Whitehaven Beach can be found in the Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking scenic beauty. Spanning over seven kilometres, the beach is divided into two distinct sections - North Whitehaven Beach and South Whitehaven Beach. Each end offers unique experiences and attractions, making Whitehaven not just a beach, but a destination with diverse appeals to tourists. This blog explains the differences between these two areas, helping visitors decide where to spend their time on this iconic beach.
Things to Do & Things to See on Whitehaven Beach – Discover the best tours and attractions.
Whitehaven Beach can be found in the Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking scenic beauty. Spanning over seven kilometres, the beach is divided into two distinct sections - North Whitehaven Beach and South Whitehaven Beach. Each end offers unique experiences and attractions, making Whitehaven not just a beach, but a destination with diverse appeals to tourists. This blog explains the differences between these two areas, helping visitors decide where to spend their time on this iconic beach.
Located just 18.52 kilometres from Hamilton Island and 31.48 kilometres from Airlie Beach you can visit Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island on a full day tour, half day tour, helicopter ride or scenic flight and explore one section or both ends of this famous beach.
If you are a good walker 7klm should be an easy stroll and you could visit both ends of the beach to enjoy the views from both vantage points and the South Whitehaven Beach lookouts, just make sure to carry water and apply sunscreen.
Is Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet the same location?
Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach are two distinctly different iconic locations within the Whitsundays Islands and visitors need to be aware that Hill Inlet offers those famous views of the swirling sands pouring out of the inlet on the low tides. Visitors also need to take note of the itinerary on their Whitehaven Beach tours to see if it mentions a visit to Hill Inlet on the opposite side of Whitehaven Beach. Read our article here which answers the question of what is the difference between Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.
What is so special about Whitehaven Beach?
Whitehaven Beach is special for its white silica sand, which is among the purest in the world. The striking contrast of the radiant white sands against the vibrant turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef creates a surreal and picturesque landscape that keeps those cameras clicking. The sand at Whitehaven Beach owes its remarkable whiteness to the high purity of its silica content, which is said to be 98% pure. This silica comes from the ancient volcanic activity in the area, which has, over millions of years, broken down into fine, powder-like grains. These grains do not retain heat, ensuring the sand stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. It’s even said you can gently clean your jewellery or your teeth with this sand, but we will leave that decision up to you if you’re willing to risk giving it a try. Its remote location within the Whitsunday Islands National Park ensures it is preserved in its near-original state, offering a peaceful retreat away from the bustling tourist spots.
Why Does Whitehaven Beach Have a North and South End?
North Whitehaven Beach: A Natural Artwork
North Whitehaven Beach is famously known for those beautiful Hill Inlet photographs you see all over the internet and social media, a mesmerizing spot where the tides daily changes create patterns of white sands and turquoise waters swirling together. This natural phenomenon by Mother Nature results in one of the most photographed landscapes in Australia.
Please note: You cannot access Hill Inlet from the northern section of Whitehaven Beach as it is on the other side of the inlet and waterway. Guests can access the lookout via Tongue Bay, and this is where all the tour boats moor, and guests are guided to the lookout vantage points to view the swirling sand of the inlet. Read our blog to understand the difference between Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.
- Hill Inlet Lookout: The various sections of the Hill Inlet lookout offer breathtaking panoramic views of the swirling sands, a sight that leaves visitors in awe. The trail is considered easy to moderate and approximately a 1.3klm round trip taking typically about 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace and number of stops.
- Betty’s Beach: Also sometimes confused with being closely located to Whitehaven Beach is Betty’s Beach. This is a hidden gem that most people aren’t aware of and one that often gets overlooked by visitors to Hill Inlet. Once you’ve landed on the 98.9 % pure silica sand beach at the foot of Hill Inlet, follow the coastline to your left and you’ll come to what appears to be a dead end, but past a short climb over some rocks lies a secluded beach tucked into a little cove. Affectionately known as Betty’s Beach, it is said the women of the Ngaro tribe used this secluded beach to give birth. This was also said to be a perfect spot for fishing, and the Ngaro had some very inventive ways of building trenches in accordance with the tides to catch them.
