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Whitehaven Beach – pure, pristine, perfect

You’ll know you’ve arrived in paradise

Best of the best beaches in the world

When you take one of the Whitehaven Beach tours, you’ll understand why it was voted Number 1 Best of the Best Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2021. Whitehaven Beach attracts visitors from across the world to experience this beautiful, unspoiled piece of paradise. The sand is 98 per cent pure white silica, which gives it a brilliant, near-luminescent colour.

This seven-kilometre stretch of stunning, soft white sand lies along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the seventy-four islands in the Whitsunday group and is washed by a warm, clear, turquoise ocean. In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach is protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park and has been voted the world’s top eco-friendly beach, and Queensland’s cleanest beach.

Take a trip to paradise on one of our tours

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Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
8
days

We begin our journey with a three-night stay inTownsville, experiencing all the region has to offer. Get up close to thespectacular Texas Longhorns, a bovine experience like no other. Next we travelto Magnetic Island to explore the wonders and history of the island. Biddingfarewell to Townsville, we journey to Airlie Beach for a two-night stay. Enjoya scenic cruise to the famous Whitehaven Beach and an extraordinary adventureon a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Our final nights are spent in Mackay, touringFinch Hatton Gorge with a local nature guide and lunch at One Hungry Mumma.Finally, we enjoy a guided tour of Sarina Sugar Shed.

Step onto the purest sand

Travel to Whitsunday Island’s world-famous beach onboard a Whitehaven Beach tour, skimming across the turquoise, blue and green water to this perfect piece of paradise. Step off the boat and sink your feet into the silky smooth, velvety texture of the sand, then wash it off in the crystal clear warm, tropical ocean.

It's interesting that the sand on Whitehaven beach is not found on any of the other islands in the Whitsunday group. Its origin remains a bit of a mystery. Silica is derived when quartz erodes, yet there are no quartz deposits in the area. Many believe the sand was carried north along Queensland’s coast to the Whitsunday Islands forming countless island beaches. Due to the depth of the dunes on Whitehaven Beach, its sand remained while others were washed away by the tides.

You’ll know you’ve arrived in paradise

Explore the 'Whispering Sands'

The local Ngaro Indigenous Tribe used to call Whitehaven Beach ‘Whispering Sands’ due to the sound the sand makes as you walk on it, and when you do, you’ll notice it isn’t hot. Even on the balmiest Queensland day, you can walk along Whitehaven Beach, shoes in hand without burning your feet. 

Tours to Whitehaven Beach also take visitors to Hill Inlet, at the northern end of the beach. Hill Inlet is another mysterious spot where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a magical, swirling blend of colours. 

Well-travelled tourists from across the globe have proclaimed Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet to be the most beautiful places they've ever seen.

Ready to visit Whitehaven Beach? Check out our tours.

Frequently asked questions

What is the sand made of on Whitehaven Beach?

The sand on Whitehaven Beach is almost one hundred percent pure silica which produces a fine, powder-like texture and brilliant white colour. This sand is known to be great for polishing your jewellery, but make sure you don’t drop your phone - the sand is so fine, it can damage electrical equipment!

What activities can you do on Whitehaven Beach?

As well as relaxing on the beach or going for a swim, Whitehaven Beach is also great for snorkelling, beach combing, sailing, and kayaking. You can also take a guided bush walk, where you can learn about the history, flora, and fauna of this incredibly special spot.

What wildlife can you spot on Whitehaven Beach?

Whitehaven Beach offers opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, both on the beach and in the surrounding waters, including marine turtles, dolphins, seabirds, stingrays, and whales during the annual migration season (usually from June to September).

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Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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