Whitehaven Beach

Does this setting look familiar? Picturesque Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island has stood in more than once for the perfect island paradise. The sand here is dazzlingly white, thanks to a high percentage of silica crystals. Explore the region on one of many possibly day excursions arranged through qualia. Walk along the more than four miles of stunning beach, snorkel in the pristine waters directly off the beach or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight soaring high above the islands. Escape to the beach with Betty Jo Currie’s Water Views from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef itinerary or check out the other trips to Australia on AFAR Journeys.

After a 15 minute ‘bushwalk’ though the Queensland rainforest, we got rewarded with one of the most-photographed views in Australia, Whitehaven Beach. Located on Whitsunday Island, a 40 minute boat ride from Airlie Beach, it is definitely worth the trip. After snapping dozens of pictures, we walked down to the inlet itself and slashed around in the tropical water watching stingrays and baitfish in the shallows. Camping is available on Whitehaven beach for $6/day.

From Airlie Beach, it’s an easy seaplane flight to one of the world’s most famous and most photographed beaches, Whitehaven on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday Group. There are no overnight accommodations on this beach that stretches for over 4 miles, but Renee will take care of all the details for your daytrip exploring this truly pristine destination. The sand here is noted for its dazzling purity, and the waters are incredibly clear, perfect for snorkeling. For the beachcomber, this is a must-see destination; for every traveler, it will be a day to remember. Step One: Check out Renee’s itinerary at AFAR Journeys. Step Two: Pack your swimsuit.