Nestled at the gateway to The Whitsundays, with its 74 islands and over 280 kilometres of mesmerising cerulean blue waters, Airlie Beach is a boater’s paradise. Imagine waking up each day to a new aquatic adventure, where every turn reveals a slice of paradise waiting to be explored.
Greg Alder, an avid boatie and the visionary Managing Director of Queensland construction and development company Alder, understands the magnetic allure of this seaside haven. Alder is transforming 24 hectares of breathtaking land at Airlie Summit, the highest remaining zoned land and the last major subdivision site in Airlie Beach.
“Airlie Summit epitomises luxury living. For those with a passion for the sea, it’s just a stone’s throw from numerous marinas, boat ramps, and the ferry terminal,” says Greg. “Residents here enjoy an aquatic wonderland with tranquil deep waters. If you love boating, fishing, and exploring nature, there is no better place to call home.”
In no particular order (because it’s impossible to play favourites) Greg and the Airlie Summit team have identified the 10 best places to visit by boat in the Whitsundays. Each has unique attractions from pristine beaches and exhilarating hikes to vibrant snorkelling and serene swimming.
- Whitehaven Beach – (Whitsunday Island)
Step onto the shores of Whitehaven Beach, where the sand is impossibly white and the turquoise waters gently lap at your feet. Voted the world’s top eco-friendly beach, Whitehaven’s sand is 98% pure white silica, glittering like snow and staying cool even on the hottest days. Anchor anywhere along this stunning stretch and dive into its crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable swim. From the beach you can access several incredible walking trails that connect to Chance Bay or Tongue Bay.
When you anchor at Whitehaven you can get quite close to the beach at the southern end and this can also offer some good shelter from southerly winds. Whereas the northern end of Whitehaven anchorage tends to be a bit further off the beach due to the abundant sands collected at Hill Inlet. The northern part of Whitehaven is great for shallow water swimming, a game of beach cricket or football on the big wide expanse of beach. The southern side is better for relaxing on the beach.
2. Chalkies Beach (Haslewood Island)
Just a stone’s throw from Whitehaven lies Chalkies Beach, a picture-perfect spot boasting the same pristine white silica sand. This beach offers incredible snorkelling opportunities along its entire length, with the best spots at the southern and western ends where the coral teems with marine life. The beach is lined with moorings, but if you miss out on a spot, be cautious when anchoring as the depth drops rapidly after the reef. Once secured, the underwater world is yours to explore.
- Chance Bay (Whitsunday Island)
Embark on a scenic journey to Chance Bay, roughly 23 nautical miles from Airlie Beach, and experience the true essence of the Whitsundays. Reach Chance Bay by crossing the Molle Channel, cruising through the Whitsunday Passage, and heading down the Fitzalan Passage past iconic Hamilton Island. This hidden gem is ideal when northerly winds prevail. Catch a stunning Whitsunday sunrise with an unobstructed view to the east and the dramatic sight of Pentecost Island to the south, featuring a towering rock formation. Uninhabited and strikingly beautiful, Pentecost Island was the first in the Whitsundays to be named by Captain Cook in 1770. The water at Chance Bay is chest-deep for a long way out, making it a safe and popular spot for swimming. It’s also great for tubing and stand-up paddleboarding. The bay is connected to South Whitehaven by a walking trail, offering access to the same breathtaking lookouts and hikes.
- Manta Ray Bay (Hook Island)
Discover the serene reef environment at the northern end of Hook Island, just 14 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Manta Ray Bay, where you can swim alongside Yellowtail Fusiliers, Giant Trevally, and the friendly Māori Wrasse. For the more adventurous, Pinnacle Bay offers massive coral bommies, providing endless opportunities for exploration and underwater photography. As the day draws to a close, take a short ride to Stonehaven Bay, known for its excellent snorkelling spots and breathtaking sunsets. Moor your boat and relax as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours, providing the perfect end to a day of aquatic adventure.
- Blue Pearl Bay (Hayman Island)
Just 14-nautical miles steam across the Whitsunday Passage, Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island is renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling. The reef, a vibrant underwater playground, has been steadily recovering since Cyclone Debbie. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, you’ll be captivated by the colourful reef fish and massive coral formations. Keep an eye out for the underwater Māori Wrasse sculpture. Blue Pearl Bay is perfect for novice snorkellers as you can explore straight from the beach. It is generally a quieter spot for boaters who appreciate its serenity and open ocean views.
