THINGS TO DO IN THE WHITSUNDAYS.
THE LAUNCHING PAD FOR YOUR WHITSUNDAY ADVENTURES - STONE ISLAND’S MUST-DO LIST OF WHITSUNDAY ACTIVITIES.
Famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the Whitsundays are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. With an almost endless variety of activities, there is so much to see and do, no matter your age, budget or who you’re travelling with.
A haven for snorkelling and diving, the abundance of reefs dotted around this area will leave you spoilt for choice. Keep to the water and take a sunset cruise or charter your own yacht to visit the many islands that neighbour Stone Island in the Whitsundays.
Take to the skies and see the best of the Whitsundays from above. Soak-up the sun on the iconic Whitehaven Beach, experience the romance of Heart Reef, or experience a culinary delight with fresh, local tiger prawns paired with a Bowen mango salad. Welcome to the Whitsundays!
TAKE A Helicopter TOUR
Launch yourself into the skies and experience the Whitsundays from above. Experience aerial views of neighbouring Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Hill Inlet and the wider Whitsunday region. Land on Whitehaven beach and soak-up the sun on its iconic white sand, or go for a paddle in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Pack a gourmet picnic and enjoy a unique dining experience sitting under the shade of a palm tree with your toes in the sand.
DIVE AT REEF WORLD PONTOON
A once-in-a lifetime experience, the outer Great Barrier Reef cannot be missed. Discover the crystal-clear waters and colourful marine life for yourself with a snorkelling or diving experience. Don’t want to get wet? Jump in the semi-submersible boat and see it all without even putting on a swimsuit. Reef World Pontoon is an unforgettable experience for young and old.
TAKE A SEAPLANE TO WHITEHAVEN
Use Stone Island as your launching pad to witness the incredible land and seascapes of the World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Land on the spectacular Whitehaven Beach and cool-off in the azure waters, or explore the stunning surrounds with a light hike to the lookout. Chill-out in the shade with a packed lunch before heading back to the resort.
BOOK A Fishing Charter
Challenge your mates and take home bragging rights with a fishing charter around the Whitsundays. Visit the secret spots of locals and spend a day on the water soaking up rays and reeling in some of the world’s best reef fish like nannygai, red emperor and the prized coral trout. An exhilarating experience for novices and fishing enthusiasts alike!
SEE THE ISLANDS BY JETSKI
The Whitsunday region is home to some of Australia’s best jetski tour operators and it’s little wonder why with world class beaches, coastlines, scenic bays and more to explore. Navigate the crystal clear waters of the region as you get up close to striking natural scenery, rock formations and maybe even North Queensland’s unique marine life.
SKYDIVE OVER THE WHITSUNDAYS
If you’re looking for a little thrill-seeking, those who love an adrenaline rush will revel in the opportunity to soar high above islands while sky diving in the Whitsundays. Take in the breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef before free-falling over the ocean and landing on the soft island sand. Individual and group tours are available.
SAVOUR THE LOCAL PRODUCE
From locally-caught, wild North Queensland tiger prawns and reef fish, to stunning fruit and vegetables, like the iconic Bowen Mango grown locally on the mainland, found at grocers, stores and roadside stalls. Stone Island taps into the region’s very best produce to bring guests the best dining experiences and the distinct flavours of North Queensland.
SAIL THE WHITSUNDAYS
Be captain for a week and charter your own catamaran around the Whitsunday islands. Sail through the glistening waters by day, working on your tan, snorkelling and cooling off in the ocean as you please. At night, find one of the many moorings in secluded coves and sheltered bays and drift off to sleep as you’re gently rocked by the sea. Choose from a range of sizes, and twin or single hull vessels.
KITESURFING AROUND THE ISLANDS
Kitesurfing and kiteboarding around the Whitsunday islands is a unique and fast-paced way to explore the beautiful and remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Experienced surfers and novices alike can take a kiteboarding tour, accompanied by a skilled and friendly local crew with the latest professional kiteboarding gear. Pictured: Smile Kitesurf.
HIKE THE ISLAND PEAKS
For those who like to explore by foot, the Whitsunday region is filled with walking tracks, hiking trails, lookouts and national parks dotted across the islands and mainland. From the Honeyeater Trail in Airlie Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island, to Stone Island’s very own trails and lookouts, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
INDULGE IN SOME RETAIL THERAPY
Shop the fashion, flavours and homewares of the coastal towns and islands of the Whitsundays. Discover hand-crafted accessories in Airlie Beach’s Shute Harbour Road retail strip, or explore designs and paintings by local artists in Hamilton Island. Expand your holiday wardrobe or take home a treasured memory of your Whitsunday adventure.
ENJOY A BEACH PICNIC
With hundreds of picturesque beaches to discover, why not pack a picnic of fresh, local produce and set off to find your perfect private beach for the day. Lounge on the soft sand of Horseshoe Bay beach in Bowen, or charter a boat to find your own hidden paradise on one of the many secluded islands nearby.