Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill
Tour overview
The Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill is the full day Whitehaven trip run by Cruise Whitsundays, and the one to pick if you want to see both ends of the beach in a single day. It leaves Port of Airlie at 7:15am, cruises through the Whitsunday Islands and gives you up to 6 hours on Whitehaven Beach, the 7km stretch of white silica sand on Whitsunday Island.
The day starts at the northern end, where a smaller transfer vessel takes you ashore for a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and its swirling sands, following paths walked by the Ngaro people, the Traditional Owners of the Whitsundays. From there it is down to the southern end for an Aussie-style BBQ on the beach, cooked by the crew, with the rest of the afternoon free to swim, laze on the sand, join the beach games or walk up to the southern lookout.
Tour Highlights
- Up to 6 hours on Whitehaven Beach, split between the northern and southern ends
- Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for the view over the swirling sands
- Aussie-style BBQ lunch on the beach, cooked by the crew
- Scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, with morning and afternoon tea
- Walk to the southern Whitehaven Beach lookout
- Beach games and a dedicated host for the whole day
- Protective stinger suits provided all year
Itinerary
*Example itinerary only. The order, timing and stops may change on the day due to weather and operating conditions.
Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal, Port of Airlie
Check in 30 minutes before departure at 24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach. There is a cafe at the terminal for breakfast before the early start.
Whitsunday Passage and Islands
Cruise across the Whitsunday Passage and through the islands, with brief stops at Daydream Island (7:45am) and Hamilton Island (8:30am) to collect more guests. Morning tea is included, and some tours need a change of vessel for the run to Whitehaven Beach.
Hill Inlet and Lookout, Northern End
A smaller transfer vessel runs guests to the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. From there a guide leads small groups up the bush track to Hill Inlet Lookout, with commentary and local stories along the way, before some time on the sand at the northern end.
Whitehaven Beach, Southern End
Back at the southern end the crew cook an Aussie-style BBQ on the beach. The afternoon is free to swim, sunbake, join the beach games, grab a drink from the beach bar or walk to the southern lookout. Afternoon tea is included.
Port of Airlie
Hamilton Island guests are back at about 5:00pm and Daydream Island guests at about 6:05pm.
Good to know
Weather: In strong northerly winds or rough seas the vessel Master may choose another beach in the Whitsundays in place of Whitehaven Beach.
Is This Tour Suitable For You?
A moderate level of fitness and agility is recommended. The day includes bushwalking, steps and uneven ground, walking on soft sand and climbing in and out of tender vessels, often in heat and humidity through the summer months. Currents and tides can be strong around Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, so guests should be confident swimmers or stay in the shallows.
What's included
Included
- Return cruise through the Whitsunday Islands
- Up to 6 hours on Whitehaven Beach
- Guided walk to Hill Inlet and the lookout
- Aussie-style BBQ lunch on the beach
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Beach games
- Protective stinger suits
- Dedicated host for the day
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park fee
Not included
- Drinks from the bars on the vessel and the beach
- Coach transfers to Port of Airlie (A$13 adult, A$7 child)
- Shade cabana hire
What To Bring
Pack for a full day on the sand. Eskies with food and drinks can be taken to the beach, but luggage cannot be taken on day tours.
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
- Light jacket or jumper for a cool or windy day
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
Chill & Grill Or The Whitehaven Beach Half Day Cruise?
Cruise Whitsundays runs two trips to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach. The Chill & Grill is the full day option, with more time on the beach and access to both ends of it, including the guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and the BBQ lunch.
The Whitehaven Beach half day cruise visits the southern end only, for up to 2 hours, and does not go to Hill Inlet. For first time visitors who want to see as much of Whitehaven Beach as possible in one day, the Chill & Grill covers the most ground.
Hill Inlet Lookout And The Swirling Sands
Hill Inlet sits at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, where the tide shifts the silica sand through the shallow water to create the swirling sands the Whitsundays are known for. The lookout above it is reached by a bush track of about 1.3km return, and on this tour the walk is guided in small groups.
There is more on the walk, the tides and the best time to see the inlet on the Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach pages.
Shade, Food And Drinks On The Beach
Shade: Natural shade on Whitehaven Beach is limited. There are two large covered areas on the beach, and Cruise Whitsundays sets up two large marquees as well. Individual sun shades can be requested from the crew, subject to availability, and shade cabana hire is an optional extra.
BBQ lunch: Lunch is an Aussie-style BBQ cooked by the crew on the beach, with vegetarian and vegan options. Morning and afternoon tea are also included.
Drinks: The bars on the vessel open from 10:00am, and a beach bar is set up at Whitehaven Beach. Both sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. BYO alcohol is not permitted on Cruise Whitsundays vessels.
Stinger suits: Lightweight full body stinger suits are free for all guests all year. The skipper advises on the day when they must be worn, and they are always recommended for swimming.
Phone and WiFi: Phone reception drops out soon after leaving the mainland and there is no WiFi on board.
Tour Departure Times
The tour runs every day from the Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal at Port of Airlie, with pick ups at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island on the way.
Port of Airlie: Departs 7:15am, returns about 6:00pm.
Daydream Island: Departs 7:45am, returns about 6:05pm.
Hamilton Island: Departs 8:30am, returns about 5:00pm.
Most Airlie Beach accommodation is within walking distance of Port of Airlie. Coach transfers are an optional extra and need 12 hours notice. Parking at the terminal is limited.
Tour Departure Point Map
The tour departs from the Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal, 24 The Cove Road, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach QLD 4802.
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill Reviews On Google
Terms and Conditions Of Travel
Cancellation policy: Bookings made through Viator can be cancelled for a full refund up to 2 days before the tour starts. Cancellations made later than that, and no shows, are not refunded.
Prices are per person in Australian dollars and change with demand, availability and season, so check the final price before paying. Child fares are for ages 4 to 14, and children under 18 must travel with an adult carer.
Weather and operator changes: The tour runs in all weather unless conditions are unsafe. The itinerary is subject to weather and sea conditions, including tides, wind and swell, and the vessel Master sets the most appropriate course for safety and comfort. Schedule changes may occur. If a cruise is cancelled, guests are notified using their booking contact details.
Health & safety: All guests complete a medical declaration before travel. Anyone with a medical condition, recent illness or injury, or mobility concerns should seek medical advice and contact the operator before booking. Travel insurance is recommended. Full terms and conditions of carriage are available from Cruise Whitsundays.
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