Whitehaven Beach
Seven kilometres of pure white silica sand on Whitsunday Island
About Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a 7-kilometre beach located on the southeast side of Whitsunday Island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. The beach sits 25 kilometres east of Airlie Beach across the Coral Sea and is recognised as one of the most pristine beaches in Australia.
The defining feature of Whitehaven Beach is its 98% pure silica sand. The tiny silica beads create a brilliant white colour and have a unique property - they don't retain heat from the sun. You can walk barefoot on the sand even during the hottest summer days without burning your feet. The fineness of the silica also creates a gentle squeaking sound as you walk, which led the Ngaro Indigenous people to call it the "Whispering Sands".
At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet creates one of the most photographed natural scenes in the Whitsundays. During changing tides, the inlet's white silica sand swirls through turquoise water in mesmerising patterns. The Hill Inlet Lookout provides elevated views of this natural phenomenon, while the South Whitehaven Lookout offers panoramic views of the entire beach from the southern end.
Whitehaven Beach has received numerous accolades including ranking as the #2 beach in the world by Flight Network in 2018, Australia's best beach by TripAdvisor multiple times, and the world's top eco-friendly beach by CNN in 2010. The beach remains undeveloped with no commercial facilities, preserving its natural state within the national park.
What to Expect at Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach offers an experience of pristine natural beauty without commercial development. The beach stretches for 7 kilometres with powder-soft white sand meeting clear turquoise water. The swimming conditions are generally calm, making it suitable for all ages, though marine stingers are present during summer months (November to May).
The water clarity is excellent, with visibility often extending several metres. Snorkelling is possible at the northern and southern ends of the beach where fringing reefs grow close to shore. You'll find sea turtles, small reef fish, and occasionally dugongs in the protected waters of Tongue Bay at the northern end.
Most visitors arrive on day tours that spend 2-4 hours at the beach. Some tours include guided walks to Hill Inlet Lookout, a 20-minute bushwalk through coastal forest. There are no shops, kiosks, or facilities beyond basic toilets at the southern camping area. The beach feels remote and untouched - exactly as a national park beach should be.
How to Get to Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is only accessible by boat or aircraft - there are no roads on Whitsunday Island. Most visitors reach the beach on organised tours departing from Airlie Beach.
Day Tours (Most Popular Option)
The majority of visitors arrive on day tours from Airlie Beach. Multiple tour types visit Whitehaven Beach daily, departing from Coral Sea Marina and other departure points.
Whitehaven Beach tours include power boat tours (fastest, typically 1.5 hours each way), sailing tours (slower but more relaxed, 2-3 hours each way), and combination packages. Snorkeling tours often combine Whitehaven Beach with reef snorkelling stops. Overnight sailing tours allow you to anchor overnight in Tongue Bay and experience the beach with fewer crowds.
Scenic Flights
Scenic flights by seaplane or helicopter provide aerial views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Some flights include a beach landing, while others are viewing-only flights. Flight time from Airlie Beach is approximately 15 minutes.
Private Charter
Private boat charters and bareboat charters allow experienced sailors to visit Whitehaven Beach independently. Anchor at Tongue Bay (northern end) or Whitehaven Beach anchorage (southern camping area). Public moorings are available at nearby Tongue Bay, but not directly at Whitehaven Beach.
From Hamilton Island
Day tours also depart from Hamilton Island, located closer to Whitehaven Beach than Airlie Beach. Journey time is approximately 30-45 minutes by boat.
Things to Do at Whitehaven Beach
Swimming
The calm, clear water is perfect for swimming. The silica sand stays cool underfoot even on hot days. Stinger suits recommended November to May.
Beach Walking
Walk the full 7-kilometre length of the beach. The sand's fine texture creates a squeaking sound as you walk - the "whispering sands" that gave the beach its Indigenous name.
