2020-05-01_Lonely_Planet_Traveller

Australia is known for having some of thebestbeachesontheplanet,

and Whitehaven Beach on the WhitsundayIslandsis testamentto that.

This stunner, backed by velvety green forest,dazzlesthosefortunateenough

to set eyes on it, with swirling azure waterslappingat blindingwhitesand

that just begs for a bit of toe sinking – at 98%silica,it’sbaby-powderso.

The Whitsundays – a string of 74 islands locatedothecoastof Queensland

• are a popular playground with all mannerof water-basedactivities.Here
  you can choose to stay dry and set sail onthecalm,tropicalwaterssheltered
  by the Great Barrier Reef or strap on a snorkelto discoverwhat’sunderthat
  brilliant, blue sea. But the one thing visitorsherewouldn’tdreamof missingout
  on is the chance to set foot on this near-mythicalpristinebeach.

WHITEHAVEN

BEACH

Pack your sunglasses – you’lltoneedthem

for taking in the view of thisfour-milestretch

of some of the whitest sandintheworld

)Country A u s t r a l i a ) Region Queensland)TypeB e a c h)

Activities Sw i m m i n g , s a i l i n g ) F a m i l y friendlyYe s

There are 74

islands in the

Whitsundays:

which is

Whitehaven

Beach on?

The beach is

located on the

largest island:

Whitsunday.

How do I reach it?

Tour operators

arrange trips from

Airlie Beach, the

mainland gateway

to the islands.

Otherwise, if

you’re staying at

one of the handful

of resort islands

(Daydream Island,

Hamilton Island,

etc), you can

arrange a day-trip

excursion through

the resort.

I’ve seen amazing
aerial shotsof the
beach, howcanI
get that view?
Various operators
arrange seaplane
or helicopterflights
over the Great
Barrier Reefand
Whitehaven
Beach.
Is it possibleto
camp on the
beach?
Yes, at the southern
end, but you’ll
need to bring
essentials (drinking
water, food,
rubbish bags)and
have your own
boat to gethere.
There are basic
toilet facilities,
and no fires
are permitted.
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