GSL Marine Whitehaven + Hill Inlet Bushwalk

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Cruise direct to Whitehaven Beach for 2 to 3 hours of beach time. Stroll the soft white sand, walk to the Southern Lookout for views across the Whitsunday Islands, and relax.

Days

8 hours

Group size

Up to 50 on board

Start / finish

Port of Airlie / Port of Airlie

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

50-seat fast catamaran from Port of Airlie

Meals

Buffet lunch and afternoon tea

Route

Map of GSL Marine Whitehaven + Hill Inlet Bushwalk

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Included experiences

Whitehaven Beach — 2 to 3 hours of beach time
Southern Lookout — self-guided bushwalk
Stand-up paddle boarding
Fringing reef — optional snorkelling tour

GSL Marine Whitehaven + Hill Inlet Bushwalk

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: AIRLIE BEACH TO WHITEHAVEN

Check in at Rufus & Co Cafe at the Port of Airlie and board the fast catamaran Pina Colada. The run out to Whitehaven takes just over an hour, through the Whitsunday Passage between the mainland and the islands. James Cook sailed through here in 1770 and named the islands for Whit Sunday. Grab a seat outside for the view and a morning snack from the crew. Between June and September, keep an eye out for humpback whales, which come up from Antarctica to calve in these warm waters.

THE HILL INLET LOOKOUT

A tender takes you ashore for a guided walk up through the bush to the Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday islands. From the top you look down on Hill Inlet, where the tide moves white sand and turquoise water in and out of the inlet, so the swirling pattern changes all day. It's the view on most Whitsundays postcards. The walk needs medium fitness and climbing in and out of a small boat. The order of the day can change with the tide.

MIDDAY AND AFTERNOON: WHITEHAVEN BEACH

Then it's Whitehaven Beach, about 7 km of sand that is around 98 per cent pure silica. It's so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in the midday sun. A buffet lunch is served on the beach. The rest of your time is free: swim, walk the shoreline, or take out a stand-up paddle board from the beach club, which also has shade and beach games. In the shallows look for small fish, stingrays and sometimes turtles. Want to see coral? For an extra cost you can join the snorkelling trip to a nearby fringing reef.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO PORT

Back on board, fruit is served on the run home, and you're at the Port of Airlie in the late afternoon, about eight hours after you left.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Check in at Rufus & Co Cafe, 33 Port Drive, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach, 30 minutes before departure.
Dietary needs: The lunch menu caters to most dietary requirements.
Please note: This tour may not suit guests arriving in Airlie Beach by cruise ship, as tender transfers differ for each ship.

What is included

Return cruise from Port of Airlie to Whitehaven Beach
Buffet lunch
Afternoon tea on the return voyage
Stand-up paddle boards and beach sports equipment

Not included

Snorkelling tour — $29, including all equipment and instructions
Drinks — available to buy on board and on the beach

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.