Explore the highlights of one of Australia's most coveted tourist destinations—the Whitsundays—on this fun-filled trip. Spend your first four nights on Hamilton Island to relax on the beach, adventure around the islands by buggy, and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Then you'll head back to the mainland to explore all Brisbane has to offer, including an unforgettable First Nations theater show and dinner experience.

Highlights

  • Relax on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach
  • Go on a helicopter ride to see the Whitsundays from the sky
  • Spend a whole day snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef
  • Experience an interactive First Nations theater show and dinner in Brisbane

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Brisbane & Fly to Hamilton Island Hamilton Island
Day 2 Whitehaven Beach Day Hamilton Island
Day 3 Explore Hamilton Island Hamilton Island
Day 4 Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour Hamilton Island
Day 5 Spirits of the Red Sand Evening Dinner Experience Brisbane
Day 6 Depart Brisbane  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane & Fly to Hamilton Island

Welcome to Hamilton Island
Welcome to Hamilton Island

This morning you'll fly from Brisbane to Hamilton Island—one of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays archipelago located off the Queensland coast. Surrounded by pristine white beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life, this idyllic island is one of Australia's most sought-after holiday destinations and serves as the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

There's no shortage of activities on offer, with bustling bars and restaurants, year-round cultural exhibitions and performances, and abundant water sports and adventure excursions. Sailing enthusiasts can head to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, while keen golfers will enjoy the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island.

Day 2: Whitehaven Beach Day

Full day Whitehaven & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill
A walk down Whitehaven Beach

Spend today experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Join a leisurely cruise in a smaller Whitehaven-based vessel along the full length of the beach. Afterward, enjoy a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, which will lead you to the lookout at Hill Inlet and a picture postcard view.

On your return to the beach's southern end, your guide will let you know the departure times for optional walks to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, Chance Bay, and Solway Passage. If you're after a more relaxed afternoon, wander to your own secluded stretch of sand where you can laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters.
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Day 3: Explore Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island - SUP
Stand-up paddleboarding at Hamilton Island

Spend today exploring the beauty of Hamilton Island on your own. The Whitsundays are paradise, no two ways about it: white sand beaches, turquoise water, beautiful reefs, and islands where the only form of transport is by golf buggy. There are various activities to keep busy—snorkeling the reef, sea kayaking, scenic helicopter flights, golf, and more. If you're tired from your travels, simply laze around the range of pools, or relax on Catseye Beach.

A visit to the Whitsundays would not be complete without seeing one of the island's exquisite sunsets. Hamilton Island's hilltop bar, One Tree Hill, becomes a revelers' gathering spot from about 5 pm each day when tourists and locals alike ride their buggies here to sip cocktails and take in the views of the late afternoon sky.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour

Full Day Snorkel Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef coral lagoon

Today's full-day tour introduces you to all the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island. Visit two dive locations within Bait Reef, where a minimum of 3.5 hours are spent on location. Enjoy a guided snorkeling tour where you'll see some of the thousands of marine species home to the reef—maybe even some prehistoric ones! Based around quieter moorings, this tour of the world's largest reef system has a much more intimate feel. Spend the rest of your night on your own, enjoying your last evening in the Whitsundays.

Day 5: Spirits of the Red Sand Evening Dinner Experience

Spirits of the Red Sand Evening Dinner Experience
Spirits of the Red Sand evening dinner experience
Today you'll fly from Hamilton Island back to Brisbane. Settle into your accommodation and take some time to explore the Queensland capital. In the evening, head to Spirits of the Red Sand—an interactive Aboriginal "roving" theater show and dinner experience. Be transported to 1800s Australia to witness history come alive as two cultures meet for the first time. This historical docudrama is set within a 19th-century village and immerses in a spectacle of song, dance, chants, and powerful storytelling. Afterward, you'll return to your accommodation to enjoy your last night in Brisbane.

Day 6: Depart Brisbane

Brisbane
Brisbane skyline at sunset

Today is your last morning in Brisbane. You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Brisbane Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Relax in the Whitsundays: Brisbane & Hamilton Island - 6 Days
Map of Relax in the Whitsundays: Brisbane & Hamilton Island - 6 Days