Whitehaven Beach is a 7 km stretch along Whitsunday Island, Australia. The island is accessible by boat, seaplane & helicopter from Airlie Beach, as well as Hamilton Island.
15 pictures of Whitehaven Beach from Elena Emmy, Tim Shepherd, Pierre-Henry de Soria and other travelers
Discover the best tours and activities around Whitehaven Beach, Australia and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
View Whitehaven Beach on a map with the the closest popular places nearby
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Whitehaven Beach
🏖️ Coast spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Bay spots 🏞️ Loch spots 🌴 Tropics spotsAt the edge of the coral reef in Australia lies what is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whitehaven Beach is a small land paradise with crystal clear waters and pristine white sand on Whitsunday Island. The Whitsundays archipelago of 74 tropical islands is located just 34 miles (55 km) off the coast of Queensland, near the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach is a 4.3 miles (7 km) long stretch of white sand bordered by a tropical forest that flows into a small estuary, where the shades of turquoise form a work of art in constant motion.
The magic of Whitehaven beach is revealed at Hill Inlet in the northern part of the beach. Several lookouts offer us a bird's eye view of the entire beach, with the estuary in the foreground. Here the sun and the sand, 98% silica, highlight the crystal clear water of the Coral Sea in this small estuary that lives and reveals itself at the rhythm of the tides. Zodiacs and catamarans stop here, offering their guests a paradise for a day.
There is no hotel in this small lost paradise. Being located in the heart of a national park, the Australian government protects it from any construction. To have the chance to stay there and have it almost to yourself, you have to accept to go back to a very basic way of life and to camp there. A permit issued by the national park is mandatory. Camping on Whitehaven Beach is a nice time of disconnection. A moment where we live in total harmony with the natural and during which we appreciate every moment, every little gift that nature offers us: a bird song, the first rays of the sun...
Considering the clarity of the water, snorkeling is obviously the most recommended activity to discover marine life and have a chance to see corals.
The colors and beauty of Whitehaven beach can also be enjoyed from the air by taking a flight over the archipelago. Several companies offer a route, and sometimes push the journey to the Great Barrier Reef.
Camping on Whitehaven beach is a unique experience, but you have to be prepared!
First, you need a permit to camp. On the spot, you will have to show the reservation number on your tent so that the rangers don't charge you. Please note that only 36 places are available on the camp, so it is better to have a reservation.
You will also need to reserve a taxi boat to take you to and pick you up from the camp.
You will need camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag and stove because it is forbidden to light fires), water (a lot) and food.
The facilities are very basic on Whitehaven beach. At the camp, you will have just 1 ecological toilet and a wooden table. There is no garbage can, so plan to bring back ALL your waste on the mainland.
The best season to go to Whitehaven Beach is the dry season from May to November. The temperature is pleasant, and the jellyfish do not invade the crystal clear waters in which it is so pleasant to swim.
To start your expedition to Whitehaven Beach, you must automatically go to Airlie Beach. Here you will find hotels, bars, and all the agencies that will take you to discover Whitehaven beach, the coral reef, and many other gems of the Whitsunday Islands.
The nearest airport is Proserpine, and there is also Hamilton Island airport if you want to fly directly to the islands.
It's up to you to choose according to your desires and especially according to your budget.
Discover the best hotels around Whitehaven Beach, Australia and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com