Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach stretches seven kilometres along uninhabited Whitsunday Island, and there's no road in. Your only options are boat, seaplane, or helicopter. That inaccessibility is part of the deal, so plan your trip well ahead.

The sand is 98% pure silica, which is why it stays surprisingly cool underfoot even in the tropical heat. It's consistently rated among the world's most beautiful beaches. Looking out over the brilliant blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, that's not hard to believe.

Head to the northern end and you'll find Hill Inlet. The swirling patterns of white sand and turquoise water here are iconic, and the Tongue Point lookout is the best vantage point to take it all in.

There's no development on the island and no facilities at the beach itself. No lifeguard, no patrol service. Come prepared. But you'll have one of the world's genuinely great beaches almost entirely to yourself.