Heading to the Whitsundays but don’t like the idea of following all the tourists around? Are you looking for a more special experience that hardly anyone knows about?
Camping the Whitsunday Islands is a unique and personal way to experience the magic of this incredible World Heritage Listed Area. The Whitsunday Islands offer direct access to the treasure that is the Great Barrier Reef, so why not stay a while?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about booking and organising your camping trip on the Whitsunday Islands, what to bring, how to get there, how much it costs, and the other things you can explore there. Plus, read to the end to find some extra fun ways to explore the islands!
1. Whitsunday Island is a 1.5 hour boat ride from Airlie Beach
When I arrived in Airlie Beach, I somehow foolishly expected the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands to be closer to the mainland than they are. As a West-Aussie, I’m used to fringing coral reefs that you can hop straight onto right from the shore!
The Great Barrier reef is the world’s largest coral reef and is over 2300 kilometres long. It forms a ‘barrier’ along the coast, just as its name suggests, and is up to 160km away from the mainland in some places. The Whitsunday Islands are one of the most stunning and prime locations to access the reef from.
Luckily for anyone visiting, there are plenty of tours and boat operators that can get you out to the islands from Airlie Beach.
Learn the lingo – Whitsunday or Whitsundays?
Before we dive into discussions about how long it takes to get there, let’s clear up the most confusing part about the Whitsundays – is it singular or plural? The answer is it’s both!
Whitsunday Island (singular) is the large island that’s home to the famous Whitehaven Beach – the one that’s in all of the photos of this region, with clear blue waters and swirling white sands. But here’s the confusing part – it is just one of the islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands (plural). So, keep an eye out for this little detail as you read through the article.
How long does it take to get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach?
Most boats can get you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach in about 1 to 2 hours, and it’s about a 55km journey. There are some companies offering ‘fast boat’ tours that will get you there in about 1 hour. Most other standard or smaller boats will take closer to 2 hours to get to Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach is one of the furthest destinations in the Whitsundays – there are lots of other islands and beaches that are a bit closer to the mainland.
How do you get to Whitehaven Beach for camping?
The only way to get to Whitehaven Beach for camping is by boat. There are lots of boat and tour operators who can take you there, however, for those camping on the Islands Scamper is the only company you need to know about. Scamper offer boat transfers to all the different Whitsunday Islands campsites, plus you can also hire camping gear from them if you don’t have your own.
Can you stay overnight at Whitehaven Beach?
Technically yes, you can stay overnight at Whitehaven Beach by camping at the National Park campsite there. The campground is called ‘Whitehaven Beach’. There are no other accommodation options on Whitehaven Beach other than camping.
2. There are other islands to explore too
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 beautiful islands that are surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. If you are visiting the area don’t just plan to see Whitehaven Beach and go home, there’s so much more to see and explore.
Countless coves, underwater mazes and endless ocean life will delight you as you cruise through the cool clear waters. Although lots of the islands are too small, too rocky, or too forested to walk on, there are also lots that you can set foot on. You can find luxury accommodation on many of the islands, and you can even go camping on 4 of the islands.
3. Whitsunday Island has its own National Park
Whitsunday Island itself is one of the islands that are encompassed by the Whitsunday Islands National Park. The islands are surrounded by a world-class Marine Park and are home to thousands of rare and threatened marine species. This is an incredibly special part of the world.
To support the conservation and management efforts for the islands, you will need to purchase a camping permit to be able to camp on the islands. This is the same price and booking process as any other Queensland National Park. Otherwise, day-entry to the Whitsunday Islands National Park is free.
How much does it cost to camp on Whitehaven Beach?
There is a campground set just metres behind the shore on Whitehaven Beach, which costs $7.25 per person per night to camp at. There are group and family discounts available, see the Parks Queensland website for more information. It’s the same price to camp at every single campground in the Whitsundays, so no camping option is more expensive than any other.
Do I need to book to camp at the Whitsundays?
