If your visit to The Whitsundays is short and sweet then the following five activities should be included on your bucket of things that you must see and do when you visit.
1. Whitehaven Beach
The most iconic Australian Beach featured in many marketing campaigns with its blinding silica white sandy beaches and crystal blue clear waters is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Consistently voted in the top 10 of best beaches in Australia (and in the world), a visit to the Whitsundays would simply not be complete without a visit to this spectacular and stunning beach.
2.Hill Inlet
The second iconic image of the Whitsundays is the breathtaking views from the Hill Inlet Lookout. This moderate 40 minute round trip walk on Whitsunday Island takes you through picturesque flora and fauna as you learn about the Ngaro Aboriginal people, the Whitsunday traditional owners. Once you reach the lookout enjoy the beautiful views and witness the magic of the changing colours in the water as the tides shift. Often you can see sting rays, turtles and fish in the waters below. Many tours combine a visit to Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet walk in a day cruise.
3. Scenic Flight over the reef
We know you came to snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef and meet our friendly marine life but to get a much greater appreciation of the size and beauty of the islands and reefs in the Whitsunday a scenic helicopter or sea plane flight is an absolute must. Whilst it can be on the pricey side, it is definitely money well spent as you take in the reef from a different perspective as far as the eye can see. TIP: One of the best spots to fly over is Heart Reef for some amazing photos of this unique shaped lagoon.
4.Langford Reef
Langford Island is a unique sand island surrounded by reef and is a perfect spot for a picnic onshore and a swim or snorkel. The island is a long sand spit that actually disappears completely at high tide. The nearby reef is also suitable for snorkelling and diving where scattered bommies and shallow walls can be found at the eastern end of the island. TIP: Enquire about high and low tides so that you can set up a picnic onshore. Please note there are no facilities or protection from the sun so come prepared for your visit.
5. Go Sailing
The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 islands and secluded bays and beaches so there is no better place than to go on a sailing tour or perhaps hire your own and go ‘bareboating’. Slow down, take in the balmy tropical weather and listen to the sounds of the water crashing against the side of the boat or have a champagne at sunset. This peaceful activity will make you want to pack your bags for a sea change to escape the daily grind. TIP: Smaller sail boats can often venture to secret and secluded bays and beaches that larger catamarans cannot go to thus ensuring you have a small piece of paradise to yourself. It would be criminal to visit The Whitsundays and not go sailing. This is what you came for!
To make the most of the Whitsundays Islands these activities should definitely be added to your bucket list. To browse more activities and plan your visit to The Whitsundays click the link below.