The Whitsundays, the heart of the Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsundays are made up of 74 Island Wonders, on the beautiful tropical coast of Queensland, Australia. Right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, a visit to the Whitsundays is a feast for the senses. The stunning natural landscapes of coast and islands are dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns. The Whitsundays is world-famous for its clear aqua waters and iconic landscapes including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, and the perfectly shaped natural formation of Heart Reef. Whitehaven Beach is a pristine, award winning beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands. Whitehaven Beach stretches over seven kilometres and boasts brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world. Sink your feet into the sand and wade into the warm waves that gently lap the shore and you'll soon realise why people come here from all over the world.

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. Many people claim Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach are the most beautiful places they've ever seen. The lookout at Tongue Point is the best spot from which to view the swirling sands of Hill Inlet, so if you don't mind a short bushwalk, book your Whitehaven tour with an operator that visits the lookout. Elysian's dedicated resort vessel can take guests to Whitehaven Beach to explore and enjoy a beach picnic freshly prepared by the chef.

Swim, snorkel and scuba dive with thousands of brightly coloured fish and the diverse corals of the Great Barrier Reef and fringing reefs around islands such as Blue Pearl Bay and Fairey Reef. See the local wildlife it its natural habitat and witness diverse marine life including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs.

Snorkelling & Diving

Swim & snorkel and scuba dive with thousands of brightly coloured fish and the diverse corals of the outer Great Barrier Reef, and witness diverse marine life including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs. You can even see marine wildlife like turtles and stingray while snorkelling off the beach at the fringing reefs which surround most of the 74 islands of the Whitsundays.

Nature Photography

The Whitsundays provide a multitude of opportunity for stunning nature photography. If this is your passion, you will be delighted by the offerings. The Whitsundays has many high quality experiences in natural areas that showcase unique Australian environment and wildlife.

If you are lucky enough to visit during whale season, you might capture these gentle giants swimming past Elysian and Long Island.

Hiking

For anyone who enjoys hiking, the Whitsunday Islands offer awe-inspiring trails in the midst of scenic national parks, filled with everything from thick, lush rainforests and pristine white sand beaches to ancient caves and rock formations that date back centuries.

A short stroll or hearty hike - lace up and head out

Walking trails range from as just one or two kilometres to as long as seven and contain some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in Australia.

Sailing

A true sailing experience through the Whitsunday Islands on board the rare Australian classic yacht Lady Enid. Become involved as much or as little as you like, help set the sails, take a turn at the helm or lean back and relax and enjoy the uninterrupted beauty of the Whitsunday Islands.

Barefoot luxury at it's best, sailing to one of the world’s best beaches - Whitehaven Beach and visiting Hill Inlet and Betty's Beach. Snorkelling the Island reef's is also a highlight of this experience.