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The Whitsundays are top of so many East Coast Australia bucket lists, but is it worth the hype? And is sailing the Whitsundays the best way to see them? The post covers all you need to know about the experience, and (spoiler alert) why it IS worth it.
I took a two-day, one-night trip sailing in the Whitsundays, during my travels along the East Coast of Australia, and it was definitely one of those places where expectation lived up to reality. And while it wasn’t all plain sailing (see what I did there), it was one of the best things I did in Australia.
To help plan your trip to Australia, check out all my guides HERE:
AUSTRALIA GUIDES
How to Get to the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are not a single destination, but a collection of 74 islands. For people, visiting means embarking on a trip sailing the Whitsundays. Whether this be a day trip, or a longer sailing trip involving an overnight stay or two. The vast majority of these trips depart from Airlie Beach, which is the main mainland hub and departure point. So this is where you need to get to start your trip!
NB: There are a few trips that do depart from Shute Harbour (about 10 minutes further on), Abell Point Marina, or even Hamilton Island. Always check your booking confirmation for the exact departure marina.
How to get to Airlie Beach
Ok, so you know you need to get to Airlie Beach to get to the Whitsundays, but how do you get to Airlie Beach?
There are several ways to reach Airlie Beach:
- By Greyhound: This is how I arrived at Airlie Beach. There are daily scheduled overnight and daytime services from Cairns (approx. 10–12 hours). As as well mulitple connections from Townsville (approx. 3–4 hours). And daily long-distance services from Brisbane (approx. 18–30 hours).
- By Air: The nearest airport is Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), which is approximately 24 miles from Airlie Beach. There are regular domestic flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns.
- By Campervan: If you are travelling along the East Coast in a campervan, the best way to get to Airlie Beach is along the Bruce Highway. This is the main coastal highway connecting Brisbane and Cairns, and passes right by Proserpine, where you turn east onto Shute Harbour Road to reach Airlie Beach. Driving non-stop from Brisbane takes roughly 12 hours (about 1,100 km north), while driving from Cairns takes about 7 hours (about 620 km south). Public car parks are around $12 AUD a day, while some hostels will allow you to park for $12 AUD for your entire trip.
Top Tip: I recommend Travellers Autobarn for a wide range of campervans, ranging from a station wagon with a tent to one that sleeps 5! Take a look at their options HERE.
How Many Days Do You Need When Sailing the Whitsundays?
How long you need when sailing the Whitsundays really depends on your budget and how much time you have to play with. I went on a 2-day/1-night trip, and it was enough to see the main sights and experience what the Whitsundays have to offer. However, the first day had quite bad weather, so if you have more time to play with, you have a better chance of avoiding this!
Here is a breakdown to help you decide:
- 1 day: There are various one-day tours you can do, without an overnight stay. Ideal if you are pressed for time, but you do miss out on the sunset and overnight experience.
- 2 Days / 1 Night: You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet lookout, and at least one snorkel stop, which are the must-sees. It just means quite a tightly packed itinerary rather than a relaxed one, since you’re covering two days of activities around a single overnight.
- 3 Days / 2 Nights: The most popular option, and the one I’d probably choose if I did it again. It gives you an extra day on the water. Which is usually an extra snorkel stop, as well as more time to relax on Whitehaven Beach. As well as a buffer if the weather doesn’t cooperate on one of the days.
One other thing to bear in mind with how many days you will need in your itinerary for sailing the Whitsundays is that most tours start early on day 1, and finish late on the last day. So you will most likely need a night in Airlie Beach before and after the experience.
Sailing the Whitsundays Trip Options
There are so many different options for booking a trip sailing the Whitsundays. Nonetheless, consider budget and the length of time you want to spend on the trip. But aside from that, there are other things to think about regarding your time on the water, relating to the experience you want. Some boats are geared towards backpackers wanting a partying evening, whereas others are better for those after a more relaxed experience.
The other thing you want to consider is the type of boat. Catamarans tend to be more stable, so if you are prone to seasickness, this might be an option worth considering. Also check the activities included. All will offer snorkelling, but some also offer scuba diving if that is something you are interested in.
