What Makes Whitehaven Beach the Best Beach in Australia?

Australia has numerous beaches, but Whitehaven Beach is special. Situated on Whitsunday Island, off the coast of Queensland, this heavenly beach is a perfect getaway from bustling metropolitan cities. Here is a short guide to help you plan your trip there.

Whitehaven Beach History and Interesting Facts

Whitehaven Beach in Australia is a part of Whitsunday Islands National Park, which used to be the place where the seafaring indigenous tribe Ngaro lived. However, the name Whitehaven came from E. P. Bedwell, a British staff commander who made a stop at the beach in 1879. Whitehaven came from a town in Cumberland, northwestern England.

The Whitehaven Beach is famous for its brilliant white sand, which contains 98 percent silica. The sand also has a comfortable temperature to walk barefoot. Unlike many beaches on the islands of Whitsundays, the sand on this beach is softer, without coarse textures from coral and shell fragments. To keep the beach preserved, tourists are forbidden to take away the sand. They must also bring their own trash bags.

The pristine white beach and turquoise water earned Whitehaven Beach the Best Beach in the World in 2021 award from TripAdvisor.

Whitehaven Beach Location and Weather

The Whitsunday group has 74 islands, and Whitehaven Beach is situated on the biggest one, Whitsunday Island. This beach is around 11 km away from Hamilton Island, the most populated island in the Whitsunday group. 

You can easily find daily trips to Whitehaven Beach on Hamilton Island. Options include a 30-minute trip with catamarans and a ferry trip from Airlie Beach. Hamilton Island Air Terminal also offers a 10-minute regular helicopter ride and a 30-minute scenic helicopter ride to the beach.

December is the hottest month in Whitehaven, with the average temperature ranging from 24 to 29 degrees Celsius. July is the coldest month, with the average temperature between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is during spring, especially September since the trade wind is low and the weather is warm enough for beach activities, including snorkeling.

Related: Everything You Need to Know about Seasons in Australia

Things to Do at Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is home to beautiful coral reef formations and lush green areas. Here are some great activities to do:

• Beach Picnic

Whitehaven Beach is a great place for a beach picnic. The soft, warm sand and gentle waves are perfect for walking, sunbathing, or splashing around. The shallow part of the beach is also safe for swimming.

• Water Activities

Whitsunday Whitehaven Beach has calm water and a beautiful underwater view, perfect for snorkeling. Lucky swimmers may catch the sights of sea turtles and even dolphins. The beach is also a popular place for kayaking and boating.

• Trekking and Sightseeing

The entire beach makes a beautiful lookout scenery. To see it in its full glory, ride a boat to reach Tongue Bay at Tongue Point. Walk up the hill across the inlet and witness Whitehaven Beach in full splendor. 

• Booking Operated Tours

Many tour companies in Hamilton Island offer operated tours to Whitehaven Beach. They take you on scenic boat rides and even arrange beach games. 

• Joining Annual Events

Whitehaven Beach is the location of two annual events. The Great Whitehaven Beach Run happens every June, while the Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim is every November. Check the event calendar to ensure the date and test your fitness level in these fun activities.

• Other Activities

Whitehaven Beach is a popular place for pre wedding photo sessions and even a wedding beach. You can also do an overnight camp or BBQ party. Again, make sure to bring home your own trash.

Where to Stay

You can book hotels or resorts near Airlie Beach or on Hamilton Island to access daily trips to Whitehaven Beach. There are many options, from cheap hotels to luxury resorts.

Airlie Beach Hotel is a three-star hotel with a beach view and comfortable rooms, perfect for individuals, couples, and families. Whitsunday Terraces Hotel is a similar option, complete with a beach view and comfortable pools.

For a more luxurious option, At Water Edge’s Resort is a four-star accommodation with a tropical vibe close to Airlie Beach Lagoon. Reef View Hotel offers modern four-star accommodation close to Hamilton Island Marina.

The best things about these hotels? You can book trips to Whitehaven Beach right from the lobby.

Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful gems on the Australian coast. Visit Whitehaven Beach to enjoy beautiful white sand, turquoise water, and a stress-free coastal getaway. Or, you can go to Bondi Beach, Airlie Beach, and Cable Beach for similarly beautiful Australian destinations.