A quick Whitsunday Island Travel Guide
Located near Queensland, Australia, Whitsunday is a group of almost 74 islands famous for its scenic views and wide range of marine life. They get their name from being named on a ‘Whit Monday’ misspelled as Whitsunday. Being listed among the best tourist attractions in Australia, the Whitsunday islands attract thousands of tourists all year round. The islands’ popularity is increased by the presence of coral reefs and the various diving sites located all around the islands. That’s the reason sailing the Whitsundays always remains on the to-do list of people.
Table of content
· Main attractions
· Best time to visit
· How to get there and explore the place
· Budgets
End Thoughts
Main attractions
One of the greatest attractions of Whitsunday islands in the Great Barrier Reef that stretches for almost 2300 km off the coast. Along with housing almost 1600 corals and 1625 fish species, it houses a variety of bigger fish like sharks, whales, and dolphins, with recently being declared a World Heritage Site.
Apart from the Great Barrier Reef, the Hamilton islands and White Haven Beach are other tourist attractions in Whitsunday islands. They have it all, from offering a bird’s eye view of the place to a tour through the national parks. Hayman’s island, Long Dream island, and DayDream island are other popular tourist attractions, further increasing the place’s popularity.
Best time to visit
Usually, September or early spring is considered the ideal time for Whitsunday sailing in Australia. The lack of rains and overall pleasant weather makes it ideal for various activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and other exploring activities. During this time, the humidity-free weather also makes it convenient for the boat and sail comfortably.
After September, October to May is the season of the stingray fish. So even if you visit at this time, diving is not recommended. June to August is also an ideal time to visit to witness the mass migration of Humpback Whales through the waters. The rainy season between January and March also attracts visitors to witness the waterfalls and explore the water holes within the island.
How to get there and explore the place
Whitsunday can be assessed by flight, trains, ferries, and even by road. Direct flights are available for the islands from places like Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne. Ferries, yachts are another way of getting there. Regular ferries are available all year round for reaching the place.
Through the Queensland railway services and the Great South Pacific Express, it is possible to access the island. Operating on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, these trains have a dining and club car with provisions for First Class and Economy passengers. Apart from these, motor services and bus services via the Bruce Highway are other means of getting to the islands.
Budgets
The average cost of a seven-day stay in Whitsunday ranges from AUS $1200- $1500 for one and AUS $2200-$2400 for two people. Usually, sailing trips are the cheapest way of getting there. Along with transportation, they cover sightseeing and food charges as well. When booked previously through tours and travels, flight trips prove economical than last-minute bookings as well.
Hotels and resorts, though available, are expensive and have to be pre-booked because of the tourist surge. Camping while on the islands is a good way of economizing on accommodation. But it is important to go there in the right season to avail these facilities. Air BNBs and couch surfing are other ways of accommodation while on budget trips to the islands.
End Thoughts
For sailing the Whitsundays with all your might and getting the most out of your trip, consider Whitsunday Sailing Adventure as your ideal bet for sure.
