Australia: The Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef
Whitehaven Beach, coral cays, and the world's largest reef system
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Airlie Beach (Abell Point Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Airlie Beach (Abell Point Marina)
- Best season
- June – October
- Total distance
- 100 NM
Overview
The Whitsunday Islands are 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef — one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. This 7-day itinerary explores the best of the Whitsundays, from the legendary Whitehaven Beach to the outer reef, with world-class snorkelling, diving, and natural beauty.
Highlights
- Whitehaven Beach — purest silica sand
- Heart Reef helicopter flight
- Great Barrier Reef snorkelling
- Hamilton Island
- Hill Inlet lookout
- Humpback whale watching (July-Sept)
Day by day
Day 1: Airlie Beach — Gateway to the Whitsundays
Airlie Beach
Morning: Board at Abell Point Marina. Welcome reception with Australian sparkling wine and tropical fruits.
Afternoon: Cruise to Daydream Island for a first taste of the Whitsundays. Snorkel the Living Reef lagoon.
Evening: Anchor in a sheltered bay and enjoy a barbecue dinner aboard — Australian wagyu beef, local prawns, and tropical fruits.
Day 2: Hamilton Island
Airlie Beach → Hamilton Island · 12 nm
Morning: Cruise to Hamilton Island, the most developed of the Whitsundays. Visit the wildlife park to see koalas and crocodiles.
Afternoon: Hike to Passage Peak for panoramic views of the islands. Visit the Hamilton Island Yacht Club designed by Walter Barda.
Evening: Dinner at Bommie, the island's finest restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine with reef views.
Day 3: Whitehaven Beach — Pure Paradise
Hamilton Island → Whitehaven Beach · 8 nm
Morning: Cruise to Whitehaven Beach, a 7km stretch of the purest silica sand in the world (98% pure). The sand doesn't retain heat.
Afternoon: Hike to the Hill Inlet lookout for the iconic swirling sand and turquoise water view. Swim and relax on the beach.
Evening: Dinner aboard anchored off Whitehaven, with the beach glowing white in the moonlight.
Day 4: Hook Island — Underwater World
Whitehaven Beach → Hook Island · 10 nm
Morning: Cruise to Hook Island, home to the best snorkelling in the Whitsundays. Visit Luncheon Bay and Butterfly Bay.
Afternoon: Snorkel the fringing reef — giant clams, Maori wrasse, turtles, and colourful coral gardens. Explore the underwater observatory.
Evening: Anchor in Nara Inlet and visit the Aboriginal rock art in the caves. Dinner aboard in the sheltered fjord-like inlet.
Day 5: Hayman Island — Luxury Retreat
Hook Island → Hayman Island · 8 nm
Morning: Cruise to Hayman Island, home to the InterContinental Hayman Island resort. The island is surrounded by pristine reef.
Afternoon: Enjoy the resort's facilities — spa, infinity pool, and nature walks. Snorkel Blue Pearl Bay, one of the best reef sites in the Whitsundays.
Evening: Dinner at Pacific, the resort's signature restaurant, or aboard with the island as backdrop.
Day 6: Great Barrier Reef — Outer Reef
Hayman Island → Outer Reef · 30 nm
Morning: Cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef — the world's largest coral reef system, visible from space.
Afternoon: Snorkel or dive the outer reef — the coral is more vibrant and diverse here than the inner reef. Spot reef sharks, manta rays, and giant potato cod. Helicopter flight over Heart Reef (optional).
Evening: Return towards the inner islands. Dinner aboard celebrating the reef experience.
Day 7: Return to Airlie Beach
Outer Reef → Airlie Beach · 25 nm
Morning: Final morning snorkel at a pristine reef. Cruise back through the islands, stopping for a last swim.
Afternoon: Return to Abell Point Marina. Disembark and transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Evening: Or extend your stay at one of the island resorts — InterContinental Hayman, qualia on Hamilton Island, or Elysian Retreat.
Couples · Snorkellers · Nature Lovers · Honeymooners