The Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Whitsunday Islands Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are no hostels on the islands since people either stay in hotels or sail around on boats. When you’re searching for hostels, you’re likely to come across some on Airlie Beach as the main launching point for visiting the Whitsundays, but it isn’t actually in the islands.

You can camp on the islands though, however, as I mentioned previously you’ll need your own gear as well as transportation to/from the islands. It’s still a budget-friendly choice though (especially if you’re splitting the costs with someone).

Budget hotel prices – Some of the larger islands have hotels, but they are not budget-friendly. The hotels here are more like resorts and most start at 225 AUD ($170 USD) per night on Hamilton Island. Other islands are a little cheaper, usually starting around 100 AUD ($75 USD) per night for more mid-range hotels or eco-lodges.

Airbnb is also available around the islands and is a bit more affordable. Private rooms start around 75 AUD ($56 USD) while entire apartments start at 140 AUD ($105 USD).

Average cost of food – If you’re on a sailing trip, all food is provided on the boat, but you’ll have to bring your own alcohol. If you go on your own, you can buy food at the resorts and hotels. Most meals start at 20 AUD ($15 USD), however, there are also a few casual and takeaway spots where you can grab a sandwich for 10-15 AUD ($8-11 USD).

You generally have more limited food options around the islands, so if you’re on a budget book accommodation where you can cook your own food or where meals are included. Some hotels and resorts include meals. Make sure you know what’s included when you book.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay 100 AUD ($75 USD) per week for groceries that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foodstuffs. The IGA on Hamilton Island is one of the cheapest places to buy groceries on the islands.

Backpacking the Whitsunday Islands: Suggested Budgets

The cheapest way to see the Whitsundays is by hopping on a sailing trip, which costs around 375-499 AUD for a 3-day/2-night sailing trip. This covers your transportation from Airlie Beach, food, all sightseeing and activities (like snorkeling), and basically everything you need to have an amazing time in the Whitsunday Islands. (Remember: booze isn’t included in your sailing trip. Pick up a box of goon!)

This how most backpackers get around and, while it’s not cheap, most travelers plan in advance for this and splurge on this activity. Camping is definitely possible instead, but you need to have all your own gear. If you do camp, you can lower your costs to under 50 AUD per day (assuming you’re staying on one island and not bouncing around).

On a mid-range budget of about 275 AUD per day, you can take a ferry from Airlie to Hamilton Island, stay in a hotel or Airbnb, eat takeaway food or grab meals at local cafes (combined with cooking some of your meals and having picnics), and do some water activities like kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling.

On a “luxury” budget of 505 AUD per day or more, you can take a ferry from Airlie to Hamilton Island, book a stay in a resort, eat out for all your meals (and have a cocktail with your dinner), and hire a buggy to get around Hamilton. You can also participate in just about any tour you want: a full-day sailing trip, a flight over the Heart Reef, or even learn how to dive. At this price point, you can do what you want!

Here’s a chart with some suggested budgets to help you plan. Prices are in AUD:

Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Whitsunday Islands are definitely not a budget destination. A visit here requires lots of planning and preparation. However, there are some ways to save money in the Whitsunday Islands:

• BYOB – With the exception of day trips on large boats with licensed bars, you can bring your own alcohol on board most boats. To stick to your budget, most travelers bring a box of goon (cheap wine) for the trip.
• Couchsurf – Accommodation here can be quite pricey. If you plan ahead, you might be able to find a Couchsurfing host in the Whitsunday Islands (or on the mainland near Airlie Beach before you depart). Just make sure you request a spot well in advance.
• Camp – If you enjoy being outdoors, there are tons of campgrounds around the islands. It’s the cheapest way to see stay on the islands! However, you’ll need your own boat to get to these sites, and will also have to provide your own food but it will be super cheap!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. Lifestraw is my favorite as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Do a day trip – If staying on the islands is too pricey, stay on the mainland instead and just do a day trip to one of the islands. It won’t be cheap but it will be cheaper than a longer visit or sailing trip!

Where To Stay in the Whitsunday Islands

There are no hostels in the Whitsunday Islands. If you want to stay at a resort on the cheaper end (which still starts from 320 AUD/$230 USD), here are a few recommendations:

• Whitsunday Apartments
• Reef View Hotel
• Shorelines

How to Get Around the Whitsunday Islands

Sailing – Sailing is the best way to see the Whitsunday Islands. Sailing trips leave from Airlie beach and usually include meals and activities. You can take longer or shorter tours depending on your budget too. Read about my 3-day sailing trip for more details.

Ferry – Cruise Whitsundays is the main ferry operator running transfers in the Whitsundays, providing transfers between Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, and Airlie Beach (on the mainland). The ferry between the Airlie and the Hamilton Island costs 60 AUD ($45 USD) each way. Airlie to Hamilton Island Airport is the same price. The ferry between Airlie and Daydream Island is 38 AUD ($29 USD). For more ferry prices, see their schedule

Buggy Rental – On Hamilton Island, you can rent buggies to get around. Prices start at 59 AUD ($44 USD) for two hours or 87 AUD ($65 USD) for 24 hours.

When to Go to the Whitsunday Islands

The best time of year to visit the Whitsunday Islands is in September when there’s near-constant sunshine, very little rainfall, and the temperature maxes out at 79°F (26°C). The humidity isn’t too high, and the water is ideal for watersports (like snorkeling and swimming). A lot of people prefer to do sailing trips during this time as well.

The winter months (from June through August) is also a good time to visit, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 75°F (24°C) each day. However, the water can be quite chilly. If you’re not too keen on spending time in the water, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Australia’s summer months are hot and humid, so most people prefer to avoid the islands during this time. Temperatures are high from December through February, and there is the possibility of cyclones. October through May is also known as “stinger season,” when the box jellyfish and the Irukandji are abundant and can give you a potentially fatal sting.

How to Stay Safe in the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are very safe. Thee only dangers here are from the natural environment.

Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen, and stay as hydrated as possible. Bring mosquito repellant. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders, and if you’re bitten, seek immediate care. Furthermore, if you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

October through May is known as “stinger season,” when the box jellyfish and the Irukandji are plentiful and can deliver a seriously painful sting (or even a potentially fatal one).

The tropical climate here means unexpected storms may pop up, including cyclones. Be sure to check the weather forecast in advance before you do any activities. You do not want to be stranded in a tropical storm!

The national park services also advise against swimming in Cid Harbour as a number of shark attacks have been reported there in recent years.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Whitsunday Islands Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!

The Best Backpack for Travelers

What’s the best backpack for traveling long-term? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, top loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
• 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 razor
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel
• Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

• Band-Aids
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Earplugs
• Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

• A key or combination lock (safety first)
• Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
• Plastic bags (great for laundry)
• Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
• LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
• 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hair bands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

• What I Pack For My Travels
• The Ultimate List For Female Travelers
• How to Choose and Buy the Right Backpack