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Queensland, Australia, Australia · Trip plan

4 days in The Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach's silica sand and sailing the Great Barrier Reef.

Best time
Jun – Nov
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$270 per person
Trip for two
about $2,160

Planning a 4-day trip to The Whitsundays? Here's a day-by-day The Whitsundays itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Spring (September to November) brings calm seas and warm days before the summer stinger season.

The Whitsundays are 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun: a good time to go
  7. Jul: a good time to go
  8. Aug: a good time to go
  9. Sep: a good time to go
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec

September to November: 20–28°C.

Create my The Whitsundays trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in The Whitsundays

  • 01

    Whitehaven Beach

    Pure white silica sand.

  • 02

    Hill Inlet

    Swirling sands and turquoise water.

  • 03

    Heart Reef

    Seen from a scenic flight.

  • 04

    Sailing

    Overnight trips among 74 islands.

Day by day

The Whitsundays itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Airlie Beach

    Morning
    Arrive and settle into Airlie Beach.
    Afternoon
    Swim in the stinger-free lagoon on the foreshore.
    Evening
    Dinner by the marina.

    The lagoon is free and safe all year.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Whitehaven and Hill Inlet

    Morning
    Boat to Whitehaven Beach's pure white silica sand.
    Afternoon
    Walk to the Hill Inlet lookout for the swirling sands, then snorkel.
    Evening
    Back to Airlie.

    Go at low tide for the best swirls.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Heart Reef

    Morning
    Scenic flight over Heart Reef and the Great Barrier Reef.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon on the beach.
    Evening
    Sunset sail.

    Flights depend on the weather.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    Morning swim.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Allow buffer for transfers.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

The Whitsundays in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in The Whitsundays

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in The Whitsundays

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef.

What it costs

The Whitsundays trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$130$1,040
Mid-range$270$2,160
Luxury$700+$5,600

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to The Whitsundays is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in The Whitsundays for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Airlie Beach

    Airlie Beach

    Backpacker hub.

    from $40 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Airlie Beach

    Airlie Beach

    Marina views.

    from $200 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    qualia

    Hamilton Island

    Luxury island resort.

    from $1,200 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in The Whitsundays

  • Seafood

    Fresh prawns.

  • Mud crab

    Local.

  • Tropical fruit

    Mangoes.

Getting there

How to reach The Whitsundays

Travel
Fly to Proserpine or Hamilton Island.
Getting around
Boats and ferries.
  • Book a sailing trip early.
  • Stinger suits from November.

Before you go

What to pack for The Whitsundays

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

The Whitsundays trip FAQs

How many days are enough for The Whitsundays?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day The Whitsundays trip cost?

Roughly $130 a day per person on a budget, $270 mid-range and $700+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,160 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit The Whitsundays?

Jun – Nov. Spring (September to November) brings calm seas and warm days before the summer stinger season.

Where should I stay in The Whitsundays?

Budget: Hostels in Airlie Beach (Airlie Beach), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Airlie Beach (Airlie Beach), from about $200 a night. Luxury: qualia (Hamilton Island), from about $1,200 a night.

How do I reach The Whitsundays?

Fly to Proserpine or Hamilton Island.

Is 3 days enough for The Whitsundays?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in The Whitsundays?

September to November: 20–28°C.

What food should I try in The Whitsundays?

Seafood: Fresh prawns. Mud crab: Local. Tropical fruit: Mangoes.

How do I get around The Whitsundays?

Boats and ferries.

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