There are two airports that service the Whitsundays, the Proserpine Airport which services commercial airlines and the Whitsundays Airport, a privately owned airport servicing residents and guests of the Whitsundays. Located on Shute Harbour Road, the Whitsundays Airport also services a number of tour operators who offer scenic flights over the Whitsundays.
September is often considered the best month to visit The Whitsundays as the climate is perfect and water temperatures are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and exploring the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. While summer is a popular time to visit, winter is often equally popular with visitors from southern parts of Australia has they head for warmer winter conditions in the north. This peak season sees an increase in the number of visitors as well as prices. October to May plays host to what is commonly known as Stinger season. Occurring in the northern Whitsundays waters, stinger season may bring the harmful box jellyfish and the Irukandji jellyfish, both of which can deliver a potentially fatal sting. Some visitors avoid this time of year, however stinger suits are available to help keep you safe and there are plenty of land based activities to enjoy including bush walking, sunbathing, fishing, shopping, dining and simply relaxing in the tropical sun.
Getting around the Whitsundays is easy thanks to excellent transport infrastructure. Car and campervan hire is a popular option however there is also a convenient and affordable shuttle service offering transfers from the airport to accommodation. A local bus company also provides services around the mainland of Airlie Beach and plenty of tour operators and launch transfers provide transport from the mainland to the surrounding islands.
Comprised of 74 islands, the Whitsundays is positively swimming in beaches however the two most famous beaches are Airlie Beach on the mainland and Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. More than just a beach, Airlie is a charming seaside town with plenty to offer, while Whitehaven Beach is popular for its secluded location, spectacular pure white sand and striking crystal waters.
Dining in the Whitsundays is designed to be enjoyed as much as the rest of your holiday and whether you are staying in a resort on the mainland or are visiting one of the islands, there are a fantastic range of restaurants and cuisines to treat your tastebuds. Airlie Beach on the mainland is home to the famous Déja vu restaurant as well as a wide range of other dining options.
The Whitsundays are one of the world's ultimate fishing destinations, offering keen fishermen (and women) the chance to snag everything from reef fish and pelagics to queenfish, marlin, mangrove jack, bass, emperor, bream, snapper, sailfish, kingfish, mackerel, barramundi, wahoo, cod, coral trout, tuna and trevally in the teeming waters.
If you want to get up close and personal with the tropical fish and marine life of the Whitsundays without reeling them in on a hook, there are also a great range of diving locations in the Whitsundays.
A fantastic way to experience the islands of the Whitsundays, enjoy a holiday Robinson Crusoe style in a number of popular camping locations. Including prime locations such as National Parks and the stunning Whitehaven Beach, most sites feature the basics like toilet facilities and camping tables. Camping permits are available for a small fee from Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
From regular weekly events like the markets, twilight yacht racing and live music to major annual events such as Great Barrier Feast, Hamilton Island Race Week and music festivals, there's always something happening in the Whitsundays. Its stunning location also makes it a popular place to hold corporate and private events and weddings.
A stunning location for the most important day of your life, weddings are extremely popular in the Whitsundays. With churches, chapels and spectacular outdoor locations available on the islands along the coastline, there's something to cater for the bride who wants a traditional big day to the bride who wants to walk barefoot on the sand. With plenty of function venues and resorts available to cater to you and your guests, photographers capture the perfect moment as the tropical sun sets.
Read our articles on a range of Whitsundays travel topics.
