Secluded beach with pure white silica sand on Haslewood Island, opposite Whitehaven Beach
Location:
Western coast of Haslewood Island
Part of:
Whitsunday Islands National Park
Coordinates:
-20.2950, 149.0650
Access:
Day tours, bareboat charter, private boat
Best for:
Snorkelling, swimming, island lookout
Facilities:
10 public moorings, no facilities
About Chalkies Beach
Chalkies Beach is a 500-metre beach located on the western coast of Haslewood Island in the Whitsunday Islands. Sitting directly opposite the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, this secluded stretch shares the same pure white silica sand that makes the Whitsundays famous, yet remains largely undiscovered by tourists.
The beach takes its name from local businessman David Hutchen, nicknamed "Chalkie" for his distinctive use of a blackboard to keep score during beer-drinking contests following the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. His yacht, the Banjo Paterson, frequented the beach as a destination for day cruises. The alternate name, Stockyard Beach, comes from sheep stockyards built on the island during the 1920s and 1930s.
Chalkies Beach sits within both Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with a fringing coral reef lying just offshore. The beach has become a favourite among locals and experienced sailors who know they can enjoy the same pristine conditions as Whitehaven Beach without the crowds. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles frequent the waters here, feeding on nearby seagrass meadows, while the northern end offers exceptional snorkelling at mid to low tide.
What to Expect at Chalkies Beach
The soft white silica sand at Chalkies Beach feels identical to Whitehaven Beach underfoot - powdery, fine, and brilliantly white against the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. The beach curves gently along the western coast of Haslewood Island, backed by native bushland including eucalypts and grasstrees. The expansive shoreline remains remarkably pristine, with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and floating.
The fringing reef at the northern end of Chalkies Beach teems with marine life. Snorkellers can explore coral formations home to colourful tropical fish, and sightings of sea turtles gliding through the water are common. The reef drops off steeply into deeper water, creating excellent conditions for both novice and experienced snorkellers. Listen for the distinctive sound of turtles surfacing for air while you're in the water.
The 300-metre Haslewood Island Lookout trail begins at Chalkies Beach and winds through shaded forest to a rocky headland. From the lookout, panoramic views stretch across to Whitsunday Island, taking in Whitehaven Beach and the surrounding Coral Sea. Sunset at Chalkies Beach offers spectacular views as the sun sets over Whitsunday Island, painting the sky in vibrant colours that reflect across the calm waters.
How to Get to Chalkies Beach
Day Tours from Airlie Beach
Several operators include Chalkies Beach on their day tours from Airlie Beach. ZigZag Whitsundays visits Chalkies Beach on full-day tours that also include Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. Some sailing tours and snorkelling tours add Chalkies Beach as a quieter alternative to busier snorkelling sites. Most tours depart from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie.
Bareboat Charters
Chalkies Beach is a popular overnight anchorage for bareboat charters exploring the Whitsundays. Ten public moorings are available for day visitors and overnight stays - anchoring is not permitted due to the steep drop-off and fringing reef. The beach sits approximately two nautical miles east of South Whitehaven Beach, making it an ideal stopover for sailors visiting both locations. Protection from east and southeast winds makes Chalkies a safe anchorage in most conditions.
Private Charters
Private boat charters offer the most flexibility for visiting Chalkies Beach. Charter operators can create customised itineraries that include extended time at the beach for snorkelling, swimming, and exploring the lookout trail. The journey from Airlie Beach to Haslewood Island takes approximately one hour by boat, depending on sea conditions and vessel type.
Things to Do at Chalkies Beach
Snorkelling
Explore the fringing coral reef at the northern end of the beach, especially at low to mid-tide. Watch for green turtles and hawksbill turtles among vibrant tropical fish and coral formations.
Swimming
Float in the crystal-clear turquoise water or swim along the 500-metre beach. The water clarity and soft sand make swimming here exceptional, often with the beach entirely to yourself.
Haslewood Island Lookout
Walk the 300-metre marked trail from the beach through eucalypt forest and grasstrees to a rocky headland. Spectacular views of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, and the Coral Sea reward the 20-minute return walk.
Photography
Capture the pure white silica sand against turquoise water, photograph sea turtles while snorkelling, or shoot panoramic views from the lookout overlooking Whitehaven Beach and the surrounding islands.
Fishing
Cast a line from designated fishing zones at Chalkies Beach. For better fishing, head around the corner to Windy Bay where giant trevally are commonly caught.
