The Whitsundays are not just Whitehaven Beach and the reef. Behind Airlie Beach sits rainforest, waterfalls and a hinterland full of wildlife, while the coast further north and south opens up kayaking, jet boating and local food and drink tours. These are the tours that fill the days you are not out on the water at the reef.
Waterfalls and rainforest
The Falls to Paradise tour takes in the Whitsundays hinterland's waterfalls and swimming holes in a single day. The Cedar Creek Falls Express Eco Tour covers similar ground in a tighter 3 hours, a good fit if you only have half a day free. The Whitsundays Rainforest to Reef Nature Walk is a guided 4 hour bushwalk through rainforest close to Airlie Beach, with views out over the coast along the way.
Wildlife encounters
The Cape Hillsborough Sunrise and Kangaroo Tour gets you to the beach at dawn to watch kangaroos and wallabies feeding on the sand as the sun comes up, one of the more unusual wildlife sightings on this stretch of coast. The Crocodile Watching Cruise and Full Day Adventure heads out to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat, with lunch included across the full day.
On the water, closer to shore
The Whitsundays Kayaking Guided Turtle Tour is a half day paddle suited to spotting turtles in calmer, sheltered water without the cost or commitment of a full reef cruise. For more speed, the Whitehaven Beach High Speed Jetboat and Snorkel reaches Whitehaven Beach and a snorkel site in a single fast paced full day.
Food, drink and sightseeing
The Whitsundays Brewers, Distillers and Beach Bars Tour is a half day circuit of local breweries, distilleries and beach bars around Airlie Beach, for travellers who want the region's food and drink scene rather than another day on the water. The Airlie Beach Guided Tuk Tuk Tour covers the town's sights in 2 hours, a relaxed option for an afternoon between bigger tours.
Frequently asked questions
Are there Whitsundays tours that do not involve the reef?
Yes. Waterfall tours, rainforest walks, wildlife tours at Cape Hillsborough, and food and drink tours around Airlie Beach all run entirely on land, away from the reef and islands.
What is the Cape Hillsborough Sunrise and Kangaroo Tour?
An early morning tour to Cape Hillsborough beach to watch kangaroos and wallabies feeding on the sand at dawn, timed around sunrise.
Is kayaking a good alternative to a reef cruise?
It is a different experience rather than a substitute. The Kayaking Guided Turtle Tour covers sheltered, calmer water closer to shore, suited to a shorter, lower cost outing than a full reef day.
How long are the waterfall and rainforest tours?
The Cedar Creek Falls Express runs around 3 hours, the Rainforest to Reef Nature Walk around 4 hours, and Falls to Paradise covers a fuller day at the region's waterfalls and swimming holes.
Can I do a food and drink tour without a full day commitment?
Yes. The Brewers, Distillers and Beach Bars Tour and the Airlie Beach Tuk Tuk Tour both run as half day or shorter options.
Local tip: book a land based tour for a day when the wind is up and reef cruises are choppier, the hinterland waterfalls and rainforest walks are sheltered and make a solid backup plan.
Compare the Whitsundays tours above and mix land and water days to make the most of your trip.