If you're looking for an island escape that will fill your lungs with fresh air while simultaneously taking your breath away, a stay at WAHI may be just the ticket.
So, lace up those hiking boots, pack your snorkelling gear, grab your nature-loving family and friends and head to the Whitsundays for your next holiday in paradise. With WAHI as your home base, you'll be able to explore the area's most beautiful beaches, pristine scenery, and underwater treasures that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
To get your planning started, we've listed WAHI's top five attractions for nature lovers:
Image credit: @_thepod
1. Hiking Trails
WAHI is conveniently centrally located, making it easy for you to head out and explore the island's natural beauty on foot. With walking trails across the island that accommodate people of all fitness levels, you can follow the coastline to crystal-blue beaches, peek through ancient rainforests and take in dazzling views of nearby islands.
Some of our favourite hikes include:
Passage Peak
If you're a fitness junkie or love escaping into nature, head straight for Passage Peak. Considered a moderately challenging route, Passage Peak lies 234 meters above sea level, making it the highest point on the island. However, the trek is most definitely worth it as your efforts will be rewarded with 360-degree views over some of the most pristine coastlines and beyond - a perfect spot for some epic sunrise or sunset snaps.
Coral Cove
For a day by the beach, head to Coral Cove and enjoy the gentle waves of the secluded, relaxing beach. With soft white sand, bright blue skies, and an Instagram-worthy giant swing, it's the perfect location to relax in the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear water backdrop.
Resort Lookout
For island visitors who prefer a bit more of a leisurely trail, the Resort Lookout offers some of the most scenic views of the Whitsunday area. Being the second highest point on the island, this lookout drops off to sheer cliffs and stunning panoramic views of the resort, marina village, airport, and surrounding islands, making it the perfect spot to capture that Kodak moment.
Escape Beach
Accurately named, Escape Beach is described as a secluded slice of paradise. Unlike the few steps it takes to reach Catseye Beach, Escape Beach requires a hike and a bit more effort to reach. However, it also provides one of the most serene spots on the island, making it well worth the trip if you prefer your beach time in solitude and enjoy wide open spaces.
South-East Head
South-East Head is the spot for you if you're looking to unplug completely and enjoy every aspect of nature that the island offers. This secluded beach is only accessible by hike and offers breathtaking views of the Lindeman Group. So if you're looking to reconnect with nature, this spot shouldn’t be missed!
Image credit: @oceanrafting
2. Whitehaven Beach
We know, we know... you don't want to spend your entire trip hiking inland trails when there are kilometres of crystal-clear coastline just waiting to be explored. More specifically, seven kilometres of pristine silica sand coastline…
If you haven’t caught on already, we are referring to the one and only, breathtaking Whitehaven Beach. Also known as, The Best Beach in the World. There’s a reason that travellers from across the globe flock to this world-renowned beach. In fact, there are two - with the softest sand you will ever feel and blue azure water as far as the eye can see, it’s a place that any nature-lover should experience at least once in your lifetime. Just be warned, you will most likely want to come back!
Image Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
3. Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
With the Great Barrier Reef just a short boat ride away from the island, we highly recommend heading out to explore its iconic underwater wildlife. The crystal clear water makes it easy to see all the vibrant colours and marine life surrounding you, so grab your gear, paddle out into the sea and prepare to be blown away.
If you want a unique diving experience, there are a number of guided snorkelling tours on offer, where all of the gear is provided along with expert tour guides. Check out some of the tours on offer here.
And when the day is done, winding down is easy when you can witness the gorgeous:
4. Island Sunsets
One Tree Hill, the highest peak on WAHI, is perfect for chasing sunset colours year-round and watching one of nature's greatest shows from a unique vantage point. Watch as the sky transforms from a deep blue to an electric spectrum of red, orange, and purple.
And the show doesn't end with the sun setting...
Image credit: @kirbywithers__
5. Star Gazing
Lastly, for those who love the tranquillity of being surrounded by nothing but nature, make sure you book a time to stay up late and enjoy the island's celestial roof. Unlike large cities where stars are barely visible, thanks to its off-shore location, the island is host to a spectacular night sky. So pack your picnic dinner, choose your stargazing sight and get ready for a night of clear skies, bright stars, and the sounds of nature all around you.
Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, WAHI is the perfect spot to disconnect, relax and unwind. So book your next getaway today, find your favourite place on the island, and savour every moment of pure bliss! View accommodation options here.
