Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is a 7 km stretch of soft white silica sand on the east coast of Whitsunday Island, and one of the most famous beaches in the world. You can only reach it by boat or air. Hill Inlet and its swirling sand sit at the northern end, and a quieter southern end is a favourite anchorage for sailors. On a self-skippered charter you can visit early or late in the day, when it is at its best.

Whitehaven Beach lookouts

Hill Inlet Lookout

Hill Inlet is possibly the most photographed spot in the Whitsundays. Tidal water swirls through the white sand below a series of lookouts on the northern side of the inlet. The walk starts at Tongue Bay, where there are more than a dozen free public moorings. Land your dinghy on a rising or high tide, as the fringing reef is generally impassable at low tide. The swirling sand is usually clearest around mid to low tide, so check tide times in your briefing. Hill Inlet is only accessible in calm conditions.

Afterwards, wade the Hill Inlet shallows or visit Betty’s Beach, a boulder-dotted cove at the tip of the inlet.

Staff tip: early or late in the day, it’s very possible to have the lookout all to yourself when you’re bareboating.

South Whitehaven Lookout

At the southern end, a short, relatively easy walk climbs the rock between Whitehaven Beach and Solway Passage. The view stretches south-east towards Lindeman and Pentecost Islands. This end of the beach suits the typical south-east winds. It is popular with day boats but much quieter at night.

Snorkelling near Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven is a sand beach, so the best snorkelling is nearby. Chalkie’s Beach, directly opposite on Haslewood Island, has the same white silica sand running into a ridge of pristine coral reef. For a longer snorkel, follow the Haslewood Island reef from Katie’s Cove, past Honeymoon Island, to Chalkie’s Beach. Go when the tide is low and the water is calm.

You can swim to the fringing reef from the beach, or take the dinghy and anchor beside your chosen spot. Snorkelling is possible all year, with water of about 23°C in winter and 27°C in summer. Look out for turtles, rays and colourful reef fish.

• Gear: every guest on a Whitsunday Escape charter, including children, gets a mask, fins and snorkel free of charge. Prescription masks and wetsuits can be hired.
• Best views: snorkel when the water is 1 to 2.5 m above the reef for the best look at the coral.
• Stay comfortable: a wetsuit helps in winter, and gives sun and stinger protection.
• Stay safe: don’t swim or snorkel between dusk and dawn, in murky water, or where fish are being caught or cleaned.

Bushwalking from Whitehaven Beach

Four short walks start at the north or south end of the beach. Distances and times are from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

• Hill Inlet lookouts: 4 km return, allow 40 minutes, easy to moderate. The track climbs from Tongue Bay to the lookouts (about 600 m each way).
• Lookout Beach: 500 m return, allow 20 minutes, easy to moderate. It branches off the lookout track and leads down to the sand and clear water of Hill Inlet.
• Solway Circuit: 2 km circuit, allow 40 minutes, moderate. Starts at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and climbs to a rock platform over Solway Passage.
• Chance Bay track: 6 km return, allow 2.5 to 3 hours, moderate. It branches off the Solway Circuit and passes through quieter parts of the island.

Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, bring plenty of water and insect repellent, and tell someone your plans. Check tide times before you set out.

Swim, spot wildlife and stay for sunset

The sand stays cool underfoot and the shallows are clear and turquoise. Look for stingrays and harmless lemon sharks in the Hill Inlet shallows. On your own boat you can stay on after the day boats have gone and watch the light change over the beach at sunset and sunrise.

Best time to visit Whitehaven Beach

The best season is April to October, with drier weather and steady south-east winds that suit sailing. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit when you swim. At any time of year, early morning or late afternoon means fewer people and cooler walking. This is easy to do on a charter and harder on a day tour.

How to get to Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is reached by boat or air.

• Sail yourself: this is the most flexible way. Whitsunday Escape is based at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, and you get a full briefing on the boat, navigation, tides and anchorages before you leave.
• Travel time from Airlie Beach: about 3 hours by power boat, or 3 to 4 hours by sailing catamaran under motor.
• Route: approach through Solway Passage in the south, or around to Tongue Bay in the north, depending on the wind and tide.

Where to anchor at Whitehaven Beach

South Whitehaven. Protected from south-east, south, west and north-west winds. Anchor off the beach, as there are no public moorings at Whitehaven itself. Watch for the small reef off the south end, and check the forecast before staying the night.

Tongue Bay. The base for the Hill Inlet walk, with more than a dozen free public moorings. It gives shelter from the north through to the south-east.

Chalkie’s Beach, Haslewood Island. Moorings across the channel, protected from east and south-east winds.

Chance Bay. A good choice in northerly winds.

Anchoring tip: anchor in sand, never on coral, and check the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning maps first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you stay overnight at Whitehaven Beach?

Yes. On a charter, your boat is your accommodation. You can also camp at the national park campsite on the south-east side of the beach. Book online through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, bring drinking water, and expect no phone coverage.

Why is the sand at Whitehaven Beach so white?

It is about 98% pure silica, which is very fine and soft. It also stays cool underfoot, even on hot days.

Is a day tour or your own charter better for Whitehaven Beach?

Day tours run to a set schedule. On your own charter you choose the tide and time of day, so you can walk the lookouts when it suits you and stay after the crowds have left.

Is there a ferry from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach?

No, there is no public ferry. You can join a day tour, book a private charter, or sail there yourself on a Whitsunday Escape charter.