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The tropical Whitsundays are the true definition of paradise

Secluded palm-fringed beaches, hidden waterfalls and crystal-clear waters? The Whitsunday Islands are a dream holiday destination for lovers of the sun and sea. This adventure will take you from the coastal town of Airlie Beach out into the turquoise ocean of the Whitsundays on board a comfortable cruising yacht. Spend time exploring some of the stunning islands within the archipelago, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and appreciating the unique tropical nature, wildlife and culture of the area. But most of all, just relax and enjoy yourself – you’re in paradise!

Start
Airlie Beach, Australia
Finish
Airlie Beach, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PVKW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Spend three days aboard our comfortable cruising yacht, visiting various Whitsunday Islands and snorkelling off the boat.

  • Witness a Welcome to Country and a talk about the history and culture of the Whitsundays from a local member of the Ngaro family.

  • Visit remote Langford Reef and Island where you can enjoy snorkelling away from the crowds with a chance to spot sea turtles.

  • Join an eco-walk with a local guide, learning about tropical flora and fauna, then climbing to the top of a waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools.

Is this trip right for you?

  • As the some of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs and ladders. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Your friendly crew will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed. Those nights are single supplement exceptions as you stay in open shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities with your fellow travellers.

  • This trip visits some amazing beaches along the way. Please consider your swimming competency before getting in the water.

  • Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sun screen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Australia_QLD_whitsundays_sailing
Australia_QLD_great-barrier-reef
Travellers snorkelling in Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Hill Inlet beach view from lookout, Queensland
Cedar Creek Falls in Queensland, Australia
Travellers walking along sandy Whitsundays Beach, Queensland
Sailing the Whitsunday Islands at sunset in Queensland

Itinerary
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Welcome to Airlie Beach, the stunning gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Take your time today making your way to check in to your accommodation, before meeting your local leader and group for a short welcome meeting at 4pm in the hotel foyer. From here, your leader will take you for a stroll along the coast adjacent to Airlie Beach, where you’ll be greeted by a local member of the First Nations Ngaro family. They will welcome you to country and provide you with an overview of the Indigenous culture and history of the magnificent Whitsundays that you’re about to explore. Then head on a short orientation walk of the town, before you have the evening to yourselves. Perhaps get to know your fellow travellers over dinner, then maybe head to one of Airlie Beach’s quirky bars to chat over a drink.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Airlie Beach - Ngaro First Nation Welcome to Country
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your booking agent or hotel reception know.

After breakfast, you’ll head out of town to explore the majestic Cedar Creek Falls, and its surrounding tropical flora and fauna. See white cedar trees, alexander palms, wild orchids, colourful butterflies and many species of birds. Your local guide will then take you on an eco-walk to the top of the falls where you can climb over the rocks and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools, a true highlight. All the while, Australia’s native wildlife will be your only companions as you soak up the stunning views. If you are lucky you'll even spot some resident turtles. Later head back to the coast to a secluded, white sandy beach. Enjoy the ocean views and large refreshing swimming pool. Relax under the palms, take a dip in the pool and enjoy an included lunch. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy all that Airlie Beach has to offer. Perhaps head up to the Honeyeater Lookout for amazing views over Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Archipelago, or simply continue to relax by the beach at Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Airlie Beach - Guided Waterfall and Eco tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today you'll board a cruising yacht, which will be your home for the next two nights, and set sail into the tropical waters surrounding the Whitsundays. Your afternoon will be spent at sea, where you can enjoy your time on board unwinding with a good book or chatting with your travel buddies. We’ll plan our three days according to the weather and your group’s preference, with stops for snorkelling with all gear provided, and exploring the islands. Visit the stunning Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. A short bushwalk inland will take you to the equally famous Hill Inlet Lookout for a gorgeous view of the beach below and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. The swirling sands are created by the ever-changing tides, which leave behind a kaleidoscope of blue and white. Tonight, you’ll be treated to dinner on board as you get to know your fellow travellers. Then, perhaps retire to the deck and relax under the stars.
Accommodation
  • Sailing Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach
  • Whitsunday Islands - 3 day Sailing Excursion
  • Whitsunday Islands - Snorkelling Equipment
  • Whitsunday Islands - Hill Inlet Lookout Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Spend the next 2 nights on a sailing boat. You’ll need to feel comfortable moving around the limited space on the vessel, including the use of stairs and ladders. Those nights are single supplement exceptions as you stay in open plan shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities. This means you will be sharing the area with your fellow travellers for the entirety of the time spent on the boat. The maximum size of the vessel is 12 passengers. Meals are freshly prepared by a professional crew, however you may want to bring your own alcoholic beverages if you wish.

Today will be spent all at sea, exploring more of the area. Maybe do some more snorkelling and search out the marine mammals and tropical fish living amid the colourful coral. Perhaps try your hand at sailing, by helping the crew hoist the sails and steer the boat. On our small yacht, you’ll be able to steer into more remote locations and snorkel in spots that are far away from the crowds. All meals today will be provided on the boat, so you can just kick back and relax on the deck.
Accommodation
  • Sailing Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands - Snorkelling Equipment
  • Whitsunday Islands - 3 day Sailing Excursion
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Get ready for an unforgettable morning! Hidden away from the crowds, head to a special snorkelling spot on the secluded Langford Reef. Hop off the boat at Langford Island and take a short walk to an inspiring lookout point, where you’ll also find an old boab tree. The views here are second to none – look out across the quiet bay, the nearby islands and your boat moored in the still waters, and if you’re really lucky, you may even spot some sea turtles. Then it's time to continue back to Airlie Beach where you’ll disembark at the marina in the afternoon. Head to your accommodation to check in and then enjoy a free afternoon. Tonight is your last night so why not regroup and head out for one last dinner in town. Be sure to check with your leader if you’d like a recommendation of the best spots to try some local seafood and maybe even a few tropical cocktails!
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Reef Visit & Snorkel
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Island Hike
  • Whitsunday Islands - 3 day Sailing Excursion
  • Whitsunday Islands - Snorkelling Equipment
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your tour ends after breakfast. You’re free to leave the hostel at your own leisure (please check the check-out times). If you have the time, feel free to stay longer and enjoy everything that this beautiful region has to offer – contact us to book post-trip accommodation.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Sailing boat

Accommodation

Hostel (3 nights), Sailing boat (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Airlie Beach - Ngaro First Nation Welcome to Country
  • Airlie Beach - Guided Waterfall and Eco tour
  • Whitsunday Islands - Whitehaven Beach
  • Whitsunday Islands - 3 day Sailing Excursion
  • Whitsunday Islands - Snorkelling Equipment
  • Whitsunday Islands - Hill Inlet Lookout Hike
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Reef Visit & Snorkel
  • Whitsunday Islands - Langford Island Hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Whitsunday Islands Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the nights spent on the boat (days 3 and 4) where you will be in shared accommodation. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

SAILING BOAT
This trip spends 2 nights on a sailing boat. You’ll need to feel comfortable moving around the limited space on the vessel, including the use of stairs and ladders. Those nights are single supplement exceptions as you stay in open plan shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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