Whitehaven Beach day trip: Hill Inlet hike & BBQ

Hike to Hill Inlet's lookout, then spend the afternoon on white sand with a burger in hand

A full-day tour from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, with a guided walk up to Hill Inlet's lookout for the classic view of the turquoise inlet, then up to six hours on the beach itself. The boat picks up additional guests at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island before heading out. Lunch is a sausage sizzle cooked at the only beach burger bar in the Whitsundays, with morning and afternoon tea included. Stinger suits are provided. The tour runs about 11.5 hours and suits travelers with moderate fitness who can manage the walk and climbing in and out of tenders.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Whitehaven Beach6h
2. Hill Inlet1h
3. Conway Circuit1h

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tour

• Check in for full day cruise
• Cruise through Whitsunday Islands
• Stop at Daydream and Hamilton Islands
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout
• Explore Northern end of Whitehaven Beach
• Relax at Southern end of Whitehaven Beach
• Enjoy beach BBQ lunch
• Participate in beach activities or walk to Southern Lookout
• Return to Airlie Beach

The experience

The day starts with a cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, collecting other guests at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island before heading to Hill Inlet. Once there, a guide leads a short walk up to the lookout: the spot where the turquoise water of the inlet meets the white sand in that iconic V-shape. The guide provides commentary on the area and helps with photos. After that, the boat moves to the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, where you have up to six hours to settle in.

The beach itself is the draw: silica sand that stays cool underfoot even in heat, and water clear enough to see into. You can swim, walk to the Southern Lookout if you want another vantage point, or simply lie on the sand. Lunch arrives as a sausage sizzle cooked right there on the beach (the only burger bar in the Whitsundays operates from the sand) with vegetarian and vegan options available if you request them when booking. Morning tea and afternoon tea are also served. Protective stinger suits are included, so you can enter the water without worry.

The full day runs 11.5 hours from check-in to return. A live guide in English is with the group throughout. The walk to Hill Inlet is short but involves some climbing, and getting in and out of the tender boats requires a moderate level of agility. Children are welcome from age four. If northerly winds make Whitehaven unsafe on the day, the boat master will move to an alternate beach location instead.

What’s included

• Cruise through the Whitsunday Islands with guest pickups at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island.
• guided walk to Hill Inlet with live commentary.
• up to six hours on Whitehaven Beach.
• sausage sizzle lunch cooked on the beach with vegetarian and vegan options.
• morning tea and afternoon tea.
• protective stinger suits.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 64

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 48 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cruise Whitsundays

Is this one for you?Book this if you want six hours of unscheduled beach time plus the Hill Inlet lookout view. The trade-off is an early start and a climb to reach it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 48 h before the start.

How much time do I actually spend swimming and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach itself?

Up to six hours on the sand. After the guided walk to Hill Inlet and the boat ride to the northern end of the beach, the rest of the day is yours to swim, walk, sunbathe or take part in beach activities.

What is the Hill Inlet Lookout, and is the walk to it difficult?

Hill Inlet is the famous spot where turquoise water meets white sand in a distinctive V-shape. It's the most photographed view in the Whitsundays. The walk is short and guided, but it does involve some climbing and requires moderate fitness and agility.

What food is included, and can you cater to dietary needs?

Lunch is a sausage sizzle cooked on the beach, with vegetarian and vegan options available if you request them at booking. Morning tea and afternoon tea are also served. Let the operator know about any dietary requirements when you reserve.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?

Protective stinger suits are included so you can swim safely. Snorkel equipment is not provided, so bring your own if you want to use it.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

If northerly winds make Whitehaven Beach unsafe, the boat master will assess conditions and move to a safer alternate beach location instead, so the tour still runs.