74 tropical islands in the Great Barrier Reef, with pure white silica sand at Whitehaven Beach, sailing trips and snorkelling over coral. Here's what the Whitsundays are like, when to go and how long to stay.
Queensland doesn't change its clocks, so the time difference changes in summer. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
May to October is best, dry, sunny and mild, with humpback whales passing from July to September. November to April is hot and humid, with the wettest weather from January to March and cyclone risk. Box jellyfish and other 'stingers' are in the water from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit to swim.
Seven kilometres of brilliant white silica sand, reached by boat or seaplane.
The famous view of swirling sand and water at the north end of Whitehaven.
Day trips to Reefworld or the outer reef for snorkelling and diving.
Spend two or three nights sailing between islands and sleeping on board.
A free, stinger-free swimming lagoon by the sea in the main town.
See the heart-shaped coral from a scenic flight.
Golf buggies, a wildlife park and walking trails on the biggest resort island.
May to October, when it's dry and around 23 to 28°C. Whales pass from July to September.
Fly to Proserpine for Airlie Beach, or to Hamilton Island, usually from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. Airlie Beach is about 30 minutes from Proserpine airport.
Airlie Beach on the mainland is the cheapest base, with boats leaving daily. Hamilton Island and Daydream Island have resorts right on the water.
Five to seven nights gives time for Whitehaven, the reef and a sailing trip, with some lazy days.
Yes, but wear a stinger suit between November and May, when jellyfish are in the water. Tour operators usually provide them.
Put Whitsundays on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.