Whitehaven Beach
A pure white beach stretching about 7 kilometres, made of silica sand around 98% pure, as fine as flour. It is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Whitehaven Beach lies on the eastern shore of Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the archipelago, and runs for about 7 kilometres. Its sand is quartz silica around 98% pure, bright white and fine, and it squeaks underfoot. It stays cool even under the midday sun. The silica is also said to be an excellent polishing agent and can be used to clean jewellery. The water shifts in layers from pale green to deep blue in the sunlight, creating the most iconic beach scene in Australia. CNN and other media have named it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The entire beach is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park. There are no buildings or shops, and it remains in its natural state. A campsite at the southern end, also called Whitehaven Beach, can be booked for camping. Ways to visit: take a one-day speedboat or sailing trip from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island (around AUD 150–250, often including the Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkelling). You can also fly in by seaplane or helicopter and land directly on the sand. Juvenile lemon sharks and stingrays are often seen swimming in the shallows. There are no facilities on the beach, so bring your own drinking water, a hat and sunscreen. From November to May, wear a stinger suit when swimming. Do not take sand away, as this is illegal in the national park.
Opening hours
Open all day (access by boat or plane)
Nearby sights
- Hill Inlet Lookout
- Chalkies Beach
- Cid Harbour
- Hamilton Island
- Whitsunday Cairn
- Daydream Island
- Hook Island (Manta Ray Bay & Butterfly Bay)
- Shute Harbour