Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll sail to Whitehaven Beach, its pure silica sand squeaking underfoot, and climb to the Hill Inlet lookout where sand and sea marble together in shades of blue no camera quite captures. Another day takes you out to a reef pontoon to snorkel over coral gardens, and evenings are for the marina bars and sunsets of Airlie Beach.
With a relaxed base and the two signature days arranged, it is a short, spectacular add-on to any East Coast trip — or a blissful escape in its own right.
Trip Highlights
- A full day sailing to Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout
- Snorkelling in the swirling turquoise of the Whitsunday waters
- An outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon day
- The buzzing marina, bars and sunsets of Airlie Beach
- Some of the most photographed scenery in Australia
- Three nights in a comfortable Airlie Beach hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and two on-water lunches
- Private airport transfers
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 4-day journey.
Arrive at the Whitsunday Coast and transfer to Airlie Beach, the lively gateway to the islands. A welcome dinner by the marina as the boats bob and the sun goes down.
A full day sailing the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach, its seven kilometres of pure white silica sand, and up to the Hill Inlet lookout where the tides swirl sand and sea into living art. Snorkel and lunch aboard.
Cruise out to a Great Barrier Reef pontoon on the outer reef for a full day of snorkelling over coral gardens, with an underwater observatory, a semi-submersible and lunch on board.
A final island breakfast before your transfer to the Whitsunday Coast airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers at Whitsunday Coast
- 3 nights in a comfortable Airlie Beach hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, and lunches on the sailing and reef days
- A full-day Whitsundays cruise to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- A full-day outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon experience with snorkelling
- Marine park fees, stinger suits and snorkelling gear
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Australia
- Australian visa or ETA fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa arranged online before travelling, and a passport valid for at least six months. We can point you to the right application
- Southern seasons: Australia's seasons are reversed — summer is December to February and winter June to August. The tropical north runs on a wet (Nov-Apr) and dry (May-Oct) season instead
- Sun protection: The Australian sun is fierce. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and reapply often — slip, slop, slap, as the locals say
- Distances: Australia is vast, so some legs use short internal flights or scenic drives. We build these into the pace so you are never rushed
- Marine stingers: In the tropical north, jellyfish season runs roughly November to May — swim in the stinger suits provided and always follow your guide
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the Australian Dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping is appreciated but never expected
- Wildlife: Respect wildlife and never feed animals unless guided. In the outback and tropics, always heed crocodile and swimming warnings
- Water & health: Tap water is safe to drink and pharmacies are everywhere. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for every visitor
- Outback readiness: In the Red Centre and Top End, carry water, wear sturdy shoes and start walks early to beat the midday heat
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with type I plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage can drop out in remote areas — part of the escape
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary (such as a reef cruise lunch or an outback barbecue). Other meals are left free so you can explore Australia's superb food scene.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged for you with local guides, so there is no logistics to worry about.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, applied for online before you travel. It is quick and inexpensive, and we can guide you to the right one.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the region: the tropical north is best in the dry season (May-October), the Red Centre in the cooler months (April-September), and the southern cities and Tasmania shine in spring to autumn (September-April).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and activities can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Are internal flights included?
Where the route hops between distant hubs, the relevant domestic flights are included as stated in the inclusions. Any additional sectors can be arranged on request.
Is this a good honeymoon choice?
Beautifully so — the Whitsundays are among Australia's most romantic spots, and the itinerary can be upgraded to a private sailing charter or a luxury island resort on request.
How do we get to Airlie Beach?
You fly into the Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) airport, and we include the transfer. It pairs perfectly with Cairns or a wider East Coast trip.
More Beach Journeys
Beach
Customizable
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador
Beach
Customizable
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Cuba
Beach
Customizable
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Costa Rica