Whitsunday Islands, Island archipelago in Queensland, Australia
The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 islands scattered in turquoise water off the coast of Queensland, near the Great Barrier Reef. The islands range from large forested landmasses with resorts and walking trails to tiny uninhabited rocks that appear only at low tide.
James Cook sailed through these waters on June 3, 1770, naming the passage after the Christian holiday of Whit Sunday. Before his arrival, the Ngaro and Gia people had lived here for thousands of years, building settlements and using the natural resources of the islands.
The name comes from Captain Cook's arrival on Whit Sunday, though he miscalculated by one day due to the dateline. Today the beaches and bays carry names like Whitehaven and Catseye, drawing visitors from around the world and shaping how people experience the landscape.
Visitors reach the islands through Hamilton Island Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Boat tours and sailing trips depart from Airlie Beach on the mainland coast, offering access to the different islands and anchorages.
The Ngaro Whitsundays Underwater Art Trail displays submerged sculptures in shallow water, combining marine exploration with art installations. Snorkelers find the works among the coral and watch how fish and algae colonize the surfaces.
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