Whitsunday Islands National Park, National park in Queensland, Australia.

Whitsunday Islands National Park encompasses 32 islands spanning approximately 170 square kilometers, featuring white sand beaches, coral reefs, and dense tropical vegetation. The landscape is shaped by continental islands offering diverse coastal features and habitats.

The area was designated as a national park by the Queensland government on March 24, 2000, to protect its marine ecosystems. This protection status marked an important step in conserving the natural and cultural resources of the region.

The Ngaro Aboriginal people maintained deep connections with these islands for thousands of years, and their archaeological sites remain visible across the landscape. Visitors can recognize these traces of ancient occupation while exploring the natural environment.

Visitors reach the islands through boat services departing from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbor, with camping areas available across different locations. Water transport is the primary access route, so visitors should plan boat options in advance.

The islands are the peaks of a mountain range cut off from the mainland about 10,000 years ago when sea levels rose. Ngaro Aboriginal roots in the area reach back at least 8,000 years. Of the 74 islands, only eight are inhabited.