Plan your ultimate Whitsundays adventure

You can visit the Whitsundays at any time of year, the temperate sub-tropical climate makes for balmy winter days, and cool ocean breezes take the sting out of the hot Queensland summer. School holidays tend to be busy, so planning around them can help you avoid the crowds.

Yes, various accommodation options in the Whitsundays suit different budgets and preferences. These include luxury resorts, boutique hotels, holiday apartments, and camping facilities on some of the islands. Accommodations are available on Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, and the mainland town of Airlie Beach. More off-the-grid accommodations include uninhabited Hook Island, overnight reef stays, and Whitsunday sailing holidays.

The Whitsundays boast diverse wildlife both in the surrounding waters and on land. Marine life includes colourful coral reefs, fish species like clownfish and turtles, and occasional sightings of whales and dolphins. On the islands, you'll find a variety of birds, reptiles, marsupials, and intriguing insects. Responsible tourism practices are vital to preserve this rich ecosystem.

The Whitsundays is an archipelago comprising 74 islands. Each island has its unique charm, ranging from uninhabited national park islands to resorts with luxurious accommodations. Perhaps Hamilton Island is the most famous among them, known for its amenities and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Other popular islands include Whitsunday Island, which is home to the iconic Whitehaven Beach, and Hayman Island, known for its upscale resorts.

While crocodiles are known to inhabit certain waterways in northern Australia, including parts of Queensland, they are not commonly found in the central areas of the Whitsundays. The Whitsunday Islands themselves are generally considered safe from saltwater crocodiles. 

Stinger season in the Whitsundays typically runs from November to May. During this period, there is an increased risk of encountering marine stingers, such as box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish, in the waters around the Whitsunday Islands. It's important for visitors to be aware of the stinger season and take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or using stinger suits when swimming in the ocean during this time. Many popular beaches provide stinger nets for added safety.