Island Hopping in the Whitsundays on a Campervan Trip
Quick summary: Of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, only a handful have resorts, and the rest are mostly national park. On a campervan trip, you can visit the resort islands as day trips, using island ferries and cruises from Port of Airlie while the campervan or motorhome stays in Airlie Beach. Hamilton Island has walks, beaches and a marina village, Daydream Island is small and family-friendly, and island cruises link several stops in one day.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Islands | 74, mostly national park |
| Resort islands | Hamilton, Daydream and a few others |
| Getting there | Ferries and island cruises from Port of Airlie |
| Day trips | Easy from an Airlie Beach base |
| Combine with | Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling |
| Tours | Island cruises and transfers |
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Which islands can you visit for the day?
| Island | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hamilton Island | Catseye Beach, Passage Peak walk, marina village, sunset from One Tree Hill |
| Daydream Island | A small island with a living reef lagoon and beaches |
| Whitsunday Island | Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, by tour |
| Hook Island | Snorkelling bays, by tour |
| Long Island | Quiet beaches and walking tracks |
How do you get around Hamilton Island?
On foot, by the island shuttle, or in a hired golf buggy, as private cars aren’t used on the island. The walking track to Passage Peak gives one of the best views in the Whitsundays, and Catseye Beach is right in front of the main resort area.
What is an island cruise?
A day trip that links several stops, such as a resort island, a beach and a snorkelling bay, usually on a larger boat. It’s a relaxed way to see more of the islands in one day without committing to a full sailing trip. Browse island cruises.
Should you swap the RV for a night on an island?
It can be a lovely break. A night at an island resort gives you an evening and a sunrise on the water, while the campervan waits on the mainland. Ask your holiday park about storing the vehicle, and use a ferry to get across. Browse transfers, and see parking on tour days.
Can you camp on the islands?
There are national park campsites on several islands, but they’re for tents only, reached by boat or water taxi, and need a permit. Your campervan stays on the mainland.
How many island days do you need?
One or two. Pair a resort island day with a Whitehaven Beach tour and you’ll have seen both sides of the Whitsundays. See Whitehaven Beach and the family trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ferries run between Port of Airlie and Hamilton Island, and island cruises also stop there.
No. Vehicles stay on the mainland, and you reach the islands by ferry or tour.
74, most of them national park and uninhabited.
Daydream Island is small and easy to explore, and Hamilton Island has beaches, walks and plenty of facilities.