Flying to Whitsundays in September for a week on jetstar.
Looking for deals, cruise, snorkle, dive, activities, etc…
[QLD] Looking for Whitsundays Travel Deals
Sydney11 on 20/07/2025 - 13:00
Comments
yes Airlie
Go swim at the huge man-made lagoons by the beach
They are awesomei had a look. good suggestion. and its free too.
no guarantees with JS
Qantas aren't having much luck getting off the ground either lately, they're almost like JS
We have been there several times, and all were under risk of flush flood and crooks. Be careful.
Do you mean flash floods and crocs?
Do you mean lots of cameras and questionable footwear?
Sydney11, Whitehaven Beach should certainly be on your 'to do' list. But don't do half day tour, only full day tour. On half day tour, you will spend only about 2 hours on the Whitehaven Beach and won't go to the Hill Inlet. You visit Hill Inlet only with full day tours. The view from Hill Inlet is something spectacular, always different as it depends tide and weather conditions. If you like sailing boats, Lady Enid is one of the best then. Their crew really spoils and look after people on board. If you like something more adventurous then Ocean Rafting tours could be something to consider.
I would stay away from the Cruise Whitsunday for the tours. They are the bigger tour provider there and sometime there are simply too many people on the boat. The smaller tour providers simply offer better experience and better service.
If you have time and funds, I would suggest the Ocean's Rafting Scenic Flight Tour over the Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef. It is really lovely experience with amazing scenery.
If you are lading at Proserpine Airport, then Whitsunday Transit provides the best and most reliable service to get you to and from Airlie Beach. You can book transfers online (have the flight numbers ready).
Many people make mistake of renting a car whilst there for the whole time and then have car parked in the garage. However, if you are planning to see the Cedar Creek Falls, then do rent a car as it is cheaper to drive there than to take a tour. Plus you can stay as long as you want if you are not part of a tour. Bowen is about 1 hour drive from Airlie. It is a small county town with a few lovely beaches.
September is good month to visit Airlie. There are still no stingers to worry about. However, the tour provider might suggest to use one. If you do, you will be able to stay longer in the water, especially if you are snorkeling.
What is your accommodation in Airlie. I used to live there for couple of years and know the area really well.
Cheers
thank you for your detailed reply, tips and recommendations. Havent booked accommodations yet.
any recommendations for liveaboard?
what you think about Cape Hillsborough sunrise with kangaroos? How easy is it to get there?
I'd suggest that you find an accommodation in Airlie so you are close to everything. However, avoid booking anything on the main street as it can get really noisy in the evenings, especially over the weekend. I don't know your age but even young people need good decent sleep after night out. If you would like to have a view from your accommodation, then book somewhere on hills but still walking distance to main street. If on the other hand, you have children, than staying walking distance to main street would also be good, ie, close to public lagoon, playground, Woolies, restaurants, etc.
Most people use taxi service from main street to their accommodation, especially after dinner in restaurants. If it is raining, be prepared to wait a bit longer for taxi. Most people download app on the phone and book taxi through that. It is quite normal to use taxi even for a 5 minute ride in Airlie.
Please feel free to ask about the accommodation once you have something in mind.
Cape Hillsborough is about 1.5 hours drive from Airlie. It is closer to Mackay. I haven't done that tour but some of my guests were. Some were amazed with the wildlife and scenery. For that, I'd definitely suggest to take a tour, they know where to go. Be prepared to wake up very early.
Check this link. You will find a lot of info about tours and what is available https://www.airliebeach.com/daytrips/welcome.php
Where are you staying? Airlie Beach? The boat tour to Whitehaven Beach is great and usually includes some snorkeling.