Whitsunday Islands Explorer

Welcome to the Airlie Beach, the stunning gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Take your time today making your way to check in to your hotel, before meeting your local leader and group for a short welcome meeting at 4pm in the hotel foyer. From here, you’ll head out along the coast for a stroll into Airlie Beach, where you’ll be greeted by a local member of the Ngaro family. They will welcome you to country and provide you with an overview of the culture and history of the magnificent Whitsundays that you’re about to explore. Your local leader will then take you on a short orientation walk of the town, before you have the evening to yourselves. Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome dinner of quality local food, then maybe head to one of Airlie Beach’s quirky bars to chat over a drink.

Today we 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. Or maybe try your hand at sailing, by helping the crew hoist the sails and steer the boat. We’ll plan our two days according to the weather and your group’s preference, with stops for snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, with all gear provided, and exploring the islands. Visit the stunning Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the best 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.

Today will again be spent 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. 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.

Today brings an end to your time on the boat, as you slowly make your way back to the mainland. On the way, you’ll stop at South Molle Island National Park, with an opportunity to stretch your legs on a hike. Enjoy views of the reef, rainforest and coastline as well as keeping an eye out for some of the beautiful birdlife on the island including rainbow lorikeets, currawongs and endangered bush stone curlews. After the hike, you’ll have worked up an appetite for lunch before you’ll continue to Airlie Beach where you’ll disembark at the marina. Head to your resort accommodation to check in and then enjoy a free afternoon and evening. 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!

After breakfast, you’ll head out on a day tour exploring majestic waterfalls and tropical flora and fauna. See white cedar trees, alexander palms, wild orchids, colourful butterflies and many species of birds. Your local guide will 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, and then explore a secluded, white sandy beach. All the while, Australia’s native wildlife will be your only companions as you soak up the stunning views. For lunch, enjoy a delicious BBQ meal.

Your tour ends after breakfast. Checkout isn’t until 11am, so you’re free to leave the hotel at your own leisure. 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.