I booked a 2-day-1-night tour sailing the Whitsundays in a single-hull boat. And for me, this was the perfect length.
How Much Does Sailing the Whitsundays Cost?
Prices can vary widely depending on the length of the trip, the level of luxury, and what is included.
As a rough guide:
- Sunset cruises: From $89 to $120 per person for a 2-to-3-hour evening cruise, typically including a single drink or light snacks
- Day Sails: Costs around $200 to $290 per adult for full-day trips that include snorkelling, visits to Whitehaven Beach, and lunch
- Budget / Backpacker Boats: Cost $250 to $350 per day (roughly $450 to $600 total for 2-day/1-night or 2-day/2-night trips) with shared bunk spaces and basic meals included
- Standard & Luxury Catamarans: From $400 to $680 per day (ranging from $700 to $1,400+ total per person), with smaller group sizes, private cabins or ensuites, and upgraded food and water toys
I paid $485 for a 2-day/1-night trip and booked 10 days before. The tour I booked on was similar to this one:
2-day/1-night Sailing the Whitsundays with food
The Highlights of Sailing the Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
Whitehaven Beach is one of those places that really do need to be seen to be believed, and where expectation really does live up to reality. One of the massive benefits of an overnight trip sailing the Whitsundays is that you can reach Whitehaven Beach first thing in the morning, before the day trips arrive. When I visited, we were the first group to arrive that day, and having the beach to ourselves was a truly wonderful experience.
The sand is pure white, and feels amazing to walk on. The sea is the bluest I have ever seen, and I even saw a ray in the shallows! Totally worth the money and the time. Make sure to walk to Hill Inlet for incredible views over the beach, and for the iconic photo spot.
Top Tips for Sailing the Whitsundays
There are a few things to be aware of that will make your experience sailing the Whitsundays even better.
BYOB
A lot of the boats, mine included, are bring your own alcohol. They will often have a chilly box on board to keep things cool, so make sure to stock up on all the provisions you want to bring before boarding. Once you are on the boat, there isn’t anywhere to buy any more!
Sleeping Arrangements
Exactly what your sleeping area will look like will range from company and boat, and in particular the budget you have chosen. But generally you will be in bunk beds, with not a lot of head room, that are in the hull of the boat. The area, and the beds, are small and quite close together, so be prepared to get to know your fellow passengers quite well. The boat I was on also didn’t have any indoor space to hang out, which definitely wasn’t ideal when it was pouring with rain. But I do know that other sailboats do have larger spaces. As well as larger spaces to chill out on deck for when the sun does shine!
Pack Light
The sleeping compartments on the sailing boats are small, and as such, so is the space to store your things! I had to sleep with my things on the bed with me, so make sure to pack light and only what you need. You can often leave the rest of your luggage in hostels and accommodation in Airlie Beach. There might be a small fee, but it is necessary.
Be Aware of the Weather
If you can, do try and check the weather before you book. Bad weather can really change your experience of sailing the Whitsundays. For my first day, it pretty much rained the entire time. It definitely changed the experience, and we weren’t able to snorkel. That being said, I still had an amazing time and was lucky to have such great people who made the day a lot of fun. The sea was choppy, and there was nowhere to shelter from the rain, so it was damp!
Luckily, the weather cleared in time for somewhat of a sunset, and a perfect second day! The water wasn’t clear on either day because of weather-related disturbances, so the snorkelling had poor visibility. If you have options, try to go for a good weather day!
Research Your Company!
I would absolutely not recommend the company that I booked to go with, and this was one of the perils of booking last minute; there was limited availability, and it became clear why this company did have space. My experience was mainly due to the skipper, who I have heard has now left the company. And while I still had the most amazing time, this was due to the people I met and the stunning scenery. It could have been even better with a good skipper! Do check reviews before booking.
When is the Best Time To Go Sailing in the Whitsundays?
