5 May 2018
Whitehaven Beach is a definite “must-see” during your stay at Airlie Beach. As soon as you see it, it’s easy to understand why it is the most photographed beach in Australia and has been named “Queensland’s Most Beautiful Beach”.
Sink your toes into the white silica sands of famous Whitehaven Beach, recently voted the ‘Best Beach in the South Pacific’ and ‘Best beach in Australia’ in the 2016 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards.
The seven-kilometre stretch of white silica sands and crystal clear waters is pristine and untouched by development, taking out the number one spot for the fourth consecutive year in a row. Spend the day on the beach or explore the breathtaking beauty of Hill Inlet, a stunning cove at the northern end of the beach where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a swirling fusion of turquoise colours.
There are several ways to experience the beauty of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Many companies offer day trips to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet by ferry, power boat or luxury yacht. Most overnight sailing trips also stop here.
For the best view, journey to the lookout at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island. Time your lookout experience on low tide to fully experience the beautiful swirling sands. For bareboats, the best spot to anchor is in Tongue Bay, and tender into the beach to commence the short walk up the hill to the lookout across Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach and back down the other side to the secluded beach at the tip of Hill Inlet.
Self-sufficient boaties and campers can even anchor overnight off the beach, or book a national park campsite and camp on the southern end of the iconic Whitehaven Beach itself.
Scenic helicopter and seaplane flights over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet promise amazing aerial views as the magical waters and sand dance together below. However you choose to explore Whitehaven Beach, it will be an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.