Top 10 Best Things to Do in Whitsundays
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Whitsundays

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  • Great Barrier Reeftop_1
    󰺂7.4
    66.97
    Cairns>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱓊Helicopter view of Heart Reef
    󱨜Native-led local cultural experiences
    󱨠Saved by 475 users󱨠281 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It was quite fun. I snorkeled and played in the water for four hours straight. It took a little over an hour to get to the island. They dropped me off at Green Island, but I had to explore the island and snorkel for four hours total. There wasn't much to see on the island. The sea was incredibly shallow, so the maximum depth was about ankle-to-chest. I saw a lot of turtles and various fish, but there were a lot of bare sandy areas, so I was a little confused at first. The fish were really huge. The sky and sea were really beautiful. If you go to the island and go to the left, there's a strange salty and fishy smell... But I had a great time. The sea was clean. The staff were super friendly. However, the lunch buffet wasn't worth paying 30,000-40,000 won more for. There was shrimp, three kinds of salad, two kinds of curry, one kind of pasta, and rice... It was something like that, but I wouldn't recommend it. Meal times were set. It might have been better to just buy some food and eat it.

  • Whitsunday Islandtop_2
    󰺂6.0
    Whitsundays24.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° view of coral reefs
    󰀆Glass-bottom boat for underwater exploration
    󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    YahairaYahaira

    This is the most amazing place I have ever been to! It’s unbelievable, you really feel that when you are there. the Whitsundays have soft and very white sand. The water is transparent and pure. The views are amazing, you can take awesome pictures there. I have been already in some beaches and islands around the world and definitely this one is the Top 1!

  • Airlie Beach Lagoontop_3
    󰺂4.7
    Airlie Beach28.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Whitsundays
    Highlights:
    󱨜Swim safely and worry-free in the clear lagoon
    Separate pool areas for adults and children
    4.6/5
    BbybellsBbybells

    the lagoon is very pretty and huge to swim in - the centre of Airlie beach is a beautiful walk

  • Whitehaven Beach
    4
    󰺂4.7
    Whitsundays29.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Whitsundays
    Highlights:
    󱨜Helicopter view of Whitehaven Beach
    󱓊Blue waters & white sands
    󱨠26% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    XiancongXiancong

    Whitehaven Beach is a paradise on Earth. Its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters create a stunning visual spectacle. The serene ambiance and untouched natural beauty make it a perfect escape from the daily grind. Relax, soak up the sun, and revel in the tranquility of this breathtaking beach paradise.

  • Heart Reef
    5
    󰺂4.5
    Whitsundays49.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Take a helicopter tour over the spectacular Heart Reef
    󱨜The romantic wonder of Heart Reef, Whitsunday Islands
    󱨠26% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    ぁゅぁゅ

    It is a 30-40 minute helicopter ride from the heliport dedicated to the Qualia Hotel on Hamilton Island. It is located in Hardy Reef, one of the outer reefs located about 50km north-northeast of Hamilton Island. Hardy Reef is a huge coral reef that stretches 16km north-south and 4km east-west, and there are many corals within the vast reef. Nature miraculously created a mass of coral in the shape of a heart! It was discovered by a pilot flying overhead in 1975. There is no place to land near Heart Reef, so you can only view it from the sky, but it was really beautiful and moving! We had the helicopter circle around us and went round and round on the way back. The heart was clearly visible in the beautiful emerald green sea, and we have created another memory that will last a lifetime! I am so touched😆💕 I wondered if there is anything I can do on a daily basis to prevent such beautiful nature from disappearing.

Best things to do in Whitsundays (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Whitsundays? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Whitsundays offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Whitsundays

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Whitsundays experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Great Barrier Reef

• Cairns | >100 km from downtown

• : Helicopter view of Heart Reef,Native-led local cultural experiences

Whitsunday Island

• Whitsundays | 24.1 km from downtown

• : 360° view of coral reefs,Glass-bottom boat for underwater exploration

Airlie Beach Lagoon

• Airlie Beach | 28.7 km from downtown

• : Swim safely and worry-free in the clear lagoon,Separate pool areas for adults and children

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Whitsundays

If you want to explore attractions just outside Whitsundays, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Whitsundays, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Whitsundays special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Whitsundays

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Whitsundays

Ready to explore the best of Whitsundays? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Whitsundays?
These are all Best Things to Do in Whitsundays:Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Island, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Whitsundays?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Whitsundays include:Great Barrier Reef:4.6, Whitsunday Island:4.6, Airlie Beach Lagoon:4.6, Whitehaven Beach:4.7, Heart Reef:4.7
At what locations in Whitsundays can Best Things to Do in Whitsundays be found?
The Best Things to Do in Whitsundays are mainly located in:Great Barrier Reef:Cairns, Whitsunday Island:Whitsundays, Airlie Beach Lagoon:Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach:Whitsundays, Heart Reef:Whitsundays
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