Whitehaven Beach: The Whitsundays' Crown Jewel

Regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, Whitehaven Beach stretches for seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island in the heart of Queensland's Coral Sea. Its sand is 98% pure silica — so fine and bright it squeaks underfoot and stays cool in the sun.

Why it's extraordinary

• The sand. Pure silica gives Whitehaven its blinding white colour and powder-soft texture, found in few places on Earth.
• Hill Inlet. At the northern end, tides swirl white sand and turquoise water into ever-changing patterns — best appreciated from the Tongue Point lookout or by air.
• The seclusion. Reachable only by boat, seaplane or helicopter, Whitehaven never feels overrun.

How to experience it

The most memorable approach is by scenic flight, taking in Heart Reef and the islands en route before landing for time on the sand. Swain Destinations arranges private seaplane and yacht experiences to Whitehaven within tailor-made Australia journeys.