If you want to escape from the modern world, get out in nature, and see some of the most stunning scenery in the world, then you should visit the Whitsundays. There are about 150 islands between Queensland in Australia and the Great Barrier Reef that make up the Whitsundays. Many of these islands are uninhabited and all of them offer stunning nature, adventurous activities, and peace and quiet.
Not everyone goes to these islands, so you might have trouble finding information on the best places in the Whitsundays to stay. There are several different islands that offer accommodation at every price point. So, if you find the right island, you’ll be able to have a great stay without breaking the bank. And this Whitsundays neighborhood guide will help you do just that.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
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Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in The Whitsundays.
Havana Retreat | Best Airbnb in The Whitsundays
This luxury studio is one of the coolest places to stay in the Whitsundays. It’s close to the beach and to the Boardwalk and offers Wi-Fi, free bikes, and its own BBQ area in a completely private space. Suitable for 2 guests, the apartment includes a private bathroom and elegant, relaxing furnishings.
Frangipani 103 | Best Hotel in The Whitsundays
This hotel in the Whitsundays offers comfortable apartments, a garden, and a free shuttle service. There are lots of restaurants nearby, so you’ll never go hungry, and the apartments are fully equipped with everything you’ll need during your stay.
Qualia | Best Luxury Hotel in The Whitsundays
This hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in the Whitsundays with kids. It’s just 10 minutes from the airport and offers a swimming pool, beauty center, dry cleaning service, and body treatments. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and offer everything you’ll need for a short or long stay.
Airlie Beach
Airlie beach offers easy access to all the islands and is a great beach in its own right as well. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in the Whitsundays for your first time.
Long Island
Long Island is a great choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Whitsundays on a budget. It’s fairly easy to get to by boat and is a mostly deserted island with lots of opportunities for outdoor and nature activities.
Hamilton Island
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Whitsundays for nightlife, shopping, or easy access to modern amenities and activities, this is the island to stay on.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Australia, why not make it a bit unique and choose the Whitsunday’s? Each island in the Whitsundays offers a staggering mix of natural beauty and activities. So, when you’re looking for the coolest places to stay in the Whitsundays, it really depends on what you want to see and do while you’re on holiday. And, of course, it depends on your budget, because there are a range of Whitsunday accommodation options at every price point.
Airlie Beach is one of the most popular spots for tourists and for good reason. This mainland area offers the best of both worlds: easy access to the island and all the conveniences of the mainland. It’s also got a bit of a reputation for having a party atmosphere, so it’s a good choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Whitsundays for nightlife!
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Whitsundays on a budget, then Long Island is the best choice. There aren’t as many facilities on this island, but it gives you access to beautiful beaches and nature experiences. And if you want a day of shopping, then you can always hop to another island and return to your cheaper accommodation at night.
Hamilton Island is the most popular destination for tourists and a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in the Whitsundays with kids. It’s busy and crowded and offers a range of facilities from shopping areas to nature experiences.
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The Whitsundays’ 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
No matter where you stay in the Whitsundays, you’ll be surrounded by stunning beaches and rainforest and lots of opportunities for activities. All you need to do, is choose between the following islands based on your preferences!
1. Airlie Beach – Where to Stay in The Whitsundays First Time
Airlie Beach offers great hostels and easy access to all the islands and is a great beach in its own right as well. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in the Whitsundays for your first time. You’ll find incredible snorkeling in this area, as it’s right at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as places to stay at every budget point.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
Over the years, Airlie Beach has garnered a reputation as a bit of a party destination. But lately, it’s been growing up and adopting a more sophisticated approach and this shows in both the restaurants and the hotels nearby. And this is also the best neighborhood to stay in the Whitsundays for activities as there’s no end to the things you can do there while you’re on holiday.
Airlie Beach Magnums | Best Hostel in Airlie Beach
This hostel in the Whitsundays offers proximity to the beach and local restaurants and shops. The hostel is set in a beautiful tropical garden and offers luggage storage, private single and double rooms as well as dorms, and a fully equipped shared kitchen. They also offer a tour desk where you can book a range of trips and activities.
Colonial Palms Motor Inn | Best Hotel in Airlie Beach
This hotel is in the best neighborhood in the Whitsundays to stay in if you want to be close to the beach and local restaurants and activities. The rooms are comfortable and come in a range of sizes and the hotel offers a kids’ pool, room service, outdoor pool, and a gym. Each room has a kitchenette and mini bar and there’s an on site restaurant and lounge bar in the hotel too.
The Deck | Best Airbnb in Airlie Beach
Only 300 meters from the main street, this apartment is in the best neighborhood to stay in the Whitsundays. It offers stunning views over the marina and offers a private place for you to enjoy your vacation. The studio apartment includes an ensuite and self-contained kitchenette as well as an outside BBQ you can use!
Things to See and Do in Airlie Beach
- Go snorkeling!
- Book day trips to the islands to check out their charms.
- Head up towards Mount Rooper to take in the incredible views of the Whitsunday Passage.
- If you have the guts, make sure you go skydiving in this area for amazing views over the ocean.