Sunset Watching
Watch the sun set over Whitsunday Island from the beach or from a moored yacht. The changing light across the water and islands creates spectacular colours, particularly during winter months.
Nearby Attractions
Whitehaven Beach
Directly opposite Chalkies Beach across the channel. The world-famous seven-kilometre beach on Whitsunday Island is approximately two nautical miles west, visible from Chalkies Beach and the lookout.
Windy Bay
Around the corner from Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island. Features a secluded beach, excellent fishing for giant trevally, and access to a secret northern beach via bush track.
Waite Bay
Extensive fringing reef between Haslewood Island and Lupton Island. Highly protected marine habitat zone important for coral spawning. The bay drains at low tide, creating opportunities to walk between islands through shallow water.
Hill Inlet Lookout
Located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Famous lookout offering aerial-like views of swirling sands and tidal patterns where Hill Inlet meets Whitehaven Beach.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
Chalkies Beach is accessible year-round, with conditions best during the dry season from April to October. Winter months (June to September) offer ideal conditions for snorkelling with excellent visibility and comfortable water temperatures. The lookout trail is most pleasant during cooler months. Summer (November to May) brings marine stinger season and higher humidity, though the beach remains beautiful. Low to mid-tide provides the best snorkelling conditions at the northern end of the beach.
What to Bring
Essential items include high-factor sunscreen (the white sand reflects sunlight intensely), reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral, snorkelling gear if not provided by your tour, stinger suit during summer months, hat and sunglasses, drinking water, underwater camera for turtle photos, sturdy shoes for the lookout trail, and a dry bag to protect valuables. No facilities exist at the beach, so bring all necessary supplies including food if spending an extended time here.
Important Notes
- No facilities - no toilets, freshwater, or shade structures available at the beach
- Marine stinger season November to May - wear protective clothing when swimming
- Bareboat charters must use moorings only - anchoring prohibited due to steep drop-off
- Ten public moorings available for overnight stays and day visits
- Protected from east and southeast winds but exposed to westerlies
- Best snorkelling at northern end during low to mid-tide
- Listen for turtles surfacing to breathe while snorkelling
- Part of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - follow marine park zoning regulations
- Take all rubbish with you - pristine national park environment
- Limited mobile phone coverage around Haslewood Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island is Chalkies Beach on?
Chalkies Beach is located on the western coast of Haslewood Island in the Whitsunday Islands, directly opposite Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.
Does Chalkies Beach have the same sand as Whitehaven Beach?
Yes, Chalkies Beach shares the same pure white silica sand as Whitehaven Beach. It is one of only a handful of beaches in the Whitsundays with this distinctive sand, making it equally stunning but far less crowded.
Can you visit Chalkies Beach on a day tour?
Yes, several operators include Chalkies Beach on day tours from Airlie Beach. ZigZag Whitsundays offers tours that visit Chalkies Beach along with Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. Some sailing and snorkelling tours also stop here.
Is the snorkelling good at Chalkies Beach?
Excellent snorkelling is available at the northern end of Chalkies Beach, especially at low to mid-tide. The fringing coral reef hosts tropical fish, and green turtles and hawksbill turtles are regularly spotted feeding on nearby seagrass.
What is the Haslewood Island Lookout?
The Haslewood Island Lookout is accessed via a 300-metre marked walking trail from Chalkies Beach. The trail winds through eucalypt forest to a rocky headland offering panoramic views of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, and the Coral Sea.
Are there facilities at Chalkies Beach?
No facilities exist at Chalkies Beach. There are no toilets, freshwater, or shade structures. Ten public moorings are available for boats, but visitors must bring all supplies and take all rubbish with them.
Tours to Chalkies Beach
Explore Chalkies Beach on day tours from Airlie Beach, or include it as part of a bareboat charter exploring the Whitsunday Islands. Several operators combine visits to both Chalkies Beach and Whitehaven Beach for a complete island experience.
Good to Know
✓ Same white silica sand as Whitehaven Beach
✓ Directly opposite Whitehaven Beach on Haslewood Island
✓ 500 metres of pristine beach, often deserted
✓ Excellent snorkelling with sea turtles and coral
✓ 300-metre lookout trail with Whitehaven Beach views
✓ Ten public moorings for overnight stays
✓ Also known as Stockyard Beach
✓ No facilities - bring all supplies
Type: Beach
Location: Western coast of Haslewood Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Best For: Snorkelling, swimming, secluded beach experience, island lookout