and enjoy the immaculate beach. Taking a overnight chartered sailing cruise is also an option, these crewed tours can range from 1 to 3 nights and have options from backpackers to luxury, it will give you the chance to stay the night by anchoring nearby. This way, in the evening and morning you will be able to see the beach in solitude before the day trips arrive.
When at the beach there are a variety of things to do including swimming, barbecuing and hiking. It’s an amazing experience to swim in the clear Australian water, and you can also bring along a snorkel to spot some wildlife from the nearby Great Barrier Reef. When visiting the beach, it is convenient to bring along a picnic lunch, with food to barbecue. It’s always relaxing to cook on the beach! Another fun activity is hiking, and while the hikes are short, they can be strenuous so make sure you are in good physical shape! There are several spots to hike to on either end of the beach. The first is Hill Inlet. On the Northern end of the beach, it is a quick hike uphill in order to reach the viewpoint. From the inlet, there are superb views of not only Whitehaven Beach, but also Whitsunday Island surrounding it. Most tours tend to visit either the northern or southern ends of the beach, Overall Whitehaven beach, lives up to its name, it really is a white sand haven! Enjoy the immaculate beach, named the top in Australia by many different organizations, and the many different activities it had to offer!
The Great Barrier Reef Surrounding The Whitsundays
Renowned for being the world’s largest system of coral, the Great Barrier Reef is a superb destination for avid nature lovers or explorers looking to check one of the most awe inspiring places in the world off their bucket list. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the reef is colossal, stretching for 2300 kilometres. The ideal way to begin your Great Barrier Reef Adventure is by going on an excursion beginning from the White Sundays where a large number of tour operators are located.There are a plethora of different ways to see the reef, but the most popular include: scuba diving and snorkeling, sailing and by air. The reef is dwindling quickly due to climate change, so make sure to visit soon in order to see as much as you can!
The best way to experience the sea life living in the reef, is to see it in its natural habitat: underwater. You can easily go snorkeling or scuba diving(diving does require a certification). There are is almost an infinite number of places in the reef to go snorkeling or diving, and that’s why taking a tour is recommended. The tour guides will take you to the best spots for the season in which you’re visiting, and will know how to avoid the dangers of the reef.
If you aren’t interested in immersing yourself in the water, then sailing through the reef may be for you. There are day trips, or overnight excursions that offer tourists the opportunity to explore uninhabited islands around the area. Boats will usually anchor within swimming distance of beautiful coves, where you can go snorkeling, or if you prefer, you can observe the beauty of the reef while staying on the boat. Some boats even have glass bottoms! When choosing a boat tour there are a variety of different options offered, ranging from group tours, to chartering a private boat and crew, or renting your own boat to sail yourself! Have fun on your exploration of the reef and stay safe!
Overall the Great Barrier Reef is a place that everyone should see in their lifetime. It has viable things to do for everyone! The reef is disappearing quickly due to the environmental changes that we’re facing, so you should try to visit as soon as possible. If you decide to go scuba diving or snorkeling, sailing or on an air excursion enjoy the wonderful scenery and amazing sightseeing opportunities!
Whitsundays / White Sundays Day Tours To Whitehaven Beach
There are a variety of day tours offered by many different providers, ranging in length from a half day to a full day. Usually on these tours you make stops at the most beautiful places in the Whitsunday Islands such as Whitehaven Beach. There are so many different tours offered that you will surely find something that fits your travel style. Popular options include relaxing beach excursions and sightseeing at Hamilton Island.
On a Whitsundays day, most operators stop at Whitehaven Beach for at least 90 mins and usually include another snorkel location or 2. picnic lunch is normally included. There are so many different tours that you will be able to easily find something that works with your travel itinerary goals.
Prices can be affordable or quite expensive depending on the style of day cruise that you choose. For a half day tour to Whitehaven Beach prices are around $100 AUD per adult. For a full day tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island tickets cost around $160 AUD per adult.
One tour we recommend is ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour, this tour visits Whitehaven Beach 2 snorkel locations and Palm Bay Resort on Long Island. This boat is different from the other for 2 reasons, Its a fast ride with a 1200 Horsepower boat and they operate Dynamic Pricing with Seats starting as low as $85 fully inclusive for the day
Overall, a day tour of the White sunday Islands is a great option if you are vacationing in Queensland and looking to explore the tropics. The islands and sea that will surround you on your tour are incredibly scenic, with lush green forests and turquoise waters. There are activities for any type of traveller in the Whitsundays, and you will surely enjoy you visit.
Airlie Beach Gateway to the White Sundays Islands
Airlie Beach, a coastal town located in the state of Queensland, Australia, is an incredibly popular destination for both gap year backpackers and families. The town has a Scottish heritage, with its name originating from the Parish of Airlie. Although there are many activities, some of the most popular are the town’s man made swimming lagoon and going on wildlife safaris. Airlie Beach is also one of the main departure points for other well known destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. If you decide to visit Airlie Beach, make sure to bring sunscreen, and to drink lots of water, because the daily average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius!
No Matter how you spend your Whitsundays – Whitesundays – White Sundays Holiday you will be left with memories that will last forever