Relax in the Whitsundays: Brisbane & Hamilton Island - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane & Fly to Hamilton Island

This morning you'll fly from Brisbane to Hamilton Island—one of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays archipelago located off the Queensland coast. Surrounded by pristine white beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life, this idyllic island is one of Australia's most sought-after holiday destinations and serves as the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

There's no shortage of activities on offer, with bustling bars and restaurants, year-round cultural exhibitions and performances, and abundant water sports and adventure excursions. Sailing enthusiasts can head to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, while keen golfers will enjoy the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island.

Day 2: Whitehaven Beach Day

Spend today experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Join a leisurely cruise in a smaller Whitehaven-based vessel along the full length of the beach. Afterward, enjoy a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, which will lead you to the lookout at Hill Inlet and a picture postcard view.

On your return to the beach's southern end, your guide will let you know the departure times for optional walks to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, Chance Bay, and Solway Passage. If you're after a more relaxed afternoon, wander to your own secluded stretch of sand where you can laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters.

Day 3: Explore Hamilton Island

Spend today exploring the beauty of Hamilton Island on your own. The Whitsundays are paradise, no two ways about it: white sand beaches, turquoise water, beautiful reefs, and islands where the only form of transport is by golf buggy. There are various activities to keep busy—snorkeling the reef, sea kayaking, scenic helicopter flights, golf, and more. If you're tired from your travels, simply laze around the range of pools, or relax on Catseye Beach.

A visit to the Whitsundays would not be complete without seeing one of the island's exquisite sunsets. Hamilton Island's hilltop bar, One Tree Hill, becomes a revelers' gathering spot from about 5 pm each day when tourists and locals alike ride their buggies here to sip cocktails and take in the views of the late afternoon sky.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour

Today's full-day tour introduces you to all the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island. Visit two dive locations within Bait Reef, where a minimum of 3.5 hours are spent on location. Enjoy a guided snorkeling tour where you'll see some of the thousands of marine species home to the reef—maybe even some prehistoric ones! Based around quieter moorings, this tour of the world's largest reef system has a much more intimate feel. Spend the rest of your night on your own, enjoying your last evening in the Whitsundays.

Day 5: Spirits of the Red Sand Evening Dinner Experience

Today you'll fly from Hamilton Island back to Brisbane. Settle into your accommodation and take some time to explore the Queensland capital. In the evening, head to Spirits of the Red Sand—an interactive Aboriginal "roving" theater show and dinner experience. Be transported to 1800s Australia to witness history come alive as two cultures meet for the first time. This historical docudrama is set within a 19th-century village and immerses in a spectacle of song, dance, chants, and powerful storytelling. Afterward, you'll return to your accommodation to enjoy your last night in Brisbane.

Day 6: Depart Brisbane

Today is your last morning in Brisbane. You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Brisbane Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!

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