Whitsundays Itinerary | How to spend 4 days in the Whitsundays
In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and just a short plane ride from most capital cities, you will find the amazing Whitsundays. The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands with the majority of these designated national parks or resort islands. Stunningly picturesque and one of Australia’s most visited regions with over half a million people visiting each year, its time to get your Whitsundays itinerary planned!
Whether you want a weekend getaway or it’s a stop on your East Coast Australian road trip, this Queensland tropical region is the perfect sun-drenched oasis! You will be greeted with fresh local produce, beautiful natural landscapes and coasts that are dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns.
Offering some of the world’s best sailing and home to the white silica sands of the famous Whitehaven beach, there is plenty to do in the Whitsundays. Here is our Whitsundays itinerary for 4 days.
Related: “Ultimate Aussie Bucket List- 50+ Things To Do”
Whitsundays Itinerary | How to spend 4 days in the Whitsundays
Day 1- The Locals Best Kept Secret
Usually overlooked as a holiday destination when visiting the Whitsundays, the town of Bowen is one of the locals best-kept secrets. Start your day at Flagstaff hill where you will be rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of Bowen. Need a coffee break? Head to Le Sorelle coffee house for the best coffee in Bowen and grab a piece of their homemade gourmet fudge, you won’t be disappointed!
Horseshoe Bay is rated in the top 11 beaches in Australia! This secluded cove is perfect for relaxing, snorkelling or paddling boarding. Head up to the Rotary Lookout where you will be presented with views of the surrounding bays. Stop in for lunch at Meraki Whitsundays before heading back towards Airlie and don’t forget to stop in at the Big Mango located at the Bowen Information Centre on the Bruce HWY!
Day 2- The Famous Whitehaven Beach
Depart on a day of adventure with Red Cat Adventures and explore the famous Whitehaven beach. The famous shore stretches about 7km and consists of fine, powdery white sand and the clearest water you will ever see.
Red Cat Adventures offer full day tours which are great if you are exploring Whitsundays on a budget. They also have overnight sailing experiences with all meals and snorkelling on offer!
You will also stop in at Hill Inlet where you can witness the swirly sands and take those once in a lifetime shots!
Feel like getting in touch with nature? There are also options to camp at Whitehaven beach!
Day 3- Segway and Waterfalls
Ride your own Segway through the spectacular Conway National Park rainforest, along the Whitsunday Great Walk. Surrounded by lush rainforest and flowing streams, your guide will share local information on the surrounding environment during the 9km journey.
Then head west of Airlie Beach through sugar cane farming communities to Cedar Creek Falls. Set in a natural rock amphitheatre, and surrounded by abundant flora and fauna including majestic white cedar trees this tranquil waterfall is the perfect place for a midday dip.The waterhole is an easy walk from the parking area and there is also bush walks up and around the falls for the more energetic.
Finish the day with a feed and some drinks at KC’s located on the main strip of Airlie beach. This iconic bar & grill is popular with both locals and visitors offering premium steak and seafood whilst showcasing local live music!
Day 4 – Sunsets at Airlie Beach
Wake up in the newly renovated Heart Hotel and fuel up for the day with Breaky at the Deck
Spend your day exploring the town of Airlie Beach, the main strip has loads of shops and cafes, and if you are around on a Saturday you can visit the local markets. The markets are held every Saturday from 8:00 am till around noon along the foreshore of Airlie Beach. They boast local artist, showcasing handcrafted jewellery, clothing, souvenirs, fresh local produce lots of entertainment.
No better way to end your day than on the Sundown Cruise for a sunset tour around Airlie. Sundowner Cruises operates from the new Port of Airlie which is only a short 200m walk from the main street of Airlie Beach. With nibbles and champagne provided, you will then embark on sunset cruise where the Whitsunday islands provide the backdropack drop.
The catamaran drifts around from Pioneer Bay to Mandalay Point, as dusk sets upon the day you will see shipwreck at Cannonvale Beach and if you are really lucky you may even spot a turtle at Turtle Bay.
Finish up your Whitsundays itinerary with a fine dining dinner at Chef Hat awarded Walters Lounge located at Port of Airlie. Delicious, freshly prepared food, outstanding cocktails and a hand picked boutique wine list can all be enjoyed whilst overlooking the beautiful Airlie Beach Marina.
NEED MORE HELP PLANNING YOUR WHITSUNDAYS GETAWAY?
+Bowen- Whitsundays Best Kept Secret
+20 things you have to do in the Whitsundays
Found this pin helpful? Be sure to pin and share!
Wow amazing photos. I want to visit the Whitsundays so bad 🙂 not only because it looks like paradise with the blue water…but I can imagine that the sunsets are amazing too 🙂
Thank you so much Stephanie!
The water was unreal. Everywhere we went it was so clear, I was surprised it actually looked like all those tourism brochures and epic Instagram shots! Definetly one of the best regions in Australia and best part it can be done on a budget!
Cant wait until you get to experience it! When you do tag me in your pictures, I love seeing other peoples experiences!
Have great day!
Kayla xx
Beautiful guide, your photos are gorgeous! I am heading to the Whitsundays for the first time next month, so I will definitely be taking your guide along with me! 🙂