The best time for sailing the Whitsundays is during the dry season from May to October, with September and October often considered the best months. This is the time you are most likely to have clear skies, the humidity is lower and a lovely temperature of usually between 21°C and 26°C, as well as the least chance of rainfall. These cooler months also fall outside of jellyfish season, meaning it is safer to snorkel without fear of getting stung.
If you are a nature enthusiast, then June to September is a great time to consider, as Humpback whales migrate through the warm waters.
What to Bring When Sailing the Whitsundays
As mentioned, you do need to pack light when sailing the Whitsundays, but there are some essentials that you should bring with you:
- Swimwear: I would suggest bringing a couple of pairs, so that you can change after snorkelling if you wish.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: An obvious one, as you are going to be outside. But do make sure it is reef-safe.
- A cap: Essential to protect you from the sun.
- Sunglasses: The glare from the water can be intense, so these are essential for protecting your eyes.
- Sea sickness tablets: Even if you aren’t prone to seasickness, it is a good idea to have these just in case. The constant motion and sometimes rough weather means anyone could get affected.
- Rain Jacket: If the weather is looking like it might rain, you will be grateful for this!
- A light layer: It can get cooler in the evenings, so worth bringing just in case.
- Cash: Handy to have for tipping the crew.
Other Ways To See the Whitsundays
Sailing the Whitsundays might be the classic way to see them, but it is not the only way! Depending on your time and budget, one experience I would highly recommend (one of the best things I did in Australia!) is a scenic flight over the Whitsundays and the famous Heart Reef.
Scenic Flight
The best way to truly understand how stunning the Whitsundays are is to take a scenic flight over them. The experience lasts 70 minutes and includes flying over the iconic Heart Reef, a reef that from the air looks like the shape of, you guessed it, a heart. It was one of the best things I did during my time in Australia, and if you are looking to splurge on something, I would recommend this is it!
Skydiving
If you are looking for a thrill, then this is the activity for you! Skydiving was always one of the things I swore I would never do. I didn’t do mine in Australia (instead in Taupo in New Zealand), having now done one, I can safely say it is an incredible experience (even if you are scared of falling like I am), and I can only imagine how incredible the views must be doing it over the Whitsundays. It is Queensland’s most popular Skydive location, and with pick-up and collection from Airlie Beach, I would highly recommend!
Other Boat Options
If you want to get out on the water but sailing boats are not your thing, there are other boat options to explore. The Viper boat is known for being the fastest, but also the most comfortable and stable option out of the boat tours in the Whitsundays.
Other Things to Do in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is known for being the hopping-on and hopping-off point for the Whitsundays, but if you have a little more time there, here are some other things you can do:
- Airlie Beach Lagoon: A stinger-free swimming area located right on the shorefront. It has various pools you can swim in.
- Whitsunday Airlie Beach Markets: Held every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. You can browse local crafts and food, and there is even live music.
- Conway National Park: Around a 20-minute drive from Airlie Beach, and you can walk through rainforests. There are hiking and mountain biking trails, and lookout points with views of the Whitsundays. Book a tour HERE.
- Cedar Creek Falls: A 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach, where the falls drop into a natural swimming spot, surrounded by tropical rainforest.
- Bicentennial Walkway: A coastal path linking Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale Beach, and passes through vistas and lookouts.
- Whitsunday Crocodile Safari: For an alternative option, head out on the Proserpine River to look for Saltwater crocs! Book HERE.
Where to Stay in Airlie Beach
If you are sailing in the Whitsundays, you will want to stay a night before and most likely a night after in Airlie Beach. I was most grateful for the night after, and being able to have a shower rather than rushing off anywhere. As it is such a popular spot, there are tons of places to stay.
Accommodation options in Airlie Beach:
LUXURY:
at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat: Adults-only with views of Airlie Harbour and the Coral Sea. It has luxurious suites and apartments with private balconies and spa baths and an infinity-edge pool.
MID-RANGE:
Coral Sea Resort: Right on the waterfront and known for its relaxing atmosphere.
Airlie Beach Hotel: Clean and comfortable rooms in a great location in Airlie Beach.
BUDGET:
Nomads Airlie Beach Backpackers: The most popular backpacker (and where I stayed) option right in the centre of town, popular for its social atmosphere and easy walk to everything. But not always the cleanest! There are private rooms available.
