A Brief Guide to Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Explore Whitehaven Beach from the water by hiring a boat through SamBoat. Alternatively, book a multi-day sailing trip with Dream Yacht Charter.

Whitehaven Beach was discovered and named by staff commander EP Bedwell in 1879. The bright white sand lying along this beach consists of 98 percent pure silica, making it very soft and fine. It doesn’t retain heat like most other sand beaches, so it’s comfortable to walk barefoot even on the hottest days. In fact, the sand is so fine that it can clean your diamonds and jewellery.

As the largest beach in the Whitsundays, this dreamlike paradise is unlike any other in Australia. Its soft sand, turquoise waters and lush foliage continue to be untouched by pollution and inhabitation – cigarette smoking is prohibited, and dogs are not permitted on the beach. In 2021, it was actually named the “best beach in the world” by TripAdvisor.

Surprisingly, over 10,000 years ago the Whitsundays were once mountaintops; however, due to the rising sea levels, islands were formed. Before the water levels rose, the Ngaro Aboriginal people lived in this area when they were all part of the mainland. Today, the descendants of this tribe still reside within the Whitsundays.

To protect the environment and endangered species found in the Whitsundays, the Queensland Government declared Whitsunday Island and the surrounding islands as national parks, and they also fall within the World Heritage-listed area of the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s all about admiring the natural beauty here. On arrival, head to Tongue Point where you can witness the fusion of colours and one of the best views of Whitehaven Beach. From here, hike through the Whitsunday Islands National Park, before stopping by Hill Inlet on your way back down to Whitehaven Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot tropical fish, reef sharks or even a turtle along the shoreline shallows. Remember to give them space – they’re wild creatures, after all. There are no facilities on Whitsunday Island, so make sure you bring plenty of food and water.

Sporty types can time their visit to Whitehaven Beach with one of the annual events that take place here. Join in a half marathon, 5K or 10K run as part of the Great Whitehaven Beach Run every June. November marks the annual 750m and 2km Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim.

There are no restaurants on Whitsunday Island, but there are a handful of places to eat on neighbouring Hamilton Island, as well as eateries on Airlie Beach on the mainland.

If you want to stay on Whitsunday Island itself, then camping is the only option. Whilst wild camping is not permitted, there are designated campsites around the island – including one directly on Whitehaven. Just make sure you buy a camping permit and book a spot in advance.

Hamilton Island has a clutch of places to stay, ranging from self-catered apartments to four-star hotels.

Alternatively, charter a yacht with SamBoat for an overnight stay close to Whitehaven Beach. You don’t need any sailing experience – most vessels come with skippers who’ll take you to secluded mooring spots, away from the crowds. Another option is to extend your trip by booking a yacht with Dream Yacht Charter – they run multi-day sailing trips around all of the Whitsunday Islands.