With 74 islands to choose from in the Whitsundays, you’re spoiled for choice on your luxury tour. Don’t let all the options overwhelm you. We’ve broken down the best Whitsunday islands to check out, plus extra info on where to stay and – better yet – where to eat!
No matter if you’re planning to stay put for a relaxing getaway or a sight-seeing tour of the region, our list will help iron out your itinerary so you can spend more time doing and less planning. Continue reading to find out which Whitsunday island is best for your luxury holiday.
Airlie Beach
Okay, so not technically an island, but Airlie is the mainland hub of the Whitsundays. Bringing small-town charm, fresh coastal cuisine and plenty of luxurious lodgings, Airlie is the perfect starting point for an island hopping adventure. With the harbour right next to the town centre, the call of the sea is always close by.
Where To Eat?
Fish D’vine – A seafood and rum bar located right in front of the harbour. You won’t find fresher seafood anywhere unless you go catch it yourself and the tropical rum bar has countless delightful drinks on offer.
Cool Lala – A refreshing take on high-end Asian cuisine. Each bite and sip is filled with exciting flavours, made all the better by fresh, local ingredients.
Where To Stay?
Pinnacles Resort – If a stunning view over the ocean by balcony or infinity pool sounds like your dream view, then you’ve got to check into this luxury resort. Pinnacles is the ultimate luxury self-contained accommodation location.
Elementa Whitsundays – A love letter to the Whitsundays, Elementa is made up of seven homes, each uniquely designed and fitted to reflect the beauty of the surrounding environment. Nestled into the side of Mount Whitsunday, each house looks over the Airlie Beach harbour from its private balcony. Best of all, the Elementa homes were designed to minimise the impact on the surrounding environment.
Hamilton Island
If you want luxury treatment off the mainland, Hamilton island is the destination for you. With its own airport, grocery store and marina, this island is perfect for a self-contained getaway. It’s probably the best combination of nature and luxury. There’s plenty to do here with several restaurants, a championship 18-hole golf course, spas, an art gallery, and more. At the same time, the island is mostly made up of untouched wilderness that is ready to be explored.
Where To Eat?
coca chu – Delivering mouth-watering South East Asian street food, coca chu uses bold flavours to compliment rich, fresh Aussie ingredients. Best of all, the venue has a stunning view of Catseye Beach.
Romano’s – It almost sounds like ‘romantic’ and trust us… it is. This contemporary Italian restaurant offers a warm and intimate atmosphere. With good portions and plenty of hearty Italian foods, you’ll be singing ‘amore’ on the way home.
Where To Stay?
Palm Bungalows – Want a break from the norm? Ditch the standard hotel experience and spend a night at one of these luxury, private bungalows. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, this stay is sure to help you feel connected to Gaia.
qualia – Perched on the northernmost part of the island are these sleek, modern pavilions. Choose between two experiences, the Leeward Pavillions with their mix of tropical and sea views or the private plunge pools and expansive Whitsunday views of the Windward Pavilions. Whatever your choice, you’ll love this stay.
Hayman Island
The northmost island is a slice of paradise, making it the go-to destination for people wanting the most luxe Whitsunday experience. Housing celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, Elton John and Mariah Carey, the whose-who love this luxury destination, and you will too! Many who visit this island swear it offers the best views in the Whitsundays (though that is up for debate). Still, there’s no denying the northern island has a certain flair.
Where To Stay?
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort – This 5-star resort is the only option while staying at Hayman Island. But, who could complain after experiencing the recently refurbished rooms. What Hayman lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Enjoy a serene experience by drifting away in the spa, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or work up an appetite before digging into one of the many dining experiences.
Daydream Island
Few people have left Daydream Island feeling bored. From jet-ski rentals, kayaking, snorkelling and all kinds of inland adventures, this stop in the Whitsundays is action-packed. The upshot of being regarded as the ‘family’ island is there is plenty to do. Maybe it’s not as deluxe as some other options, but it’s still an amazing tropical experience.
Where To Eat?
Graze Restaurant – Daydream Island is home to three restaurants. Graze offers a range of international cuisines where you’re sure to find a favourite.
Infinity – This option offers an Asian-inspired experience with stunning views of the Whitsunday islands.
Inkstone Kitchen & Bar – Your classic Aussie steak and seafood grill house. A must-visit if you’re craving a big feed.
Where To Stay?
Daydream Island Resort – After only being reopened in 2019, you can enjoy the fully refurbished island resort that boasts several luxury rooms and vistas to choose from. Following an extensive $140 million redevelopment, the Daydream Island Resort is more stunning than ever before, offering spacious and modern luxury rooms.
Whitsunday Island
As the largest island in the archipelago, the Whitsunday Island is an adventurer’s dream. Largely undeveloped, the national park is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. The sparkling turquoise waters and Whitehaven silica sands are something you need to see to believe.
Where To Stay?
Because this island is a national park it doesn’t have any resorts or structures to preserve its beauty. There is the option to camp on the camping grounds; just prepare to rough it since there are only limited facilities.
Long Island
We like to think of Long Island as the overlooked sibling, but don’t let that fool you. This is a treasure trove if you like privacy. Often not as busy as the others, Long Island could be your favourite place to kick back and relax.
Where To Stay?
Elysia Retreat – There are two resorts on Long Island, but since this is a Luxe round-up, we’re going to focus on the Elysian. The 100% solar-powered resort is contemporary, coastal and classy. There are ten villas in total, all positioned just a stone’s throw from the ocean. At Elysian, you’ll enjoy some high-end boho vibes and super comfortable furniture that you’ll never want to leave after a long day of sun, sand and sea. You’ll also be treated to three gourmet meals a day, along with cocktails and canapes.
Private Charter Gets You To The Whitsundays In Style
Of course, that only scratches the surface of how you could explore the Whitsundays. With the whopping amount of islands to explore, the sky is the limit when it comes to your holiday plans. Whatever you choose, trust Adagold Aviation to get you there in style. We can deliver you right into the heart of the Whitsundays and can even organise transport by air or sea to whichever island you’ll call home. Contact us today for a fast quote and let us elevate your Whitsundays trip into an unforgettable experience.
