If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and secluded coves, this list is for you. From iconic stretches like Whitehaven Beach to hidden gems, these beaches should top your Whitsundays bucket list.
No trip to the Whitsundays is complete without visiting the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. With its 7 kilometres of dazzling silica sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder Whitehaven consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Explore breathtaking lookouts at both ends of the beach. At the northern end, discover Hill Inlet and hike to Tongue Point for a panoramic view of the swirling sands. At the southern end, enjoy a short walk through native bush to another stunning viewpoint.
Accessible from Airlie Beach and the four resort islands, Whitehaven is ideal for day trips with expert tour operators, overnight sailing, or self-skippered boat adventures. Make the most of your visit with a scenic flight, or land on the beach via helicopter or seaplane.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Whitsundays, Whitsunday Area QLD 4802
Visit Website
One of the main beaches on Hamilton Island, beautiful Catseye Beach is the perfect spot for relaxing, swimming, and trying your hand at a variety of watersports. Located on the resort side of the island, it’s close to most accommodations, with just a short buggy ride from those further afield.
You can hire catamarans, paddleboards, windsurfers, kayaks, and snorkelling gear, or join a guided snorkelling tour to explore the local fringing reef right from the shore. At low tide, make sure you take a stroll out onto the sand flats!
4803 Resort Dr, Whitsundays QLD 4802
Located on Gloucester Island, the northernmost island in the Whitsundays, Bona Bay is a serene escape into nature. The island is home to a colony of endangered Proserpine rock wallabies, sandy and coral rubble beaches, lush rainforest, and tranquil coves.
Bona Bay itself is a beautiful sandy beach with plenty of room for anchorage. Camping is available with the appropriate permit.
To reach this hidden paradise, arrange a private boat charter, use a water taxi, or join a guided tour that includes a stop at Gloucester Island.
Bona Bay, Gloucester Island, Whitsunday Area QLD 4805
Visit website
Langford Island is a slice of paradise in the Whitsundays, and it’s one of the few sand cays in the area. When the tide’s low, a long, thin sandbar stretches out, making it a favourite spot for yachties to drop anchor.
The waters around the island are perfect for snorkelling, especially near the northwestern beach, where you’ll often spot turtles. A short walk on the island leads to a viewpoint with a picturesque bottle tree and stunning views over the Whitsunday Passage.
Langford Island, Whitsundays, Whitsunday Area QLD 4802
It’s hard to imagine a secret beach exists near the world-renowned Whitehaven, but Betty’s Beach is a hidden gem at the northernmost tip of the iconic shore. This serene paradise offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds, featuring soft silica sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic volcanic rock formations. It's the perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty.
Accessible only by boat, Betty’s Beach is off the beaten track, so not every tour includes it. Opt for a tour that explores the northern tip to uncover this tranquil and breathtaking escape.
Betty's Beach, Whitsundays QLD 4802
South Molle Island, located in the heart of the Whitsundays, is a hilly island with grasslands, lush rainforest, secluded bays, and fringing reefs. A paradise for birdwatchers, it is home to an array of wildlife, including colorful lorikeets, currawongs, and the endangered bush stone curlew.
If you’re keen to stay overnight, there are camping grounds at Sandy Bay in the south and Paddle Bay.
You can access South Molle Island by boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour, with water taxis, ferries, or yacht charters providing convenient access to this secluded haven.
South Molle Island, Whitsunday Area QLD 4803
Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.