Book one of these stunning Whitsundays stays for your next warm-weather getaway

Hamilton Island

The Sundays

Best for: families

The Sundays is Hamilton Island’s newest resort, opened in April 2025. It’s boutique, with only 59 rooms, all with a balcony or terrace. The resort’s at the northern end of Catseye Beach, reached by complimentary transfer from the airport or marina. The real highlight here, though, is the dining. The food at Catseye Pool Club’s all done by Josh and Julie Niland.

Hamilton Island Boxing Day sale: save up to 25% at The Sunday with bookings of three nights or more, from 9am AEDT December 26 until 4pm AEDT January 6. Travel dates and conditions apply.

Address: 10 Palm Terrace Way, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Queensland

Beach Club

Best for: adults-only company

While The Sundays is great for families, nearby Beach Club is adults-only. It has 57 rooms across just two floors, an infinity pool overlooking the Coral Sea and a restaurant and lounge. Treat yourself to a massage or facial at its Spa wumurdaylin, or take out a paddleboard, kayak or snorkel.

Hamilton Island Boxing Day sale: save up to 25% at Beach Club with bookings of three nights or more, from 9am AEDT December 26 until 4pm AEDT January 6. Travel dates and conditions apply.

Address: 9 Resort Dr, Whitsundays, Queensland

qualia

Best for: renowned luxury

Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift and Chris Hemsworth have all stayed at adults-only qualia, which has won countless accommodation awards since its opening in 2007. The resort’s on the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island with 60 pavilions, some with private infinity pools. There’s also a gym, pool, beach, spa, library and two restaurants.

Address: 20 Whitsunday Blvd, Whitsundays, Queensland

Reef View Hotel

Best for: spacious see views

The Reef View Hotel is the largest hotel on Hamilton Island, with 363 rooms, including a two-storey Presidential Suite that sleeps up to six guests. The hotel’s directly opposite Catseye Beach and a short stroll to many of the island’s restaurants. It has several dining options, a pool, gym, tennis court and spa.

Hamilton Island Boxing Day sale: save up to 30% at Reef View Hotel with bookings of three nights or more, from 9am AEDT December 26 until 4pm AEDT January 6. Travel dates and conditions apply.

Address: 12 Resort Dr, Whitsundays, Queensland

Hayman Island

Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef by IHG

Best for: iconic private-island luxury

The Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is the only hotel on Hayman Island. It has 182 rooms across its three wings – Beach, Lagoon and Pool – plus a handful of Beachfront Pavilions and Hayman Residences section. Guests can dine at four restaurants – Pacific, Amici, Aqua and Bam Bam – or for something truly special, book a private dining experience.

Address: 1 Raintree Avenue, Hayman Island, Queensland

Daydream Island

Daydream Island Resort

Best for: family-friendly reef adventures

Daydream Island Resort takes over the island by the same name, a 30-minute ferry from the mainland. The island has 240 rooms, a spa and kids’ club, and a robust offering of on and off-island activities. The Living Room is a free-form coral lagoon that wraps 200m around the resort’s main building and is home to roughly 100 sea creatures.

Address: Daydream Island, Whitsundays, Queensland

Airlie Beach

Coral Sea Resort

Best for: a central hub

Coral Sea Resort is set on oceanfront with 61 rooms, ranging from Verandah Twin, to a Three-Bedroom Penthouse, which sleeps up to seven. The resort has a pool, spa and an all-day restaurant called Coral Sea Pavilion. Organise a scenic chopper flight over the Whitsundays with the concierge.

Address: 25 Ocean View Ave, Airlie Beach, Queensland

Mirage Whitsundays

Best for: self-contained living

A five-minute drive from Airlie Beach, Mirage Whitsundays is one of the island’s most luxurious resorts, with all self-contained rooms. Its 62 units include three-bedroom apartments, multi-level villas, and a four-bedroom penthouse, all equipped with kitchens and terraces, so you can cook at home and enjoy your meals al fresco.

Address: 11 Altmann Ave, Cannonvale, Queensland

Mandalay Tropical Waterfront Studio

Best for: seaside serenity

This Airbnb is set on tropical gardens with views of sparkling sea and bobbing sailboats, a 10-minute drive from central Airlie. The property’s an Airbnb Guest Favourite with, as of writing this, 245 reviews. Guests’ comments continually reference welcoming hosts Roz and Pete and the breathtaking view.

Address: Mandalay

The Cove

Best for: envious marina frontage

The Cove is an Airbnb that sleeps up to eight guests in its five rooms. It’s ideal for a family or group of friends, with a private pool, waterfront deck and outdoor kitchenette that includes a fridge and gas barbecue. Inside is an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area and an upstairs bedroom with a balcony overlooking the marina.

Address: Airlie Beach

Long Island

Elysian Retreat

Best for: secluded eco-luxury

Elysian Retreat is on the southern tip of Long Island in a private cove, surrounded by national park and the Great Barrier Reef. The property has just 10 oceanfront villas, all with views of both the ocean and rainforest. All room rates include three meals a day, evening canapes and water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, aqua biking and kayaking.

Address: 22 Carl Heck Boulevard, Long Island, Queensland

Palm Bay Resort

Best for: a quiet reprieve

Palm Bay Resort on the neck of Long Island has just 25 Balinese design-inspired, balcony-equipped rooms. Facilities include a pool, tennis court and day spa. Snorkelling, fishing charters and water sports can also be organised for guests. Get here by water taxi or, to truly arrive in style, by chopper from Airlie Beach.

Address: Palm Bay, Long Island, Queensland

At sea options

Sailing Whitsundays

Sailing Whitsundays is an Airlie Beach-based travel agency with day and overnight tours. Their three-day, three-night option will see you leaving from Coral Sea Marina to cruise through the Whitsundays and spend a day on Whitehaven Beach. Snorkels, masks and wetsuits are all provided, as is on-board WiFI.

At sea options

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures

Another major player in the Whitsundays overnight sail trip space is Whitsundays Sailing Adventures. They too offer a range of tours, depending on your budget, length of stay – one night to three – and inclusions. All activities are organised to minimise negative impact on the biodiversity of the coral reefs and marine life.