Best Beaches near Whitsunday Island
About the Suburb
Explore 1 beaches near Whitsunday Island, home to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. The pure silica sand stays cool underfoot, and Hill Inlet lookout reveals one of Australia's most photographed panoramas of swirling turquoise water.
What Makes It Special
- •Whitehaven Beach - 7km of the whitest sand on earth (98% pure silica)
- •Hill Inlet lookout at low tide - the turquoise and white sand swirl is genuinely jaw-dropping
- •Snorkel the fringing coral reefs around the island chain
Getting There
Fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Proserpine - 1 hour from the islands by boat. Or fly to Hamilton Island (HTI) for a shorter boat transfer. Day trips depart daily from Airlie Beach by boat (1-2 hours), seaplane, or helicopter.
Best Time to Visit
June to September (dry season) for calm seas, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. Hill Inlet is best at LOW tide for the iconic swirling sand patterns. Avoid February cyclone season. Book tours well in advance for winter school holidays.
What's On
Great Whitehaven Beach Run 2026
Sunday 24 May 2026
Annual beach run on the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach offering a Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, and Junior Fun Runs, with participants ferrying from Port of Airlie.
www.hamiltonisland.com.au