By sea and by air, this is how you get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Australia that I can't wait to show you my photos and videos. Incredible beaches, unspoiled nature, and lots of activities to do. I will also leave you some links for tours that take you to Whitehaven, there are several but I will leave you the best ones. Ready? Iamme ià.

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Where is Whitehaven beach located?
Whitehaven is located in Queensland, a beautiful region of Australia full of surprises. Queensland, in Australia, is known for its good weather almost all year round. This is why many backpackers decide to move there for a while. To reach the beach you have to leave (and stay) from Airlie beach.

How many days to stay in Airlie beach?
If you want to do the coolest tours at least 3 nights (4 days) and dedicate at least one tour a day. Oh, and if you can stay longer, that's great, the vibe in Airlie beach is off the charts. I'll leave you a couple of links to help you with accommodation (including the beautiful hostel I stayed in):
How to get to Whitehaven beach from Airlie beach: tours
As I told you at the beginning, there are several tours you could take to get to the beach. Almost all of them follow a similar route with this itinerary:
- Departure from Airlie beach
- Stop at Hill Inlet Lookout
- Stop at some beaches (including Whitehaven)
- Snorkeling the beautiful coral reef
Ocean rafting tour
What I liked the most because it was very very fun also thanks to the staff. Ps the best seats are the ones on the side. The ocean rafting tour stops 101% on Whitehaven beach to enjoy its beauty. The tour also includes a stop at hill inlet lookout where you have this beautiful view of the islands.

Take the opportunity to get lots of memory photos of this spectacular place. During the tour, there will also be a part dedicated to snorkeling. This was the thing that really catapulted me into the “Australia wildlife” mood.

Seeing the coral reef underwater with your own eyes is an experience not to be missed. During the tour, a meal is guaranteed (decent but nothing super).
- Link to book ocean rafting tour from Airlie Beach (which I also did) for more information
Sailing tours
I also did the sailing tour which makes more or less the same stops. The one it does not make, unfortunately, is the one at Whitehaven beach. Instead it stops at the beach where the hill inlet look out is located, which is equally beautiful to see.

Oh, the food is delicious, they have a barbeque on the boat. The sailboat is much bigger than the rafting boat and on one hand, this is a good thing. On the other hand, it is not because it cannot stay very close to the coast (which the rafting boat does).

For this reason you are almost always in open sea while navigating from one point to another. The stop points are almost identical to those of rafting except for the beach. I leave you the link so you can take a look but I am always pro “ocean rafting”.
- Links to book the sailing tour from Airlie Beach (which I also did) for more information
Sailing tours of the Whitsunday Islands 2 nights
Moment, moment, moment. If I were you I would also take a look at these 2 tours in case you stay for a longer time. As I told you at the beginning of the article, this place is enchanting and deserves more than a few days. The ones I propose below are 2-night sailing tours under the stars. You can, in case of a long stay, replace them with the daily ones. An experience perhaps not to be missed once in Paradise:
- 3-day, 2-night Whitsunday Islands sailing adventure from Airlie Beach
- 2-night (3-day) private guided sailing tour of the Whitsunday Islands (from Airlie Beach) for up to 6 people. Perfect for families or groups of friends
How to get to Whitehaven beach from Airlie beach: not only by sea
In addition to being reached by sea, the beach can be reached by air. What do I mean? You can book scenic flight tours to get to Whitehaven. Don't worry, I'll explain better now.

Scenic flight of the Whitsundays, Whitehaven and great barrier reef
When I left the Whitsundays I realised something fundamental. This place must be seen:
- By sea
- Underwater
- By Air
Because however you admire this Paradise you will be ecstatic. By air with a scenic flight is an unforgettable experience. Unforgettable for everything that will appear in front of your eyes. The scenic flight is only and exclusively on the plane, without stopping at the beach. I did this and it was a super experience and one that I will hardly forget.
How to get to Whitehaven beach from Airlie beach: helicopter tour
Another way (and tour) to reach Whitehaven and the Great Barrier Reef. By reach, I mean landing there by helicopter (in Whitehaven beach). An incredible experience especially if you have to celebrate a special event. The helicopter tour lasts 2 and a half hours with a stop on Whitehaven beach for about an hour and a half. Plenty of time to enjoy your well-deserved relaxation.
- Link to book the Whitsundays helicopter tour from Airlie Beach. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion
Conclusions
This article of mine is coming to an end hoping that it has been useful for your trip. As I already told you during the article, coming here should be a must once in Australia. As it should be a must to admire one of the wonders of the World from every point of view. I am talking about the beautiful great barrier reef with its colors and sunken treasures. To the next trip and remember: Those who travel live twice!
If you have time, I recommend reading this article on Australia's koala island.
P.s. don't forget to click here to follow on my instagram page the places I've been.
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