Yes, you will need to pre-book your campsite before you camp on any of the Whitsunday Islands (regardless of how you get there). Bookings can be made through the Parks Queensland website up to 11 months in advance. The winter months are peak tourist season, so if you’re planning to camp during that time try to make your booking as far in advance as possible.
4. You can hire gear and book transfers with Scamper
Scamper are the one and only boat transfer and camping hire company you need to know about if you want to go camping on the Whitsunday Islands.
They are a local business who run boat transfers to and from all of the campgrounds across the Whitsunday Islands. The best part of all is that you can also hire camping gear from them if you didn’t come equipped with your own.
How much does Scamper boat transfer cost?
Boat transfers from Airlie Beach to the closest islands of the Whitsundays are $85 per person return. If you want to go to the famous Whitehaven Beach, it’ll cost $180 per person return because it’s further away. Their prices are based on distance, so the further you want to go, the more it’ll cost. There are also reduced prices for children.
How much does Scamper camping gear cost?
If you want to hire a full set of camping gear for 2 people, it’ll cost you $100 per night. Each night after the first will cost an additional $35. The full set includes everything you will need to spend a night in paradise – from a tent and sleeping bag right down to a portable stove, cooking gear and cutlery.
If you already have some of your own equipment and want to save a little cash, you can also hire items individually. Check out Scamper’s website to see their full equipment list.
Where does the Scamper boat leave from?
Scamper boat transfers depart from Shute Harbour Marina, which is about a 15-minute (12 km) drive from the Airlie Beach town centre.
You can park at the paid public carpark at Shute Harbour Marina, which has security cameras on the lower level. If you don’t have a car, you could catch a bus from Airlie Beach with Whitsunday Transit, or you could take a taxi with Airlie Beach Party Bus.
5. There’s 6 campgrounds on Whitsunday Island
Whitsunday Island is the largest island in the chain, and there are campgrounds on the east, west, and north sides. The campgrounds are:
- Cairn Beach
- Chance Bay
- Dugong Beach
- Joe’s Beach
- Nari’s Beach
- Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is arguably the most popular campsite… because who wouldn’t want to camp on the sands of one of the world’s most famous and pristine beaches?
6. There are 13 other campgrounds on the Whitsunday Islands
Campgrounds are scattered across the Whitsundays Islands, and you can camp in places other than Whitsunday Island itself. Hook Island, Henning Island, South Molle Island, Denman Island and Planton Island all have campgrounds which you can camp at.
The Whitsunday Islands are split into two National Parks – the Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Molle Islands National Park. The Molle Islands are a little bit closer to the mainland and have some beautiful and much quieter campgrounds. All these names and campgrounds can get a bit confusing, so I’ve listed the most popular ones out for you below.
Whitsunday Islands National Park
Hook Island Campgrounds
- Crayfish Beach
- Curlew Beach
- Maureen’s Cove
- Steens Beach
Henning Island Campgrounds
- Northern Spit
Molle Islands National Park
South Molle Island Campgrounds
- Sandy Bay
- Paddle Bay
Denman Island Campgrounds
- A ‘deserted island’ with just ONE campsite!
Planton Island Campgrounds
- Just one campground
7. You must bring your own supplies
Don’t let the inviting crystal blue waters fool you – the Whitsunday Islands are an isolated place. Unless you’re going to Hamilton Island you won’t find any water, food, or shops out there – you must be completely self-sufficient when you go camping.
This means you’ll have to bring all your own food, water, and camping gear – whatever you need to survive for the time that you’re there.
Whitsundays Campground Amenities
There’s nothing fancy at any of the National Park campsites on the Whitsunday Islands, except for the pristine environment. There is no power, no water, no lighting, or any of the modern amenities you might find at a mainland caravan park. You can expect to find the following amenities at the Whitsunday campgrounds:
- Long drop toilet (non-flushing)
- Picnic tables
- Shady trees at most of the campsites
- …and that’s it!
Supplies you’ll need to bring (hire or BYO)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag & pillow
- Sleeping pad
- Torch/headlamp
- Water bottles
- Jetboil/cooking stove
- First-aid kit
- Bug spray
- Bathers, towel, hat, sunscreen
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Rubbish bags – there are no bins on the islands. Be sure to Leave No Trace and take all your rubbish with you.
