The Whitsundays Hotels
With stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, the Whitsundays is truly the epitome of paradise for snorkelling, sailing, swimming and simply relaxing in luxury hotels and resorts.
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Search 81 hotels in Whitsundays, QLD, Australia
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Discover The Whitsundays
In a country loaded with jaw dropping natural wonders, no Australian destination gets mouths more agape than the Whitsundays. The very definition of a tropical paradise, an archipelago of 74 islands are all emerald rainforest, porcelain white sand and colourful coral. And the coral in question is the major reason that visitors come, as the Whitsunday Islands are at the very centre of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsunday is actually a region that encompasses a large chunk of the mainland, with its namesake islands making up just a small part of the overall area. With the coastal townships of Airlie Beach and Bowen providing cost-effective accommodation and regular trips out to the islands, the Whitsundays have never been more accessible than right now.
Ready to book your Whitsundays adventure, but wondering where to stay? Qantas Hotels allows you to choose from over 500,000 hotel and accommodation options worldwide, with a curated selection in the Whitsundays region alone.
You’ll also earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent with Qantas Hotels. So whether it’s your first time to the Whitsundays or your fiftieth, let’s take a look at what you need to know about the Whitsundays and its hotels to make the most of your stay.
Places to see
What are the Whitsundays' must-see attractions?
Great Barrier Reef: The primary and often only reason that visitors journey to the Whitsundays, this is the largest and most spectacular reef system in the world. Sail, snorkel or dive to take in the stunning sights.
Whitehaven Beach: Porcelain white sand falls into gorgeous turquoise waters, with emerald hills looming in the distance. To call Whitehaven picturesque would be to do it a major disservice.
Cape Upstart National Park: An important meeting place for indigenous peoples for millennia, this national park sees an imposing headland of granite rock surrounded by glorious beaches.
Proserpine River Crocodiles: When you’ve had enough of the ocean, head inland to Proserpine River and watch ancient reptiles put on a show.
Find the right hotel
What is the best area to stay in the Whitsundays?
Hamilton Island: The largest inhabited island in the chain, Hamilton is home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation in the region, and is perfectly placed for reef exploration.
Hayman Island: Hidden away from the masses, and home to the ultra-luxurious InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Hayman Island is the ultimate tropical hideaway.
Airlie Beach: The beating heart of the Whitsunday region, here you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, a vibrant atmosphere, and easy access to all the delights of the islands.
Bowen: A less touristy vibe is found in Bowen, a small town an hour’s drive north of Airlie Beach. If you want the Whitsundays without the hustle and bustle, this is where to aim.
What are Whitsundays' best hotels for solo travellers?
Perfectly private and business friendly, these hotels also offer ample opportunities to socialise should you want them. Check out Mantra Club Croc and Reef View Hotel if you’re a solo traveller in the Whitsundays (and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent with Qantas Hotels while you do it!)
What are Whitsundays' best accommodations for couples?
Are you and your partner ready to use your Qantas Points to book your next getaway with Qantas Hotels? Romantic, secluded and luxurious, couples travelling to the Whitsundays could do far worse than experiencing the hospitality offered up by Seclude, Airlie Waterfront Bed & Breakfast and Palm Bungalows.
What are the Whitsundays' best hotels for families?
Heading to the Whitsundays with your tribe? Whitsunday Apartments, Mantra Boathouse Apartments and Sea Star Apartments are self-contained, family-friendly hotels that will ensure you are warmly welcomed and entertained.
What are Whitsunday’s best hotels?
After the best of the best? Luxurious 5-star escapes can be found at qualia and Elysian Retreat.
Location and views
What are the Whitsundays' best resorts for location and views?
Whitsunday is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and you can enjoy it in all its glory if you choose to stay at Marina Shores, Beach Club and Mirage Whitsundays – hotels that boast both an awesome location and stunning views.
Getting around
What is the best way to get around the Whitsundays?
The Whitsunday Islands are car free, with the largest, Hamilton Island, offering shuttles and golf buggies to get around. Ferries and charter boats are used to get visitors from island to island. Tourists on the mainland, meanwhile, have two options:
Public transport
Whitsunday Transit operates a public bus system going from Proserpine, 25 km inland, through Airlie Beach and on to Shute Harbour. Check out the timetable on the company’s website.
Private transport
If you plan to explore the coast, the best transport option is car hire. There are no Uber or rideshare apps available in Whitsunday, but there is a local taxi service – Mackay Whitsunday Taxi – with a taxi rank in the middle of Airlie Beach.
Why book with Qantas Hotels?
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Frequently Asked Questions
On average a 3-star hotel in the Whitsundays costs $135 per night, a 4-star costs $320 and a 5-star costs $510 (be aware that these prices will be higher on weekends and at times of increased demand).
