Whitsunday Island

Largest island in the group, home to Whitehaven Beach and several national-park anchorages.

Whitsunday Island is the largest island in the group and the core of many sailing itineraries. It is mostly national park, with walking tracks, sheltered bays, and the famous Whitehaven Beach on its eastern shore.

Unlike Hamilton Island, there is no resort town here. That is the point: you come by boat, walk, swim, snorkel, and leave the island looking almost as untouched as you found it. Overnight boat trips usually give it more justice than a rushed beach stop.

things to do sight island
A story
The island's English name comes from Captain Cook, who sailed through the passage in 1770 and believed the date was Whit Sunday. He had not adjusted for crossing the International Date Line, so the naming was a day out, but it stuck.