Whitsunday Islands accommodation from NZ$271

Of course, it turned out the date was not actually Whitsunday, but the name stuck. Bright blue waters surround this group of islands situated off the Queensland coastline, and while you can spend all your time hanging out with Nemo and exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find heaps to do on dry land, too. Let Wotif find you the best Whitsundays hotel deals and kick your adventure off from there.

Get Planning

There are 74 islands in the Whitsundays. We repeat, you’ve got 74 islands to roam about before you can officially say you’ve seen it all. Don’t worry; Wotif’s Whitsundays travel guide is here to help you out. Put on your reading hat and let’s get moving.

If you’re flying, you’ll likely arrive at the Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) on Hamilton Island. This is the biggest inhabited island of the Whitsundays chain, and believe us, you should check this place out. If you’re wondering where to stay in Hamilton Island, Wotif has you covered there, too; find a hotel that overlooks the Great Barrier Reef itself, or go long off the tee at one of the golf-oriented resorts scattered about.

But wait. Back to those 73 other islands waiting for you. Yes, those. While your Whitsundays accommodation might be on Hamilton, you can island-hop to various other spots in the archipelago to better follow in the wake of Captain Cook.

Eat Your Way Through the Whitsundays

It’s not a holiday if you haven’t stuffed your face with all the local fare you can find. Still on the Whitsunday Coast of Queensland? Make for Airlie Beach and scarf your way through town. We suggest trying the seafood at Fish D’vine or hitting the many cafes along Airlie Esplanade.

If you’ve landed on Hamilton Island and are starving, head to Front Street, which curves along the bay. Try Bommie if you want some home-style cuisine, or Marina Tavern if a beer is all you can think about after your flight.

Travelling with Family

The secret is out. While hotels in the Whitsundays are a great place to hang out with the family, you can’t stay in there the whole time. Grab your clan and make for Whitehaven Beach. Relax on the warm, white sand, or take the grommets snorkelling so they can come face to face with Nemo and the gang.

If the beach has you completely enchanted, then stick around for a while; our hotels near Whitehaven Beach will give you a place to snooze before your next aquatic adventure.

Get to know another kind of friendly face at WILD LIFE Hamilton Island. This tiny zoo is home to plenty of friendly critters…among them koalas you can actually cuddle. Yes, mate, you can give one of these cute little fellas a hug. Is this real life?

Go Adventuring

While sorting out places to stay in the Whitsundays, you certainly haven’t forgotten to plan the rest of your escape. If your trip isn’t complete without putting your life at risk at least once, try out some extreme sports on Hamilton Island. Blaze through the heavens during a skydiving excursion at Airlie Beach, go offroading with a group of mates or “sea” the island from a whole new perspective on a jet ski tour.

The Nightlife

Staying out all night usually means starting your evening in Airlie Beach with a cocktail in hand, watching the sun go down. Once old Helios is tucked snugly into bed, stick around that area for some drinking and dancing action. Kick back at an Irish bar or snack the night away on Shute Harbour Road.

For those who just can’t shake the call of the dance floor, Airlie Beach does have some nightclubs. Rock out until dawn before returning to your accommodation in the Whitsundays, then do it all again the next day.

Get Your Festival On

Feeling festive? A Whitsundays hotel makes a fantastic home base if you’re coming for a specific occasion. You won’t find Creamfields-sized events here, but from June through September you can join in on Whaleapalooza.

Okay, that’s not its official name, but that season sits smack in the middle of the whale migration. Say hello to a friendly humpback and her calf, and maybe grab some awesome selfies for your social media page.

In August, the Whitsunday Reef Festival takes over Airlie Beach, so book one of our Whitsundays hotels in advance if you plan to douse yourself in blue paint and celebrate the life aquatic. And hey, are you bringing the entire family with you? Airlie Beach hosts Grandparents Week in June and July. Please, save us a spot at the bridge table.

What are you waiting for? You’ve got a Whitsundays hotel in mind by now, but why not make it two-for-one? Mix and match airfares and accommodation and you’ll wind up with one of Wotif’s Whitsundays holiday packages —here’s to saving even more dollarydoos. Book today and jet off to Cook’s paradise tomorrow!