The story of this place
Whitehaven Beach stretches 7 km along Whitsunday Island and is composed of 98% pure silica sand — among the whitest in the world. The beach faces the Whitsunday Passage, with Hill Inlet at its northern end creating extraordinary swirling sand patterns at changing tides. The silica sand does not retain heat, making it comfortable to walk on even in tropical sun. Access is by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Airlie Beach. The southern end provides the classic postcard view of turquoise water against white sand with the passage islands beyond. A drone permit is required for aerial photography but charter flights provide aerial perspectives.