Go On the Ultimate Trip to Whitsundays with This Epic Five-Day Itinerary

Dreaming about five straight days of pure sun, sand, and sea with all of your loved ones? Then it’s high time for a trip to Whitsundays! 

Whitsundays is located East of Queensland’s coast, consisting of 74 islands primarily accessed via Airlie Beach. It’s a treasure trove of unspoilt beaches, colourful marine wildlife, cerulean waters, and more! Plus, it’s located at the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef! While we’re sure you already know about this glocal icon, it can’t hurt to learn some more fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef.

You might be thinking, however, that trips to Whitsundays can be a bit pricey. No worries—there are plenty of local experiences like jet ski safaris and nearby beaches that are inexpensive to visit. Plus, Whitsunday tours are totally worth it, especially when you bring your friends and family!

So pack your bags, bring your loved ones, and go on a five-day trip to Whitsundays! If you don’t know where to start, here’s the ultimate group itinerary that you can try:

Airlie Beach is the common mainland access point to Whitsundays and a destination of its own. You can drive to Airlie, or if you’re coming from somewhere a bit farther, you can take a plane. You’ll be arriving at  Whitsundays Coast Airport, which is only 30 minutes away from Airlie Beach. 

You can kickstart your trip to Whitsundays by exploring Airlie’s beaches, boutiques, and seaside al fresco restaurants. Or you can go for something more daring that offers a one-of-a-kind view of Whitsundays:

Strap on your safety equipment and let a professional guide take the lead as you free fall from either 8,500 feet or 15,000 feet in the air during this tandem skydive experience! Brace yourself for the most breathtaking experience of your life. Not just because you’re falling at 220 km/hr, but because you can see Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef in all their glory!

Day two is when you’ll see Whitsundays up close and personal. You can bask in the sun, snorkel in the pristine waters, go on a banana boat ride, and more! The best way to do all these is to go on this all-inclusive tour:

The sailing and snorkelling tour begins with a relaxing two-hour sail to the first reef filled with astonishing coral formations and colourful marine life. All the while, accredited ECO guides will give you the 411 on the Islands and the aquatic life that call it home. 

Next stop: Langford Island Sandbar, where you can snorkel with the turtles. If you want to know which Whitsunday island is best for snorkelling, Langford happens to be a top choice! You can also explore the island with two hours of free time and enjoy your activity of choice. You can go banana boating, paddle boarding, or simply chilling by the beach. 

If you want to explore the islands a little more, there are more options for Whitsundays tours. 

Another great way to explore Whitsundays and its surroundings is via jet boat or jet ski. Day three is all about high-speed adventures on these thrill machines!

Feel the rush and spray of seawater as you zip across the waters on this guided jet ski safari tour from Airlie Beach. Go fish feeding and watch out for sea life along the way, including sea turtles. First-time jet skiing? No worries, this activity is perfect for both beginners and expert riders!

After being the captain of your jet ski, it’s time to sit back and focus on the excitement of this 30-minute jet boat thrill ride. Your adrenaline will be pumping with every 180 and 360-degree turn, drift, and power stop! You’ll also cruise through Whitsundays, Pioneer Bay, and Airlie Beach and even spot wildlife like turtles, dugongs, and stingrays along the way. 

The last two days of your trip to Whitsundays will be your most magical ones yet with the reefsleep experience. Here, you’ll spend two days snorkelling and exploring the waters of the islands. The best part happens during nightfall when you get to sleep under the stars surrounded by the glittering sea!

The grand finale of your trip to Whitsundays is best spent going on a two-day-one-night reefsleep experience at the Great  Barrier Reef. The journey begins on Day One by cruising to Whitsunday Islands reef to snorkel, swim, and ride a semi-submarine. 

When the sun sets, you can head to the top level of a permanent pontoon so you can lie down on your comfy Reefbed. The sky full of stars will be in full view, and the sea’s waves will lull you to sleep. 

Wake up to a hearty breakfast and enjoy a full day ahead where you’re in charge of your to-do list. Dive, snorkel, or book a relaxing massage (for an additional fee)—you’re free to spend the day as you please!

Need a bit more convincing? Here’s why you absolutely should book the reefsleep and sleep under the stars!

Another excellent destination for outdoorsy trips is Port Douglas, only an hour and 20-minute plane ride and a one-hour car ride away from Airlie Beach. Here are some great Port Douglas activities you can check out!