- Duration
- a full day by boat, 7:15am to 6pm (≈ 7 h 55 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- ferry
- Start
- Port of Airlie, 7:15am departure
- Finish
- Whitehaven Beach, southern end
- Pace
- moderate pace
- Best time
- Hill Inlet's swirls are best at low tide; winds are lighter May to September
- Budget per adult
- from A$255 adult, from A$129 child (Cruise Whitsundays Chill & Grill)Prices as of: October 2026
Getting there
Port of Airlie (24 The Cove Road) is a 10-minute walk from the Airlie Beach main street, and most hotels are close by. The Cruise Whitsundays coach to the terminal is A$13 per adult, booked 12 hours ahead. Pay by card; Visa and Mastercard carry a 1.42% surcharge.
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.
1. Port of Airlie, 7:15am departure~30 min at the stop
Cruise Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill: up to 6 hours on the beach, a guided walk to Hill Inlet, a beach barbecue and stinger suits included.
Tip: Be at the terminal 30 minutes early. This tour is not suitable for infants; with toddlers, the half-day cruise from A$139 works, but it skips Hill Inlet.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 1 h · 30 km
2. Hamilton Island pick-up~15 min at the stop
The boat collects guests on Hamilton Island; some days you change vessels here for Whitehaven.
Tip: Staying on Hamilton? Board here at 8:30am for the same tour with less time on the water.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 45 min · 22 km
3. Hill Inlet lookout~1 h at the stop
A short climb along the Ngaro people's path to a platform above the inlet, where white silica sand and turquoise water swirl together.
Worth knowing: The track follows the route of the Ngaro people, the traditional owners of the Whitsunday Islands.
Tip: Wear closed shoes: you land from a tender on the sand and climb through bush.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 25 min · 7 km
4. Whitehaven Beach, southern end~4 h at the stop
Seven kilometres of pure white sand on Whitsunday Island. The crew's barbecue, beach games and a walk to the southern lookout happen here.
Tip: The sand stays cool underfoot, but the sun is fierce: a hat and sunscreen are a must.
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.