Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, central-east Australia

Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, central-east Australia

Australia's Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island sports absolutely stunning super-fine grain white sand, literally squeaky due to 98% silica content and is surrounded by warm, clear green waters with various islands scattered in the distance.

However...half the year you have to seriously consider wearing a stinger suit before entering the briny, due to random flights of toxic jellies [yes, the deadliest critter in the world, land or sea, but lycra suits are usually provided by tour vessels]. Furthermore, what exactly is the point of being here for just an hour or two apart from ticking the box that says 'been to the best beach in Australia/the World'? 

There are no hotels, bars or restaurants on Whitsunday Island but some cheap camping options near Whitehaven Beach. A camping permit is needed, available from Airlie Beach town on the mainland.

The main route to the Whitsunday Islands is via Airlie Beach and takes at least 1.5 hours by boat. Airlie is another lucky town with a free, fantastic and beautifully landscaped salt-water lagoon on the shore. All sorts of dive/snorkel/fish/wildlife walk packages are available and nightlife is lively. 

A day trip from Airlie Beach usually involves a snorkel stop as well as a trip to Whitehaven, so will mean at least 5 hours of motoring for the pleasure of an hour or maybe two on the beach. Is Whitehaven worth the time and cost for a day trip from the mainland? We don't think so, not if your objective is to laze on the 'perfect' beach - you won't do much lazing in an hour or so; stay over if you can. Most Whitehaven visitors are day-trippers from other islands e.g. the well-developed but pricey Hamilton Island which is just round the corner from Whitehaven and has an airport and lots of facilities or the equally near but much lower cost Hook Island.

Australian Marching Powder on Whitehaven Beach, 98% silica.