Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a definite "must-see" in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It defines nature at its best and provides the greatest sense of relaxation and escape.
As soon as you arrive it’s easy to see why it is the most photographed beach in Australia and has been named Queensland’s Most Beautiful Beach, a title that has never before been bestowed upon at beach in Queensland, and may never be again.
At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning cove where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. Don’t miss a walk to the lookout on Whitsunday Island where you can take advantage of the best views of both Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Even Geologists cannot be sure where the silica sand on Whitehaven Beach comes from although there are several unproven theories. One theory even includes a sunken volcano. However, they generally agree that Whitehaven’s quartz-rich sand has not come from a local source, because rocks in the area do not contain large quantities of quartz. The most likely explanation is that the sand drifted north up the Queensland coast, carried by prevailing sea currents, millions of years ago. Trapped by rocks and headlands, some sand accumulated to form the dunes of Whitehaven Beach. Sea levels rose and fell around the dunes as ice ages came and went. Over time, impurities were leached from the sand by fresh water, leaving it the fine, white silica you see today. The most recent rise in sea levels, about 10,000 years ago, brought the sea to the foot of these now pristine dunes, creating Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach can be experienced in several ways. Ferries and luxury cruising yachts offer day trips that depart from Airlie Beach and some of the island resorts. A variety of sailing companies offer multi-day charters that include a memorable visit to Whitehaven Beach in addition to stops to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
The more adventurous can try ocean rafting, sea-kayaking or a jet boat trip out to the island. Or why not travel by seaplane or helicopter for a spectacular aerial view over the iconic beach, Whitsunday Island and Hill Inlet and indulge in a champagne picnic on your own private part of the beach.
However you choose to explore Whitehaven Beach, it will be an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
*Images and Whitsundays video courtesy of Tourism Queensland