Hill Inlet Lookout Walk
20-minute bushwalk through coastal forest to Hill Inlet Lookout. The elevated viewpoint shows the swirling patterns of white sand and blue water - one of Australia's most photographed scenes.
Snorkeling
Fringing reefs at the northern and southern ends offer snorkeling opportunities. You'll see small reef fish, coral formations, and occasionally sea turtles in Tongue Bay.
Photography
The pure white sand and turquoise water create stunning photos. Hill Inlet from the lookout is particularly photogenic. Be careful with cameras - the fine silica sand can damage electronics.
Camping
A camping area at the southern end accommodates up to 36 people across 10 sites. Permits required through Queensland National Parks. Basic facilities only - bring all supplies.
Nearby Attractions
Hill Inlet
Located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet is a tidal inlet where white silica sand swirls through turquoise water during changing tides. Best viewed from Hill Inlet Lookout, accessible via a 20-minute bushwalk. The inlet extends 4 kilometres inland and spans up to 700 metres at its widest point.
Tongue Bay
A protected anchorage at the northern end of Whitsunday Island, across from Hill Inlet. Popular overnight anchorage for sailing tours. The bay's seagrass beds attract sea turtles and occasionally dugongs. Public moorings available.
Betty's Beach
Located across Hill Inlet from Whitehaven Beach. Features the same pure white silica sand but sees far fewer visitors. Accessible by boat or via a challenging bushwalk from Whitehaven Beach at low tide.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October offers the best conditions with calm seas, clear skies, and no marine stingers. Water temperature remains comfortable year-round (22-28°C). November to April is the wet season with higher humidity, afternoon storms, and marine stingers present in the water.
Hill Inlet's swirling sand patterns are most dramatic during significant tidal movements. Check tide times before your visit - low tide exposes the sand patterns most clearly. Tours typically time their visits to coincide with optimal tidal conditions.
What to Bring
Sun protection is essential - bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The white sand reflects intense sunlight. Bring a stinger suit if visiting between November and May. Most day tours provide stinger suits, but check when booking.
Bring a waterproof bag or case for phones and cameras. The fine silica sand gets everywhere and can damage electronics. Some tours provide underwater cameras for loan. Bring reef-safe sunscreen only - chemical sunscreens damage the coral reefs.
Important Notes
Whitehaven Beach is part of Whitsunday Islands National Park. No commercial facilities exist on the beach - no shops, cafes, or amenities beyond basic toilets at the camping area. Day tours provide food and drinks.
Marine stingers (jellyfish) are present in the water from November through May. Wear a stinger suit during these months. The beach is protected from strong currents, but always swim between the flags if lifeguards are present (rare - most days have no lifeguards).
Take all rubbish with you. The beach's pristine condition depends on visitors leaving no trace. Respect the national park - stay on marked walking tracks, don't remove sand or shells, and don't feed wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island is Whitehaven Beach on?
Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsunday Islands group.
How long does it take to get to Whitehaven Beach?
Power boat tours take approximately 1.5 hours from Airlie Beach, while sailing tours take 2-3 hours. Scenic flights take 15 minutes.
Can you swim at Whitehaven Beach?
Yes, swimming is excellent at Whitehaven Beach with generally calm, clear water. Wear a stinger suit between November and May when marine stingers are present.
What makes Whitehaven Beach sand special?
The sand is 98% pure silica, giving it a brilliant white colour and unique properties. It doesn't retain heat, stays cool to walk on, and is incredibly fine and soft.
Are there facilities at Whitehaven Beach?
There are only basic facilities at the camping area (toilets and picnic tables). No shops, cafes, or commercial amenities exist on the beach.
Tours to Whitehaven Beach
Multiple tour operators visit Whitehaven Beach daily from Airlie Beach. Power boat tours offer the fastest journey time, sailing tours provide a more relaxed experience, and scenic flights give you aerial views of Hill Inlet's swirling sands. Most tours include time at the beach plus additional activities like snorkelling or reef visits.