5 incredible ways to see Australia’s best beach

The following blog by Kantesha Takai was originally published on the Queensland Blog.

What does it take for a beach to be awarded the title of best in the world? Would squeaky, white silica sand, retina-piercing water, a ridiculously beautiful natural backdrop, and the option of a rock-star entrance via seaplane or helicopter do the trick?

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays has topped the list of Australian beaches to come out at #1 again in Tripadvisor’s 2017 Travellers’ Choice Awards. And despite recent weather events, it’s just as gorgeous as the day it was crowned.

If you want to get up close to this award-winning icon, here’s how you can do it.

BY AIR

Take off from Airlie Beach and enjoy stunning aerial views as Air Whitsundays Seaplanes fly you (in style) to beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Get those cameras ready!

And as you descend upon the shorelines of Whitehaven Beach, you’ll be greeted by salty air, white sand and pristine water. It’s the perfect place for a private picnic.

BY JET BOAT

Discover the “Wild Side” of the Whitsundays with Ocean Rafting, where you’ll jet boat around some of the most gorgeous islands and snorkel pristine reefs.

And if you’ve got a need for speed, step on board Red Cat Adventures’ Wildcat; a 300-horse power jet boat that would give Speedy Gonzales a run for his money.

Stopping for a breather at Hill Inlet, you’ll be able to grace the sands of Whitehaven Beach and explore the lookout. And after a thrilling day on the water and in the sun, retreat to a private waterfront resort and chill.

BY KAYAK

Prefer to take your time and soak in every drop of the Whitsundays? Then take a 6-day tour with Salty Dog Sea Kayaking. Departing from Airlie Beach, your adventure begins with a short water taxi ride to (you guessed it) Whitehaven Beach, where you’ll camp for the night.

Over the remaining days, you’ll give your arms (and eyes) the ultimate workout as you paddle your way towards your destination;  Langford Island. From dolphins to reef systems, you’ll be amazed at what you see on your journey.

Before you head out, check out this handy guide.

BY BAREBOAT OR YACHT

Captain your own ship or hire a crew and sail to Whitehaven Beach. And then charter a course and sail around the other 73 Whitsunday Islands.

You can go by Bareboat or on a private Yacht, either way, you’ll give your sea legs a stretch and have a memorable sailing journey.

And, this is how you can do it.

BY CRUISE

Looking for something a little more romantic? How about a luxury day cruise to Whitehaven Beach?

Cruise Whitsundays will deliver you and your partner to Whitehaven Beach where you’ll be served with a buffet salad picnic, including barbequed meat and fish. To top it off, you’ll dine right on the white sandy shores, overlooking the azure blue waters.

EXPECT TO SEE THIS…

The average water temperature in the Whitsundays is 26 degrees Celcius year-round. It’s also a pretty fancy place to show off your yacht.

Science lesson of the day: The colour of the water in the Whitsundays is caused by fine particles of suspended siliceous sediment reflecting light.

The silica white sand of Whitehaven Beach stretches for seven kilometres, so there’s plenty of room to claim a patch all your own for the day. It’s also great for polishing jewellery.

Did you know? Captain Cook first sailed through the Whitsundays on June 4, 1770. Cook named the area after the day he sailed though – ‘Whitsunday’ – the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Note: Brooke’s images were taken after recent weather events so you can see just how gorgeous Whitehaven Beach is today. #nofilter

HAVE YOU BEEN TO WHITEHAVEN BEACH?