Whitsunday, Australia
These 74 tropical islands, set amidst coral reefs and deep waterways, are famous for their beauty. They offer some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and a range of activities on land or at sea.
Average Temperatures in Whitsundays (Airlie Beach) (°C)
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 27°C |
26°C |
25°C |
24°C |
21°C |
20°C |
19°C |
18°C |
22°C |
24°C |
26°C |
°C |
Featured Shore Tours from Whitsunday
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Sail The Whitsundays WSY-005
Experience the wonders of the Whitsundays on this full day tour onboard one of the world’s fastest sailing catamarans, exploring the magnificent...
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The Great Barrier Reef WSY-010
Travel onboard a Whitsundays' premier day cruise vessel, to one of the largest and most sophisticated Australian owned reef platforms on the Great...
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The Great Barrier Reef - Family Package WSY-011
Travel onboard a Whitsundays' premier day cruise vessel, to one of the largest and most sophisticated Australian owned reef platforms on the Great...
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Airlie Beach & Surrounds WSY-025
Your friendly guide will meet you at the Abel Point Marina before setting off across the Whitsundays for this thrilling half-day excursion to the...
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Crocodile Safari WSY-030
This isn't a croc farm - this is the real thing! Nowhere else on the Queensland coast can you experience so much in one location. Cruise the waters...
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Ocean Rafting WSY-035
Board a high-speed semi-rigid inflatable vessel and explore the Whitsunday Islands.
Experience a fun, fast ride teamed with adventure and education...
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Sea Kayaking WSY-040
A perfect introduction to sea kayaking or just a great opportunity to escape from the ship for a few hours.
Embarking from picturesque Shute...
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Tropical Rainforest Experience WSY-045
Participate in a fully guided tour with the most experienced rainforest tour guides in the Whitsunday’s. Ride in comfort in a deluxe air conditioned...
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Whitehaven Beach by Seaplane WSY-065
Visit famous Whitehaven Beach in style by seaplane. Your tour includes a spectacular scenic flight over the Whitsundays Passage and islands. Tour...
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More about Whitsunday
Docking / Disembarkation
Your P&O ship anchors at Pioneer Point and a regular tender and/or catamaran service operates to Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach.
Taxis
A taxi rank is located in Shute Harbour Road, an approximate two kilometre walk from the pier. A relaxed, beachside town Airlie is easy to explore on foot. Airlie Beach Ambassadors will be situated at the pier throughout the day to hand out maps and other handy tourist information.
Shopping
Airlie Beach has a range of stores and boutiques selling everything from tropical and outback clothing and high-end fashions to souvenirs, opal jewellery and designer goods.
Dining
Whether you just want a great espresso, a tasty light snack or a gourmet meal, Airlie Beach has some excellent cafes and restaurants, most of them located around the waterfront on Shute Harbour Road.
Climate
Tropical. Don’t forget, you’re just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and, in summer particularly, it can be quite hot and humid. Refreshing rain showers can cool things down a little and there always seems to be a sea breeze out on the reef. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.
Tipping
If you’re pleased with the service you receive in a restaurant, a reasonable tip would be around five to ten percent of the bill.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted.
Telephones International and Local
Public telephones are available near the taxi rank in Shute Harbour Road.
What To Wear Ashore
To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella and weatherproof jacket. Don’t forget your swimming gear! Snorkelling equipment is available for hire or purchase on board the ship.
Shore Tours
There are a number of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in and around The Whitsundays. Subject to availability, tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk. Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.
Environment & Stinger Season
Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Cairns or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you – that includes dead camera batteries.
The season for box jelly-fish and stingers generally starts with the onset of the wet across the top of Northern Australia, usually around October and lasts until April.
P&O Cruises Agents
In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact the nearest P&O crew member. Alternatively, P&O’s port agent representative in The Whitsundays is:
Oceania Maritime Services
3/45 Victoria Street
QLD 4810
Tel: (07) 4957 5187
How to book
To take advantage of our fantastic low cost cruises, book now. Visit your travel agent or call 13 24 94 for Australian bookings or 0800 780 716 for New Zealand bookings.
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