Making the most of Whitsunday Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships are not able to dock here, you will be tendered ashore.
Usually Fantasea, or one of the catamarans will come out to the ship and pick up passengers, take them out to the reef, and then return directly to the ship.
Printable map to take along.
This park's hilly islands dot the aquamarine waters of the scenic Whitsunday Passage. Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is world-renowned for its pure white silica sand and crystal-clear water. Part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the reefs contain an outstanding variety of corals. From May to September, the Whitsundays are an important calving ground for migrating humpback whales.
Walk from Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island for great views. See precious rock art by the Ngaro people at Nara Inlet, Hook Island. Snorkel, sail, or just relax in this idyllic setting.
Money
Australian Dollar
Opening Hours and
Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.
In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.
Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.