- Bauer Bay (South Molle Island)
When it’s time to trade the sea for lush tropical bushland, head to Bauer Bay on South Molle Island, just 6.5 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. The island’s hiking and mountain bike trails wind through verdant forests, offering breathtaking views of the Whitsundays and the Coral Sea. The hike up to Spion Kop, acclaimed as Queensland’s Top Island Walk by National Geographic, is a must-do. You can then meander 2.2km on the return walk to Paddle Bay, where at low tide you can traverse the sandy beach across Mid Molle Island. The island has a big new solid steel and concrete jetty that makes it easy for boaties with bikes to tie up and disembark. There are also a number of private companies that can ferry over visitors and their bicycles for a day of pure adventuring.
- Bays to the northern end of Hook Island (Hook Island)
Butterfly Bay, Pinnacle Bay, Manta Ray Bay, along with Maureen’s Cove and Luncheon Bay on Hook Island, all offer an enchanting experience with friendly fish that eagerly interact with visitors. These bays, in close proximity to each other, open out into the vast ocean and are part of a habitat protection zone, ensuring a rich abundance of underwater wildlife. Popular on the tourist circuit, these locations are a snorkeller’s dream, teeming with Yellowtail Fusiliers, Giant Trevally, Māori Wrasse, Parrotfish, and Batfish. Public moorings make anchoring easy, and the views are simply breathtaking. Hook Island is also home to a few resident goats, adding to its unique charm. You can access these bays via the Whitsunday Passage or through The Narrows between Hook and Hayman Island.
- Cid Harbour (Whitsunday Island)
Nestled below lush, towering mountains, Cid Harbour offers stunning views and exhilarating hikes. This beautiful bay, surrounded by majestic peaks, is perfect for anchoring and enjoying the serene environment. Instead of swimming—due to poor visibility and the presence of Tiger Sharks—take a tender to the sandy-coral beach, where you’ll find picnic facilities and a toilet. From the picnic area, you can hike to the summit of Mount Whitsunday on a well-marked trail that starts at the beach. This challenging 30-minute climb winds through tropical rainforest and rewards hikers with cool breezes and breathtaking 360-degree views of the Whitsundays’ picturesque islands to the tallest point in the Whitsundays overlooking the surrounding islands and turquoise waters. The hike is a feast for the eyes, featuring beautiful rainforest, intriguing rocky creek crossings, and abundant wildlife.
9. Happy Bay (Long Island)
Easily visible from the Shute Harbour shoreline, Happy Bay is just a 15-minute journey from the Shute Harbour marina terminal and offers countless beautiful walking tracks. A short hike takes you to Palm Bay, where you’ll find a well-maintained resort perfect for relaxing with a meal or drinks at the bar before continuing your adventure. Beyond the resort, trails to the south lead to Sandy Bay on the west side of the island, a popular open camping area with a long beach ideal for beachcombing. It’s a lengthy walk, so come prepared, especially in summer when temperatures can soar.
Long island also has a luxury eco 5 star adult retreat on the southern edge of the island, nicely secluded from the hustle and bustle of other famous Whitsunday Island spots, accessible by Helicopter from any of the Whitsunday Airports or Coral Sea Marina.
- Plantation Bay (Lindeman Island)
For those seeking a more remote adventure, Plantation Bay on Lindeman Island offers unparalleled beauty. Hike 209 meters above sea level to the top of Mount Oldfield for stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding islands and waters. The two-hour journey takes you through the old Lindeman Island Resort, offering a glimpse into the island’s past and the promise of breathtaking views at the summit. Located 28 nautical miles from Airlie Beach, Plantation Bay provides serene anchorage and is an excellent spot for snorkelling. However, due to strong currents, fins are essential. From late October to May, the area attracts stingers, so wearing stinger suits is crucial. Plantation Bay is also a great fishing location, but visitors must follow habitat protection zones using the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s “Eye on the Reef” app.
If you don’t have access to your own transport, there are also plenty of day trips from Airlie Beach, via boat, jet ski or helicopter or by car from your special house at Airlie Summit.
“Living at Airlie Summit means you can head out on your boat any time of the year and immerse yourself in nature’s splendour,” says Greg. “During the winter months, whales come up to have their calves. You can see them breaching from your balcony or out on your boat. Imagine cruising between two islands and suddenly encountering these majestic creatures frolicking around your boat. It’s awe-inspiring.”
And the best part?
“When the sun sets and the boat are moored, you get to retreat back to your extraordinary home in the sky at Airlie Summit,” adds Greg.
“It’s a lifestyle like no other.”