The 11 best things to do in the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island

If Australia's 12,000 beaches had one reigning star, it would undoubtedly be Whitehaven in the shimmering, azure waters of the Whitsundays. This beach, on the traditional lands of the Ngaro people, is set within a World Heritage-listed national park, and regularly features at number one on 'best beach in the world' lists – and for good reason. This pristine paradise has sand that's 98 per cent silica (meaning it's whiter and softer than pretty much anywhere in the world), the warm turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, and a general kind of stunning beauty that normally isn't seen outside of postcards. Other popular beaches to explore in the Whitsundays include Betty’s Beach and Turtle Bay on Whitsunday Island, Chalkie’s Beach on Haslewood Island, Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island and Crayfish Beach on Hook Island.

Note: From November to April, you are recommended to wear a stinger suit when swimming due to jellyfish.

The best photographs of the Whitsundays are taken from up high. Those aqua swirls of powder-blue sea and white silica sand are blindingly bright and just as beautiful as you’d imagine. If the heart-shaped coral formation tops your bucket list, this is the way to see it. Hamilton Island Air has flown stars like Oprah over the famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. They offer 12 scenic helicopter and seaplane flights where you can take in breathtaking aerial views of all the major landmarks, and even enjoy a rockstar water landing on Whitehaven Beach. If you’ve come in winter (and you should – the average temperature is 26 degrees), you’ll likely spot humpback whales on their migration from Antarctica. In summer, you might see turtles, tiger sharks and bottlenose dolphins.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world, so missing out on a face-to-face meeting when in the Whitsundays is unconscionable. As the world’s largest coral reef, it comprises more than 3,000 reefs and 1,050 islands, with popular snorkelling spots including Stonehaven Bay, Luncheon Bay and Mantaray Bay. There are also public moorings at Langford Island, Blue Pearl Bay and Chalkie’s Beach, where you can swim alongside squids, turtles and a myriad of psychedelic fish.

Considering the Whitsundays in 70 per cent national park, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to stretch your legs and feel the sand between your toes. One of the Whitsundays’ most popular walks is the 4.4-kilometre South East Head Trail on Hamilton Island, which starts at Catseye Beach and takes you to a gigantic chair at the summit. It’s worth waking up early, so you can watch the sunrise over the swirling patterns of turquoise water below. Pack a picnic breakfast and your swimmers for a dip en route home. Other popular trails include the 1.3-kilometre Hill Inlet Lookout Track on Whitsunday Island, the incredibly scenic eight-kilometre Honeyeater Lookout Walk, or the more challenging 28-kilometre Conway Circuit, which can be completed over two to three days. 

Escape to your very own piece of paradise with a stay at InterContinental Hayman Island. The resort is home to a spectacular suite of poolside villas, beachfront pavilions and double-storey residences, with many offering million-dollar views of the Whitsundays’ sparkly blue waters. You can unwind in private plunge pools, seek shade under the exclusive waterfront cabanas, melt away stress with a hot stone massage, and enjoy a seafood buffet at sunset. Or just take it easy; you're on island time now.

Family-run business Salty Dog Sea Kayaking has been running expeditions in the Whitsundays since ’96, and they say the best way to get around the chain of offshore islands is by gliding along the ocean’s surface. And when the water is as clear as glass, we’re inclined to agree. Owner Neill Kennedy and his wife and sons run half-day, full-day and six-day tours from Shute Harbour – or they’ll pick you up at your accommodation if you ask nicely. Their most popular trip is the half-day tour inner island turtle tour, including double kayaks, snorkelling gear, snacks and stinger suits (essential if you’re visiting from November to June). You’ll likely spot turtles in the calm turquoise waters and rock wallabies on the rugged shoreline. Depending on the time of year, you might even get close to whales and dolphins in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. If it’s warm enough, the team at Salty Dog will find a suitably accessible cove so you can cool off with a refreshing swim.

With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical gardens, Daydream Island certainly lives up to its name. You have all the best parts of the Whitsundays right at your fingertips, with the resort providing free stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, catamarans, snorkelling equipment, rainforest walks and an open-air cinema, plus organised sunset cruises, ocean rafting and Great Barrier Reef tours. You can also get up close and personal with a variety of marine life in the resort's remarkable Living Reef, an expansive outdoor aquarium that wraps around the resort and is home to more than 100 local marine species. 

Accommodation options at Daydream Island range from stylishly appointed rooms to spacious suites, all featuring modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Families are also well-catered, with a dedicated kids’ club and activities, including wildlife experiences, outdoor games and crafts.

If touring a lush tropical island in the Whitsundays wasn’t opulent enough, Hamilton added the option for day trippers and guests to hop on over to Dent Island for 18 holes of some of the world’s most challenging golf. The steep terrain, wild winds and some unruly bushland are a recipe for an above-par experience (both figuratively and literally). Ferries will cart you over from Hamilton Island, with a two-seated bugger also included in the cost of your round. After your testing plays, settle in at the Clubhouse golf course with panoramic water views. For budding golfing enthusiasts, there’s a family-friendly driving range and a mini golf course back on Hamilton Island.