Islands & Day Trips
Discover the beauty of the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach.From pristine beaches to hidden coves and coral reefs, the Whitsundays are a collection of islands waiting to be explored. With daily tours departing from nearby marinas, guests at Mirage Whitsundays can enjoy world-class day trips that showcase the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re sailing, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the water, every journey begins right here in Airlie Beach.
Whitehaven Beach
Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is famous for its pure white silica sand and clear turquoise water stretching over seven kilometres. Most tours include time to swim, relax, and walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, where the swirling sands create a view found nowhere else on earth.
Visitors can choose from half-day and full-day tours departing from Airlie Beach, with options to add snorkelling stops or scenic flights over the islands. However you choose to explore it, Whitehaven Beach is an essential Whitsunday experience.
Hamilton Island
The largest of the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island blends tropical scenery with resort-style energy. Wander along Catseye Beach, enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants, or take a buggy ride to One Tree Hill for views that stretch across the Coral Sea.
For adventure, guests can try paddleboarding, jet skiing or hiking the Passage Peak trail. Ferries and day tours depart regularly from Airlie Beach, making it easy to spend the day exploring before returning to the calm of Mirage Whitsundays.
Daydream Island
Daydream Island is a favourite among families and couples seeking a relaxed Whitsunday escape. The island’s famous Living Reef, a free-form coral lagoon filled with marine life, gives visitors the chance to see rays and tropical fish up close.
Guests can enjoy beachside dining, walking trails through tropical gardens, or simply unwind by the pool with ocean views. Day tours from Airlie Beach run daily, with travel times of less than 30 minutes, making Daydream Island one of the most accessible day trips from Mirage Whitsundays.
Whitsunday Islands National Park
The Whitsunday Islands National Park protects more than 30 islands scattered throughout the region, offering quiet beaches, coral reefs and walking tracks through lush forest. Visitors can hike to lookouts with sweeping views, kayak along the shoreline, or snorkel in calm bays rich with marine life.
Tours often combine guided walks with picnic stops on secluded beaches. From Airlie Beach, it is easy to join a tour or charter that explores the park’s most scenic spots, giving travellers a taste of its unspoiled beauty.
Heart Reef and the Great Barrier Reef
Few sights compare to Heart Reef, a perfectly shaped coral formation set within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The best way to see it is on a scenic flight from Airlie Beach, where the reef’s vivid colours and unique heart shape can be seen clearly from above.
Many tours also include the chance to snorkel or dive among coral gardens teeming with fish. With air and sea tours available year-round, exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Mirage Whitsundays is simple and unforgettable.
Sailing and Scenic Tours
Sailing is part of the Whitsundays’ rhythm, and there’s no better way to explore than by catamaran or yacht. Choose from luxury day charters, small-group sailing adventures or romantic sunset cruises across the Coral Sea.
Many tours include stops for swimming, snorkelling and island exploration, with professional crews sharing local insight along the way. Whether you’re watching the sun dip below the horizon or gliding between islands under full sail, each voyage reveals another side of this tropical paradise.
Stay with Mirage Whitsundays
After exploring the islands, return to comfort and calm at Mirage Whitsundays. Each apartment and villa offers sweeping ocean views, modern amenities, and the quiet rhythm of the waterfront. Spend your days discovering the Whitsundays and your evenings surrounded by space, serenity, and the soft sound of the sea.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Islands & Day Trips
How do I get to the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach?
Regular tours and ferries depart from the Port of Airlie and Coral Sea Marina, both just minutes from Mirage Whitsundays. You can choose from sailing tours, high-speed catamarans, or scenic flights that make it easy to explore the islands in a single day.
What is the best day trip from Airlie Beach?
Whitehaven Beach is the most popular, known for its soft white sand and turquoise water. Many tours also visit Daydream and Hamilton Islands, offering a mix of sightseeing, snorkelling, and time to relax on the beach.
Can I visit the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach?
Yes. Day tours and scenic flights depart daily for reef snorkelling and diving experiences, including visits to Heart Reef and other coral lagoons.
Are there family-friendly island tours?
Absolutely. Many operators offer family-focused itineraries with calm-water snorkelling, glass-bottom boats, and time on the beach. Daydream Island, in particular, is great for children, thanks to its Living Reef and easy access from Airlie Beach.
Do I need to book island tours in advance?
It’s recommended, especially during school holidays and peak seasons. Tours can be booked online, through the Mirage Whitsundays reception, or directly with local operators in Airlie Beach.
What should I bring on a day trip?
Pack light and include sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a reusable water bottle. Most tours provide meals, snacks, and snorkelling gear, but it’s best to check with your tour operator beforehand.