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Whitsunday Islands Hotels
Discover Whitsunday Islands
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 Whitsunday adventure, but wondering where to stay? Qantas Hotels allows you to choose from over 200,000 hotel and accommodation options worldwide, with dozens in the Whitsunday region alone. You’ll also earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 spent* with Qantas Hotels.So whether it’s your first time to the region or your eightieth, let’s take a look at what you need to know about Whitsunday and its hotels to make the most of your stay.
Places to see
What is the best area to stay in Whitsunday?
- 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 newly refurbished and 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 and more genuine 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 Whitsunday’s must-see attractions?
- Great Barrier Reef: The primaryand 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 are Whitsunday’s best hotels for solo travellers?
Perfectly private and business friendly, these hotels also offer ample opportunities to socialise should you want them. Check out Airlie Beach Hotel, Mantra Club Croc and Reef View Hotel if you’re a solo traveller in the Whitsundays (and earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 spent with Qantas Hotels while you do it!).What are Whitsunday’s best hotels 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 Whitsunday’s 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, Elysian Retreat and Pinnacles Resort.Location and views
What are Whitsunday’s best hotels 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?
Earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent^, or use points to book**
No booking feesFrequently 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).
As Airlie Beach is almost 1100 km from the nearest major capital, Brisbane, most visitors arrive by plane. You can either land at Whitsunday Coast Airport, 38 km south of Airlie Beach, or Hamilton Island airport. Both airports are regularly serviced by east coast cities.
The peak season for the Whitsundays is during the Australian winter, from May to September. This is when the temperature is the mildest and the days are the sunniest. The heat, humidity and rain reaches its peak during the wet season, from December to March, although sunny skies are still regular. On the plus side, the area will be quieter and prices will be lower during the wet season.
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Important information
You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem points. Membership and points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 spent unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points can be earned on cash only purchases and the cash component of Points Plus Pay purchases on eligible bookings and will not be earned on cancelled or refunded bookings. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable). Deposit Pay is available on selected properties that offer a free cancellation window that is 21 days or more in the future from the date of booking. Visit our FAQ page for more.
* Qantas Frequent Flyer members can redeem Qantas Points when booking hotel accommodation through qantas.com/hotels or holiday packages through qantas.com/holidays, using Points Plus Pay. Members cannot redeem points for additional charges paid to the hotel for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable). Points Plus Pay allows you to choose the number of Qantas Points you redeem above the specified minimum level of 5,000 and pay for the remainder of the booking value with an Accepted Payment Card (including VISA, MasterCard or American Express). Points Plus Pay is not available for Classic Hotel Rewards. View full terms and conditions here
++ 500 bonus Qantas Points will be awarded to Qantas Frequent Flyer members who make their first Airbnb booking. Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 1 Qantas Point per A$1 value for all Airbnb stays booked through qantas.com/airbnb.
~ Saving is off the hotel's generally available rate for the same property, room type, days, inclusions and conditions.
** Businesses earn 1 Qantas Point per AU$1 spent on eligible Qantas Hotels worldwide. Eligible Qantas hotels excludes Classic Hotel Rewards. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for your business. Qantas Points are not earned on any amounts payable directly to the hotel. Conditions apply
† Includes fee payable in local currency direct to hotel. Prices in AUD are approx and based on today's exchange rate.
Descriptions and ratings featured are based on information provided by hotels and/or other service providers, distinguished accordingly. Ratings are either self-assigned by the service provider or obtained through Expedia (displayed as circles ), or by independent third parties (displayed as stars ) Any facilities shown as included are subject to change by the service provider. Qantas does not guarantee any particular standard or class of accommodation or other service provided by a third party.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live and fly.We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.