Whitehaven Beach, Beach in Whitsunday Island, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is a seven-kilometer sandy shore on Whitsunday Island off Australia's east coast. The beach sits in a sheltered bay with clear turquoise water and stretches along the coastline with white sand made of almost pure silica.
James Cook sailed through the Whitsunday Islands in 1770 and charted these waters for European navigation. The area later became part of a national park to protect the natural features of the coastal landscape from alteration.
The name refers to an English harbor town and recalls James Cook's voyage of discovery in 1770. Visitors today can feel the fine white sand beneath their feet, known for its exceptional purity.
Access is by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach, as no road connects to the island. Visitors should bring all necessary items, as there are no facilities or shops at the beach.
The sand is 98 percent silica and stays cool underfoot even in strong sunlight. This composition prevents the grains from heating up as much as ordinary quartz sand at other beaches.
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