The seaplane over the Whitsundays.
Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach.
Getaway undertook the arduous task of coming up with Australia’s — maybe the world’s — ultimate beach.
Whitehaven Beach, a 15-minute flight from Airlie Beach, won our vote. It is on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island, the largest in the Whitsunday group. The island is 109 square kilometres and, at Whitsunday Peak, rises to 438m.
The beach stretches for six kilometres of magnificent, pure white silica sand that feels as soft and gentle as baby powder under your feet.
The ultimate way to see the ultimate beach is by seaplane; the Whitehaven Explorer is the way to go. First you fly over Hayman Island, then to Baite, Hardy, Heart and Hook reefs, back to Whitsunday and land for lunch on Whitehaven Beach. You stay there for two hours and do whatever you please.
On the way back you pass over Hamilton, Daydream and South Molle islands, all good reasons to take plenty of film.
Peter Bull has been flying over the Whitsundays for more than 20 years and knows a good beach when he sees one. He believes that, apart from its natural physical beauty, the fact that the island has no resort adds to its beauty and appeal. His company Air Whitsunday is Australia’s oldest seaplane company, with 26 years of service. They will pick you up from almost anywhere.
