Which resort to stay at in the Whitsunday Islands?

With 74 islands in all, the Whitsunday Islands are Australia’s largest offshore island group and are some of the most magnificent islands in the world.

They are unique, as they are protected by the Great Barrier Reef, which means calm, sheltered waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing.

There are also world-class resorts on the Whitsunday Islands, including top-end luxury, family-friendly resorts and those more suited to the adventurous traveller. Talk to one of our travel advisors, who will help you fit the right Whitsunday Island resort experience to your needs.

Daydream Island Resort

The recently reopened Daydream Island Resort is welcoming guests again following a complete refurbishment and is wowing guests with its new-look, premium resort in the heart of the Whitsundays. The resort offers signature dining concepts, relaxed bars and waterfront suites, as well as the iconic ‘Living Reef’ with an underwater observatory that kids love. There is also an Outdoor Cinema. The architecture and design of the resort reflect the beauty of its surroundings, with garden, pool and ocean view rooms providing the perfect retreat amongst lush, tropical gardens. Three signature restaurants and three bars each have their own distinct design and flavour, and an exclusive adults-only area caters to those in search of peace and quiet. Activities include snorkelling, sailboat and jet-ski hire, helicopter tours and unlimited access to non-motorised water activities.

Hayman Island

Located on a pristine 400-hectare island, the soon-to-be-open Hayman Island by InterContinental is one of Australia’s most iconic island resorts and is accessible by either luxury vessel, helicopter or seaplane. On July 1, 2019, the 166-room luxury resort will again welcome guests, after undergoing a spectacular, multi-million-dollar refurbishment to ensure a truly immersive experience in the beautiful Whitsundays. Managed by one of the world’s leading hotel companies, InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG), the resort features world-class restaurants and bars - with five innovative dining experiences, from poolside fare to exciting and bold evening dining - and is guaranteed to have something to suit all travellers, from the adventurer to the luxuriously laid-back. Bespoke experiences include a luxury spa, a resort boutique, a kids’ club and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. From secluded beach coves to jet-ski adventures and seaplane rides offering breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island offers a slice of heaven.

Palm Bay Resort, Long Island

Private and secluded, Palm Bay Resort caters for just 50 guests with the accommodation right on the beach in timber bures that blend into the lush vegetation. The Coral Sea is literally just beyond your balcony, with the waves gently lulling you to sleep at night. Located on Long Island, just 20-minutes from Shute Harbour, Palm Bay Resort gives guests an authentic, tropical island experience where you can leave the 21st century behind and connect with yourself and nature (there’s no TV or wi-fi!). It is a uniquely self-catering resort – you can pre-select your food and have it waiting for you or BYO – and you can eat with the other guests or find a quiet table outside near the pool. The staff do the dishes. You can snorkel, swim, fish, kayak and go on bushwalks, or you can meditate around the pool – either way, you will completely unwind and enjoy the ambience of the tropics.

Hamilton Island

One of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsunday group. It is also the only island with its own airport. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat into the marina, which is surrounded by shops and eateries and the impressive Yacht Club. Rugged, rainforest-clad hills and pristine white beaches greet you - more than 80 per cent of the island is natural bushland - making it perfect for bush walking and wildlife spotting including kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos and lorikeets. It is the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world famous Whitehaven Beach, and there are more than 40 activities including water skiing, catamaran and yacht sailing, game fishing, whale watching (July to September) and scenic flights. You will never be bored on Hamilton Island – there are 16 restaurants and takeaways, 20 speciality stores, a supermarket, bottle shop, kids’ club, adults’ sports club and 10 different swimming pools!