• Spend a full 6 hours at the Northern and Southern sections of Whitehaven Beach to really enjoy this iconic destination in the Whitsunday Islands. 
• Enjoy a guide tour of Hill Inlet with our boat crew and take those famous photos from the top over the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach Inlet. This hike is a leisurely 1.3klm return hike.  
• Catering for the day is morning and afternoon tea and a beach barbeque gourmet burger. 
• Beach games, lycra sun suit and dedicated host for the day.

Spend up to six unhurried hours exploring both the northern and southern ends of Whitehaven Beach, including a guided Hill Inlet walk, beach barbecue lunch and time to truly experience one of the Whitsundays’ most iconic landscapes.

This full day Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tour is designed for travellers who want time, space and flexibility rather than a rushed visit. With up to six hours spent across both the northern and southern sections of Whitehaven Beach, this experience allows guests to explore, swim, walk and relax at their own pace.

Departing from Airlie Beach with additional pick-ups from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, the stable catamaran cruises through the Whitsunday Islands before arriving at Whitehaven Beach. From here, the day unfolds around beach time, guided walks and relaxed exploration rather than a fixed, fast-moving schedule.

What to expect

This is a deliberately slower-paced full day Whitsundays tour that prioritises time on the island. After cruising through the Whitsunday Passage, guests disembark at Whitehaven Beach and spend the majority of the day on the sand and walking tracks rather than on the vessel.

You will explore both ends of the beach, join a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, enjoy a beach barbecue lunch and have time between activities to swim, sunbathe, play beach games or wander the shoreline. With a dedicated host onboard and ashore, the experience is relaxed but well-supported throughout the day.

Features and highlights

Extended time on Whitehaven Beach

Unlike shorter day tours, this experience allows up to six hours on Whitehaven Beach, giving you the freedom to move between activities without feeling rushed. The extended time makes this tour particularly appealing to guests who want more than a quick photo stop.

Guided Hill Inlet walk – northern Whitehaven Beach

At the northern end of the beach, guests join a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. The return walk is approximately 1.3 kilometres and follows a well-formed national park track. From the lookout, you’ll see the famous swirling silica sands that change shape and colour with each tide.

Southern Whitehaven Beach and lookout

The southern end of Whitehaven Beach offers a different perspective, with calmer water, picnic facilities and another lookout that guests may explore independently. This section is also where the beach barbecue lunch is served, allowing you to relax and refuel before continuing your afternoon on the sand.

Catering and beach experience

Catering is included and consists of morning tea, afternoon tea and a gourmet beach barbecue burger lunch. Beach games and protective lycra sun suits are provided, and a dedicated host remains with the group throughout the day.

Full day itinerary

Morning departure and island pick-ups

The day begins with departure from Airlie Beach, followed by brief pick-up stops at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island before continuing through the Whitsunday Passage toward Whitehaven Beach.

Arrival at Whitehaven Beach

Upon arrival, guests disembark and begin their day on the beach. Time is flexible and may include swimming, beachcombing, relaxing on the sand or participating in beach games.

Guided Hill Inlet experience

A guided walk leads to Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of the beach. The walk is steady and unhurried, with time allowed at the lookout for photography and explanation from the crew.

Southern beach time and lunch

After returning to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, guests enjoy a gourmet beach barbecue lunch, followed by free time to swim, walk or relax before preparing for the return journey.

Return cruise

In the late afternoon, the vessel departs Whitehaven Beach and cruises back through the islands, returning guests to Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and finally Airlie Beach.

Please note: the itinerary is a guideline and may change due to weather, tides and operational conditions.

Fitness level and suitability

This tour involves walking on sand, a 1.3 kilometre return bushwalk and boarding tenders. A moderate to active fitness level is recommended.

Due to the length and activity involved, this tour is not suitable for children under four years of age. High temperatures and humidity are possible, particularly during summer months.

Health, pregnancy and accessibility considerations

This tour involves extended time outdoors, walking on soft sand, a 1.3 kilometre return bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout and boarding tenders to access the beach. Conditions may include heat, humidity and uneven terrain.

Pregnancy

This tour is generally not recommended for guests who are pregnant, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. Walking conditions, heat exposure, tender transfers and the length of the day may present increased discomfort or risk.

Guests who are early in pregnancy and considering this experience should contact us prior to booking so we can discuss current conditions, walking requirements and whether an alternative Whitehaven Beach tour may be more suitable.

Mobility limitations and disabilities

Due to beach landings, sand walking, bush tracks and tender transfers, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests requiring assisted mobility.

Guests with limited mobility, balance concerns or joint conditions should be aware that access to Hill Inlet Lookout involves stairs and uneven surfaces. Participation in the guided walk is optional, however time ashore still requires independent movement on sand.

If accessibility is a concern, our team can recommend alternative Whitsunday tours that offer easier access and shorter walking distances.

Back, neck and medical conditions

Guests with existing back, neck, spinal or joint conditions should carefully consider the physical nature of this tour. Boarding tenders, walking on sand and vessel motion may aggravate some conditions.

All guests are required to disclose relevant medical conditions at the time of booking so appropriate advice can be provided.

Children and age suitability

Due to the length of the day, walking requirements and environmental exposure, this tour is not suitable for children under four years of age.

Children participating should be comfortable walking, standing for periods and following safety instructions in a marine environment.

Barrier Reef Australia – local knowledge and support

Barrier Reef Australia works closely with Whitsundays operators and understands how tides, weather and island conditions affect each section of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Our team is available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day, to help travellers decide whether a longer, unhurried experience like this is the right fit compared to shorter Whitehaven Beach tours.

If you would like help comparing this tour with other Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet options, or need advice on departure points, speak with our local team or request a Discovery Call.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

• Port of Airlie 7.15am to 6.15pm
• Daydream Island 7.45am to 5.45pm
• Hamilton Island 8:30am to 5:00pm

Destinations

• Hamilton Island
• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hill Inlet

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Full Day

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the length and activity during the day, this cruise is unsuitable for children under 4. Please be advised that a moderate level of fitness and agility is recommended for this experience, which includes bushwalking, and climbing in and out of tenders. High temperatures and humidity are possible, especially in the summer months. Departure and arrival times subject to change.

• Swimwear and beach towel
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
• Light jacket/sweater for a cool or windy day
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera

• PLEASE NOTE: Due to the length and activity during the day, this cruise is unsuitable for children under 4.
• Children are to be supervised by parents and guardians at all times