Local Guide To 30 Fun Things To Do In Whitsundays

Whitsundays is a heavenly destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Australia, with its vast blue sky and turquoise seas. You’ll never be short on things to do here, so start planning your trip with our comprehensive guide to fun activities, weather, and tour packages in Whitsundays!

Quick Weather Guide To Whitsundays

Before we get started, let’s have a quick glance at the general weather and climate of Whitsunays:

Top 30 Things To Do In Whitsundays

Watch Whales In Winter

The Whitsundays are a beautiful location for whale watching, as the warm winter temperatures and calm waters make it an ideal spot for female whales to give birth. You can often see mother and calf pairs swimming and playing together, as well as pods of whales breaching at the surface. Adolescent males can also be spotted on their first migration back up north without their mothers.

Learn To Sail

As the weather in spring and summer gets warmer, it is the perfect time to set sail on your very own ocean adventure in Whitsundays. For one thing, here in the Whitsundays, there are plenty of sailing courses to get you started. You can learn all the skills you need to master the seas and make this a summer you’ll never forget.

Overlook The Island With Scenic Flights

There’s nothing quite like watching the stretch of blue ocean from above. From the sky, you can see how small you are in comparison to the vastness of the ocean. You’ll realize how majestic the scenery in Whitsundays is, with all the lively reef and breeze playing with your hair.

Dive Into The Marine World With Snorkeling

The Whitsundays are a group of islands located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to see amazing underwater wildlife. Snorkeling is the best way to explore the underwater world here. You can see a wide variety of fish, coral, and other marine life. With that being said, here are some options for your underwater journey:

• Hardy Reef
• Dumbell Island
• Bait Reef
• Blue Pearl Bay
• Black Island

Rent Your Own Island

Welcome to Camp Island, your very own private island in the Whitsundays archipelago. With 74 islands in the Whitsundays, Camp Island is one of the few that remains hidden and untouched. Up to eight guests can enjoy Cape Upstart National Park, lush coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and isolated beaches on The Whitsundays’ second most northerly island.

Browse And Shop At Local Sunday Markets

Local markets are the best places to understand an area’s culture and find fresh ingredients. They’re usually packed with stalls selling local produce, art, craft, souvenirs, food and handmade items – there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a reminder of your holiday, a gift for a friend or just a vibrant morning out, make sure you visit Whitsunday Saturday Markets!

Visit Living Reef Aquariums

The Living Reef is an excellent place for marine life observation and learning, as it houses over 100 species of local fish, small sharks, rays and other reef-dwelling creatures. And the best part about this aquarium is that this coral lagoon surrounds the central building on Daydream Island and spans 200m.

Sightsee The Heart Reef

Indeed, the best way to see the Heart Reef in the Whitsundays is from the sky! The Heart Reef is a stunning composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart. It’s located in the Great Barrier Reef of the Whitsundays and it’s definitely a sight to see.

Chase Waterfalls

During the wet season, maybe it isn’t best to set your sail to the ocean. But there are plenty of waterfalls you can explore, and even swimming under them. I can guarantee it is an experience you won’t soon forget. So here some of the best waterfalls in Whitsundays:

• Cedar Creek Falls
• Coral Beach Waterfall
• Nara Inlet Waterfall
• Luncheon Bay Waterfall
• Stonehaven Waterfall

Hop On A Glass Bottom Boat

If you’re interested in exploring the underwater world but not quite ready to snorkel yet, then a glass bottom boat tour in the Whitsundays is a perfect activity for you in the perfect weather of winter. For instance, from the boat, you’ll be able to spot plenty of marine life like turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish and corals. Also, if you’re lucky enough, you may even spot whales from here!

Ride On A Jet Ski

For one thing, zooming over the vast blue ocean in a jet ski motor under the ideal weather of Whitsundays is an experience that outdoor lovers shouldn’t miss. With the mesmerizing view in your sight, this would be an exciting adventure you won’t forget any time soon.

Try Some On-Board Watersport

Indeed, cruising and boating can be more fun that just sightseeing. There are plenty of boat services provide on-board activities like water slides, so if you’re looking for something unique, this is the way to have fun in the middle of the ocean and under the ideal winter weather of Whitsundays with your friends.

Go On A Hike

There’s more to life than just the ocean! For instance, there are plenty of walking trails you can explore to get some exercise and stay healthy. In some perfect weather of Whitsundays, you can also stroll along the coast and take in the whole view of the pretty beach.

Try Ocean Rafting

Above all, Ocean Rafting is an adventurous way to boat with a faster pace. You can also try snorkeling with Ocean Rafting or make a stop at the Whitsunday National Park. Ocean Rafting is also the only vessel allowed to go inside Hill Inlet’s swirling sands!

Go Swimming

While this is so obvious, many people let the fun of swimming in this clear body of water go unnoticed. So, swimming in the crystal-clear water at any of the beaches in the Whitsundays is a must! The water is so refreshing and you can have so much fun playing with friends or just floating around and soaking up the sun.

Get Fancy With Whitsunday Hot Rod

What goes better with this beautiful view than a classic zoom on a classic car? Nothing! Picture yourself in an Old Hollywood movie and hop on one of their Betsy and Letty models to get the feel of an A-listed star. Don’t just travel, travel in style!

Watch The Sunrise And Sunset

There’s something about watching the sun set or rise over the horizon when you’re by the ocean that is just incomparable to any other experience. Maybe it’s because you’re getting to witness firsthand the beauty of nature and the cycle of life playing out before your very eyes. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely a moment worth savoring and one you won’t want to miss while you’re on vacation.