- A dry bag! This is perfect for your phone and other small things you want to access during the day, especially if you’re kayaking.
- Food & water (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) – dehydrated meals are best for multi-day adventures as you won’t have a fridge to keep things cool.
8. There’s limited shade
If you plan to spend time on any of the stunning Whitsunday beaches it will be sunny and hot, even in winter. The beach may seem cool and inviting, but if you spend all day out on the reflective white sand with no sun protection, you’ll be regretting it later!
Make sure you pack sunscreen, some long sleeve clothing and bring plenty of water. At least 5 litres of fresh water per person per day is how much you’ll need when you go camping.
There’s no fresh water at any of the Whitsunday campgrounds, so be careful with the water you do bring. Be sparing when it comes to dishes, and don’t forget that you’ll need water to cook with as well as to drink. There’s nothing worse than getting back to camp and realising you only have 500mL left to cook with, do your dishes, and to drink for the rest of the day.
9. There’s no phone reception
It’s unlikely that you’ll have any mobile phone reception at any of the Whitsundays Islands – which is absolutely perfect for a secluded getaway.
But this also means that emergency contact with the outside world is difficult. If something goes wrong and you need help, you’ll need a reliable way to make contact. I carried a personal locator beacon (like this one that I got from Anaconda) when I went to the Whitsundays. It allows you to send an emergency signal in a life-threatening situation and is my lifeline especially when I’m hiking and camping solo.
The Parks Queensland website has ‘mobile phone coverage’ availability listed with the details for each campground. However, I wouldn’t rely solely on that, especially if you’re not with Telstra or Optus. I have a Telstra phone, but mobile reception on Whitehaven Beach was patchy at best.
Some other ways you can stay safe when camping in the Whitsundays are:
- Plan ahead – bring all the equipment you’ll need (food, water and shelter) to survive a night in the wilderness.
- Carry an emergency location device and know how to use it.
- Know where you’re going – save offline maps to your phone or print a map of where you plan to go.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back – they can call for help if you don’t return when you said you would.
- Only plan activities that are within your capabilities – if you don’t know how to swim, then kayaking and swimming should not be on your activity list.
10. The swimming at Whitehaven Beach is pristine
The Whitsunday Islands have some of the most crystal clear turquoise blue waters you will ever see in your life. The islands are flanked by the endless marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, and swimming is the perfect way to experience the best of the islands.
Swimming at Whitehaven Beach is beautiful all year-round. The water was pretty fresh (ie cold!) when I visited in June. The sun and sand were just warm enough to keep my toes from going numb. If you’re from a cold place, you’ll be delighted with how warm it is in the Whitsundays even in the dead of the Aussie winter.
What time of year are there stingers in the Whitsundays?
Stingers are prevalent in the Whitsundays during the warm summer months – from late-October to May. But given that this is also wet season you probably won’t be visiting during peak stinger-time anyway.
Although stingers are common during summer, they can hang around for months after and sometimes arrive early – it all depends on water temperatures and currents. It’s best to ask a local, the boat operators or your tour guide what the current stinger situation is. They can tell you whether or not it will be necessary to wear a stinger suit into the water on the days you’re there.
11. You can do a day-trip if you don’t have much time
Although camping is the most relaxing and unique way to spend time on the Whitsunday Islands, it’s just as great to go on a day-trip if you’re short on time.
There are lots of tour companies that offer ‘fast boat’ rides and snorkelling tours to the Islands. Just pick where you want to go, how you want to get there and let them take you away!
I went on an Explore Whitsundays snorkelling day-trip to Whitehaven Beach, onboard the Whitsundays Bullet boat. The trip to get to the first snorkelling location on the east side of Whitsunday Island took about an hour. They fed us some delicious lunch and snacks and the crew were super friendly. I even got chatting to the skipper of the boat who I happened to have mutual friends with in Esperance – you never know who you’ll meet on the other side of Australia!