Bounce Airlie Beach: A newer, more design-led hostel in downtown Airlie Beach. Modern kitchen, spacious bathrooms, plenty of outdoor seating, and a licensed bar. It is an 18-35 age-restricted property, cashless, and strictly no-BYO since it’s licensed, and only has dorms.
CAMPING:
NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park: Offers a range of accommodation from campsites and cabins to bungalows and Bali villas, so there is something for every budget.
Final Thoughts on Whether Sailing the Whitsundays is Worth It?
This is one of the most popular things to do in Australia, and I would have to agree that it is for good reason. The downsides are that it is pricey, and Airlie Beach itself was not my favourite place in Australia. However, these both fade into insignificance when compared to how amazing the Whitsundays are. The sailing was a great experience, despite the weather, and Whitehaven Beach was simply stunning. If you are considering sailing the Whitsundays, then I hope this post has convinced you to do so!
FAQs for Sailing the Whitsundays
Do you need sailing experience?
No, most of the trips are skippered or crewed, so you can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like.
Is it safe if you can’t swim?
Yes, life jackets are provided on all boats, and swimming and snorkelling stops are always optional; you can always stay on board.
Are there jellyfish in the Whitsundays?
There are, especially during stinger season, which is roughly November to May. Stinger suits are provided or required for swimming stops.
Is there signal or Wifi?
Signal is pretty patchy at best once you’re out on the water, and wifi usually isn’t available, so plan to be offline.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Routes are often adjusted, or itineraries are altered rather than cancelled outright, which is rare. However, be aware that adverse weather can change your experience. With regards to the sailing, seeing Whitehaven and the snorkelling.
Do I need a permit for Whitehaven Beach?
No separate permit is needed; a small Environmental Management Charge is usually built into your trip cost.
What are the sleeping arrangements like?
It does vary depending on what you booked. But usually, shared cabins (usually two per cabin) with shared bathrooms are standard on overnight trips. On mine, we were all in the hull, and it wasn’t spacious.
Is it good for solo travellers?
Yes! It is one of the best ways to meet people. I made some great friends who I ended up travelling with for a while after.
How far in advance should I book?
A few weeks is usually fine, but peak season (June–August) can sell out months ahead. I visited in October and only booked 10 days before, but was left with limited options and dates.
Check out my other posts on Australia for more recommendations:
- 22 free fun things in Sydney, Australia
- An amazing Blue Mountains trip from Sydney, Australia
- Things to do in Bondi – how to have the best time
- Is Byron Bay worth visiting? How to spend an amazing 2 days
- Things to Do in Noosa Heads: how to have an incredible time
- Three days in Cairns, Australia – great day trips from Cairns
- Things to do in Kuranda – a wonderful day trip from Cairns
- 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary: for the ultimate road trip
- Is Uluru worth visiting? Should you visit the outstanding Ayers Rock?
Useful travel tools and links
To help you plan your trip, here are some of my favourite useful travel tools and links I use on a daily basis to travel:
- Hostelworld: The place to book hostels and cheaper accommodation. Perfect for backpacking trips. With 24 hour cancellation options, and easy to manage from your account.
- Booking.com: One of the largest places to search for hotels around the world. Often with free cancellation options.
- Hotels.com: Also a fantastic place to source hotels, and they offer a loyalty programme.
- Expedia: Another option for hotels as well as a great place to search for flights, car hire and more.
- Skyscanner: The best place to search for flights to find the best rates.
- GetYourGuide: Easy access to book a wide range of curated tours, activities, and experiences around the world.
- Viator: A great place to search for group tours and day trips. Part of the TripAdvisor brand.
- KnowRoaming: eSIMs are a game changer for travel. Purchase before you go and be connected as soon as you land. KnowRoaming eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected in 200+ international destinations.
- G Adventures: The ‘go to’ for all group travel tour adventures. Perfect for solo travellers.
- Amazon: Link to my storefront with ALL the useful gadgets and items I couldn’t travel without.
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