Take Pictures With The 27 Murals Around Bowen

Bowen is most well-known for the many murals located throughout the town—which make for some great Instagram photos! These street arts are not only beautiful but they also help bring out the local colors and character of the area. It’s definitely worth trekking up the hill to check them out!

Party On A Yacht

Partying on a yacht is the perfect way to spend a summer day or night. You can enjoy the company of your friends while surrounded by beautiful views of the sea. If you don’t want a loud party, you can have a small cocktail party on the balcony of your yacht. Overall, all you need is good music and good friends!

Fish On-Board

The feeling of your fishing rod moving cannot be beat. It’s a reward for your patience and can result in a fantastic meal. But some fish are meant to be protected, so make sure you get clear information from your instructors. Many boating tour packages in the Whitsundays will take you to some of the most abundant marine life like Clownfish, Maori Wrasse, Surgeonfish, and so many more.

Ride A Mountain Bike On South Molle Island

Aside from swimming, another great way to explore the islands is by riding your bike up the steep hills. With just a bike, you can immerse yourself in the rolling green hills of Australian Bush and take in the spectacular blue vistas.

Interact With Kangaroos

You’ve come to Australia, which gives you the chance to see their national animal, kangaroos. Most of them are in Cape Hillsborough. And most wildlife tour packages in Whitsundays also include a kangaroo tour. But there are plenty of other species you can spot and interact with on this island. For example, you can also see Proserpine Rock Wallabies in Hamilton Island.

Watch Turtles

Australia is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with all six of the world’s sea turtle species! On a day or overnight Whitsunday Islands sailing package tour, you’ll likely encounter these rare creatures. If you’re snorkeling in Blue Pearl Bay or Langford Reef, you may see green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles. Give turtles space while swimming alongside them and be sure to have your cameras ready to capture the moment!

Discover Ancient Rock Art

Come explore the Whitsundays Islands with Whitsundays Paradise Explorer tour package and discover some of the regions most ancient and sacred sites. Led by a local Aboriginal guide, you’ll get to experience firsthand the tidal beaches, rock art hidden on the islands, and even try your hand at spear-throwing while learning about the customs and traditions of The Whitsundays’ earliest inhabitants.

Dive To Admire Whitsunday’s Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail

Take a break from admiring sculptures on the mainland and check out the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail! This project by Whitsundays Reef Recovery and Public Art Project is a collection of underwater sculptures created by Australian artists, installed across the Whitsundays Region at Langford Island, Manta Ray Bay and Blue Pearl Bay.

Eat A Bowen Mango (And Visit The Big Mango)

For the best mango experience, Bowen is the place to be. This is where you’ll find the Bowen Mango, accounting for over 80% of Australia’s annual commercial mango market. With a distinctive flavor and aroma, it’s definitely worth a try. And while you’re at it, take a quick picture with The Big Mango of Bowen in Bowen Visitor Information Centre. You can also try some delicious local mango sorbet here.

Explore The Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

Aside from the variety of cute animals, Whitsundays is also home to saltwater crocodiles. With Whitsunday Crocodile Safari tour package, you can explore and learn more about Goorganga Plains on a tractor-drawn wagon train. Discover the vegetation and wildlife in a freshwater wetland habitat while getting an up-close look at some of the most feared predators in the world!

Get Cozy At Secret Beaches On The Islands

If you’re looking to get away from the large crowds, then you’ll want to check out these secluded beaches that are off the beaten path. Here in the Whitsundays, we’ve got plenty of hidden gems when it comes to beaches. So if you’re hoping to find a little piece of paradise all to yourself, look no further than these spots:

• Cannonvale Beach
• Langford Island
• Long Island
• Crayfish Beach
• Cateran Bay
• Rose Bay
• Cape Gloucester

Get Competitive With Whitsundays’ Races

Do you have a competitive streak? If so, why not sign up for one of these fun races? You could sail, fish or go-kart race your way to the top and who knows, you may even win first prize! It would make a great souvenir.

• Go-Kart Racing Track
• Hamilton Island Race Week
• Airlie Beach Race Week

Admire The Magical Blue Ulysses Butterflies

Don’t miss your chance to see the Ulysses butterfly in person – something that’s much more special than seeing it in a picture. Hook Island’s Butterfly Bay is home to these butterflies year-round, and if you time your visit right, you can see them take off en masse over the water every morning and afternoon in the perfect weather of Whitsundays. Add this stop to your itinerary for a truly memorable experience.

Common Whitsundays Tour Packages

Here are some common Whitsundays Tour Packages that include the listed activities:

• Fraser Island & Whitsundays Coastal Hop
• Hamilton Island & Whitsundays Holiday Packages
• Hill Inlet & Whitehaven Beach Tours
• Sea and Sky Combo
• Sacred Voyage Tours 
• Whitsundays Scenic Flight & Boat Tour
• Ultimate Whitsundays Combo
• Airlie Beach Tandem Skydive
• Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight and Cruise Day Tour in Whitsundays
• Whitehaven Cruise & Reef Sail
• Whitehaven & Sunset Combo
• Dive, Beach & Fly Combo
• Ride & Glide
• Airlie Adrenaline

Essential Tips For Visiting Whitsundays

• Always carry insect repellent with you
• Be cautious of snakes and spiders
• Note the flags. Red flags signal the beach is closed, and yellow flags suggest unsafe swimming conditions
• Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen
• “Stinger season” is October through May, when box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish are abundant and may sting severely
• Purchase good travel insurance
• Pack a small medical kit for emergency
• Stay hydrated
• You can dial 000 for emergency
• Unexpected storms may pop up, including cyclones

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