White-sand beaches, lush eucalyptus forests, year-round sun, and the Great Barrier Reef beckon travelers to the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island, highlights of Australia's tropical north. Sprinkled like precious gems along Queensland's Coral Sea coast, the idyllic islands are an adventurer's playground. Top where things to do on the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island include island-hopping by yacht or catamaran, snorkeling around marine wildlife-filled reefs, bushwalking, kayaking, waterskiing, and soaking up the sun on Whitehaven, undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
With a year-round tropical climate and an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C), the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island are great to visit year-round. September and October are the peak months, as this is when the skies are at their clearest, and the weather is typically warm but not humid. For similar conditions but without the crowds, consider a November visit.
Getting around the islands in the Whitsundays requires traveling by boat. Overnight sailing trips and day cruises depart from Airlie Beach on the mainland and go from island to island, sometimes mooring at Shute Harbour. Travelers on overnight sailing trips typically explore the islands by day and sleep on the boats. You can also charter your own yacht or catamaran. Car-free Hamilton Island has its own airport—with direct connections to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane plus scenic flights—and can be explored on foot or by golf cart.
While cruising around the waters of the Whitsundays, snorkelers and divers can jump off and explore the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail, made up of six large metal sculptures inspired by marine life and installed at popular locations around the Whitsundays including Langford Island reef, Blue Pearl Bay, Manta Ray Bay, and Horseshoe Bay. As well as creating a new attraction, the sculptures act as a new base for coral growth and as shelter for marine life.