Key Highlights of North Whitehaven Beach:
- Scenic Beauty: The northern end, with its remarkable colour patterns and crystal-clear waters, is a haven for photographers and nature lovers.
- Beachfront Adventure Trails: The beach offers a beautiful walking trail on the soft sands to see the opposite side of Hill Inlet and the swirling sands for keen walkers.
- Wildlife Encounters: The area around the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including marine animals like stingrays and lemon sharks in the protected waters, as well as diverse bird life. Soldier crabs on the beach are also fun to watch and follow.
South Whitehaven Beach: Serene and Family-Friendly
In contrast, South Whitehaven Beach is known for its expansive stretch of soft, silica sand and a more tranquil atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for families and beachgoers looking to relax, and those who enjoy more lively activities on the beach such as those offered at the Beach Club.
South Whitehaven Beach has its own lookout point and from the top visitors are greeted with expansive views over the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Chance Bay, and the Great Barrier Reef.
This is the section of Whitehaven Beach that visitors enjoying helicopter rides, have picnics, swim, and a walks to the scenic lookout vantage points. Charter boats and superyachts also anchor here allowing guests to spend some relaxing time on the beach and a swim in the turquoise waters.
Unique Aspects of South Whitehaven Beach:
- South Whitehaven Beach Lookout: The walk to the summit is approximately 1 klm each way with easy to moderate difficulty.
- Recreational Haven: With its long stretch of beach, it’s ideal for sunbathing, picnics, beach games, swimming, and leisurely walks.
- Camping and Picnic Spots: The southern end features facilities for camping and picnicking, making it a great spot for an overnight stay or a day outing.
- Accessibility to Water Activities: The calm and clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
- Chance Bay: Chance Bay is located on the south-east part of Whitsunday Island, and there is a walking track from the south end of Whitehaven Beach to this pristine cove. There is some beautiful fringing coral here, so grab your snorkel gear if you are walking over here to have a look! There is also a small campsite, and you can access this area by boat with certain tides, or by doing the roughly 3 km hike from south Whitehaven. This site takes a maximum of 8 people, so if you’re after a truly intimate and exclusive experience, this is the place for you! Picnic tables and outhouse toilets top this off as a sought after site.
Distinct Experiences: North vs South Whitehaven Beach
The choice between North and South Whitehaven Beach depends on what type of experience you’re seeking:
- For Stunning Natural Displays: The North end, with its view to the opposite side of the inlet to Hill Inlet, is the place for those who want to witness an extraordinary natural phenomenon and take part in a beach hike.
- For Relaxation and Family Activities: The South end offers a more laid-back experience, with its vast beach ideal for relaxation and family-friendly activities.
Accessing North & South Whitehaven Beach
Access to both ends of Whitehaven Beach is typically by boat, with several Great Barrier Reef tours operating from Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. Airplanes and helicopter rides also provide scenic flights offering a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape.
Whitehaven Beach, in its entirety, is a marvel of nature, but each end - North and South - offers a distinctly different experience. Whether you're drawn to the dynamic and photogenic North with Hill Inlet on the opposite side or the tranquil and sprawling sands of the South, Whitehaven Beach is a destination that caters to a wide range of preferences, promising unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most beautiful natural settings.
Things to Note:
There are numerous tours available in the Whitsundays, and many include a visit to Hill Inlet and South Whitehaven Beach. However, tours that spend an entire day exclusively at Hill Inlet are less common, as most tours prefer to showcase a variety of locations in the Whitsundays to provide a more comprehensive experience of the region.
Most tours to Whitehaven Beach include a segment at the famous Hill Inlet Lookout, but they typically also take guests across to Whitehaven Beach and other parts of the reef and snorkelling spots around the Whitsunday islands. These tours range from half-day to full-day excursions and can include activities like swimming, snorkelling, beach walks, and guided tours.
Learn More About Whitehaven Beach:
Read our blogs to learn more about Whitehaven Beach and other parts of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
Whatsapp
Facebook
Instagram