If you prefer to enjoy life on the slower side, sailing through the Whitsundays is an absolutely sublime option. Take in the magic of the reef and the islands onboard a purpose-built yacht and hear nothing but the wind in the sails and the birds overhead. Explore Whitsundays even offer overnight sailing adventures.
Pro-tip – Tides
Don’t forget about tides when you’re visiting the Whitsundays. At some hours of the day, you can walk around the shallow tidal flats on the squeaky sands of Whitehaven Beach, the next it’ll all be underwater. Keep this in mind if you’re hiking anywhere, make sure you allow enough time to return to your starting point so that you don’t get stranded.
12. There are resorts on 7 islands if camping isn’t your thing
If camping really isn’t your cup of tea, then perhaps a luxury stay at a resort is. There are plenty of options to choose from, there are resorts on Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Long Island, Daydream Island, and Camp Island.
Unfortunately, some of the other Whitsunday Islands are still being rebuilt after 2011 Tropical Cyclone Yasi and 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie destroyed a huge number of buildings and infrastructure.
For something totally different you could indulge in a stay at Australia’s first ever underwater hotel – Reefsuites. It’s an experience like no other in the heart of a World Heritage Listed coral reef.
If you’re looking for something a bit more bustling and lively, then Hayman Island might be a great place for you. The island has an IGA, restaurants, bars, and taverns, as well as a variety of accommodation options. You could stay at the Reef View Hotel or hire your own private bungalow – check out all of Hamilton Island’s accommodation options here.
13. Hill Inlet is the famous beach in the pictures – but there’s so much more to see!
The swirling white sands that you see in pictures, and recognised by people all over the world, is actually a place called Hill Inlet. This is the Inlet at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach (on Whitsunday Island).
If you’re camping at the Whitehaven Beach campsite and want to see the famous Hill Inlet, it is actually quite a big hike. All you have to do is walk north along the beach from the campsite until you reach the inlet, but one thing you shouldn’t do is underestimate it.
It might look close, but it’s a long way. Pack up a picnic, put your hat on, throw in plenty of water, and make your way up the beach – the walk from Whitehaven campsite to Hill Inlet and back again will take half a day to a full day.
Don’t forget – there’s 74 islands in the Whitsundays. So don’t short-change yourself by visiting just one of them!
Bonus Adventure – Kayak the Whitsunday Islands!
A fun and unique way to experience the spectacular Whitsundays is to jump aboard a sea kayak. It adds a whole new element to your camping experience and allows you the complete flexibility to explore.
Salty Dog Sea Kayaking partner with Scamper to offer kayaking adventures. If you’re camping on the islands, you can hire a kayak with Salty Dog and organise with Scamper where you want to be dropped off. This allows you to roam and explore wherever you want, and you could even kayak from one campground to another. The only thing you’ll have to do is get to your pick-up spot by the organised time.
If you’re planning to go on a self-guided kayaking adventure, it is recommended that you have prior sea-kayaking experience. Although the islands offer plenty of sheltered coves, the wind can come from any direction and turn your experience on its head. Do not try to cross the ocean from one island to another unless you are an experienced kayaker, and ask the crew at Salty Dog for their recommendations based on your prior experience.
Salty Dog also offer a range of guided sea kayaking tours if you’re looking for local tips on the best spots, fresh catered meals, and stress-free kayaking adventures.
Need another reason? Try the hiking trails
There are hiking trails scattered through the lush rainforest on many of the Whitsunday Islands. Take a 5-minute stroll to a lookout or go on a longer adventure – the options are endless.
One of the hiking highlights in the area is the Whitsunday Peak Track – a 5km return walk that takes you to the top point of Whitsunday Island, at a casual 437 metres elevation. The summit has rewarding and spectacular views, but it is a hard hike. Allow 4 hours to complete the return-walk, which starts at Cid Harbour on the western side of Whitsunday Island.
Do you have any other camping tips?
If you have any of your own awesome Whitsunday camping stories or want to share a handy tip, I’d love to hear about them in the Comments below.