- Duration
- 3 days, based in Airlie Beach
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk, ferry
- Start
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Finish
- Swamp Bay
- Pace
- moderate pace
- Best time
- May to October
- Budget per adult
- from A$255 for the Whitehaven cruise; the rest is freePrices as of: October 2026
Getting there
From Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), the Whitsunday Transit shuttle takes about 40 minutes and meets every Jetstar and Virgin flight. Book ahead online or on 07 4946 1800. The same company runs the local buses around town.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
Day 1: town and sunset
Day in Google Maps ↗1. Airlie Beach Lagoon~1 h 30 min at the stop
After the flight, unwind at the free lagoon in the town centre: lifeguarded and jellyfish-free. From October to May, stinger season, it's Airlie's main beach.
Tip: Stay close to the centre so you can walk to Port of Airlie in the morning.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 10 min · 0.7 km
2. Coral Sea Marina~45 min at the stop
Walk the rebuilt boardwalk to the marina, where the yachts and tour boats are moored.
Tip: Thinking about an overnight sail? Prosail groups meet right here at Meeting Point C.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 4 min · 0.3 km
3. Dinner at Sorrento~2 h at the stop
An Italian restaurant in the northern village of Coral Sea Marina: wood-fired pizza, pasta and steaks. The upstairs balcony is reckoned the best sunset spot in Airlie.
Tip: Get an early night: tomorrow you check in at the terminal by 6:45am.
Open on the map ↗
Day 2: Whitehaven and Hill Inlet
Day in Google Maps ↗4. Port of Airlie~30 min at the stop
The Chill & Grill tour leaves Port of Airlie at 7:15am and returns around 6pm: up to 6 hours on Whitehaven, a guided walk to Hill Inlet, a BBQ lunch and stinger suits included.
Tip: Bring a light jumper: it's windy on deck in the morning. Infants aren't accepted on this tour.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 1 h 45 min · 50 km
5. Hill Inlet lookout~1 h at the stop
The famous view from the northern end of Whitehaven: a short climb through forest to a platform above swirls of white silica sand and turquoise water.
Worth knowing: The track to the lookout follows the path of the Ngaro people, the islands' traditional owners.
Tip: Low tide gives the best shots, though the skipper sets the timing.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 25 min · 7 km
6. Whitehaven Beach~4 h at the stop
Seven kilometres of white sand on Whitsunday Island. Up to 6 hours on the beach: a crew-cooked BBQ, swimming and a walk to the southern lookout.
Tip: Stinger suits are handed out on board; wear one whatever the season.
Open on the map ↗
Day 3: Conway National Park
Day in Google Maps ↗7. Mount Rooper lookout~30 min at the stop
The Mount Rooper circuit (5.3 km, about 3 hours) climbs through dry forest to views over the islands and the Whitsunday Passage.
Tip: The trailhead is on Shute Harbour Road, about 15 minutes' drive from Airlie. Start before the heat.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 50 min · 2.5 km
8. Swamp Bay~45 min at the stop
A quiet cove with a coral-rubble beach, on a side track off the same trail.
Tip: Closed shoes are a must: the beach is made of coral rubble.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.