- Spend the days on the beach, relaxing and doing water sports.
- Hike through the coastal rainforest and look for hidden beaches.
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View on Osprey2. Long Island – Where to Stay in The Whitsundays on a Budget
Long Island is a great choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Whitsundays on a budget. It’s fairly easy to get to by boat and is a mostly deserted island with lots of opportunities for outdoor and nature activities.
This isn’t the type of tropical island vacation destination where you’ll find lots of resort hotels. Instead, you’ll find budget Whitsunday accommodation options like camping as well as a couple of mid-budget and resort hotels.
This probably isn’t one of the best areas to stay in the Whitsundays if you’re traveling with kids who need to be entertained. This island offers a more rustic experience, with untouched natural landscapes and lots of cheap or free activities like hiking and bushwalks.
Elysian Retreat | Best Hotel in Long Island
This all-inclusive retreat is in the best area in the Whitsundays to stay in if you want to kick back and relax. It offers a swimming pool, dry cleaning service, and is a short drive from the airport. The rooms are comfortable and will suit the needs of any traveler.
Palm Bay Resorts | Best Luxury Hotel in Long Island
This hotel is in one of the best areas to stay in the Whitsundays for a truly relaxed tropical island experience. It offers a private beach, laundry facilities, outdoor pool, and a fitness center as well as an onsite bar. The rooms are comfortable and offer everything you’ll need during your stay.
Oceanfront Villa | Best Airbnb in Long Island
This is one of the best places to stay in the Whitsundays if you want a relaxing, luxurious experience. This villa offers beach, mountain, and rainforest views with large windows, attached bathrooms, and private balconies. There’s also a restaurant on site that uses the area’s local delicacies as inspiration, so you definitely won’t go hungry while you’re staying there!
Things to See and Do in Long Island
- Grab some equipment from your hotel and try some local water sports like paddle-boarding, kayaking or snorkeling.
- Take a Heli-tour of one of the other islands!
- Head out to try some of the island’s incredible walking tracks and look out for wildlife like kangaroos and goannas.
- Check out the activities your hotel offers, you’ll find everything from sailing to parasailing.
- Try out the local mini golf course.
- Make sure you bring your own food or be prepared to rely almost exclusively on your hotel’s restaurant.
3. Hamilton Island – Best Neighborhood in The Whitsundays for Families
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in the Whitsundays for nightlife, shopping, or easy access to modern amenities and activities, this is the island to stay on. Hamilton Island is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Whitsundays. It’s the most developed and busiest island as well, so don’t expect a relaxed beach getaway when you choose to stay there!
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
If you like a drag and drop holiday where you have everything you could ever need or want at your fingertips, then this is where you’ll get it. There’s a wide range of Whitsundays accommodation options at every budget point on the island as well, so you don’t have to be rich to stay there. And despite all the development, there are still plenty of nature areas on the island, so you can enjoy some of the popular nature experiences while you’re there.
3 B/R Villa | Best Airbnb in Hamilton Island
Suitable for up to 7 guests, this is a great choice if you’re deciding where to stay in the Whitsundays for families. It’s located in the hills overlooking the marina and yacht club and also has views over the golf course. The apartment includes a deck where you can have a meal and a washer dryer as well as access to the complex’s pool.
Palm Bungalows | Best Hotel in Hamilton Island
Located in one of the Whitsundays’ best neighborhoods, this hotel offers convenience at a reasonable price. The rooms are modern and comfortable and have garden views, private balconies, and kitchenettes. A delicious free breakfast is offered every morning at the hotel and there are lots of cafes and restaurants nearby too.
Beach Club | Best Luxury Hotel in Hamilton Island
This hotel in the Whitsundays offers the perfect combination of luxury and convenience. It’s on the beachfront and close to local restaurants and attractions. The hotel has a palm-edged infinity pool, on site bar and restaurant, tropical gardens, a beauty center, and a free shuttle service. And each room has a balcony with beautiful views and all the usual luxuries and amenities.
Things to See and Do in Hamilton Island
- Hire a golf buggy to explore the island.
- Play a round at the world-class gold club on the island.
- Indulge your need for luxury at the yacht club.
- Take the kids out for a day of fun at the go-kart circuit or hire quad bikes to get around.
- Go snorkeling offshore and marvel at the colorful and surprisingly friendly fish in the area.
- Hire a kayak or jet skis and have some adrenalin pumping water fun!
- Take a hike through the rainforest area.
- Take trips out from Hamilton Island to hotspots like the Great Barrier Reef or Whitehaven Beach.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Whitsundays
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Whitsundays and where to stay.
What To Pack For The Whitsundays
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for The Whitsundays
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in The Whitsundays
Whether you’re looking for a hotel or a hostel in the Whitsundays, with a bit of hunting around, you’ll be able to find your dream accommodation during your trip. And then you can get on with enjoy the stunning nature and exciting activities in this part of the world. And when you go home, no one will believe you when you tell them just how beautiful and perfect it all was.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Australia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Australia.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Australia instead.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Oceania backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
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