​​Autumn​

Autumn is a season that is often overlooked. As the weather gets colder elsewhere in Australia, The Whitsundays remain at an average temperature of 25°C. You’ll want to escape the cold in the south and enjoy a toasty tropical holiday up north! You know it’s autumn in The Whitsundays when you look closely at the mountain side and spot the occasional tree that turns a bright red and drops its leaves.

This season is filled with warm, sunny days, making it the perfect temperature for explorers wanting to trek through stunning rainforests and national parks. The summer rain aftermath leaves the foliage lush and bright, with natural waterfalls such as Cedar Creek Falls flowing. Getting into the water is a must when you’re in The Whitsundays, with easy access to snorkel the reef, or explore world-famous Whitehaven Beach, ready for you with swirling sands and crystal-clear water. It's a well-kept secret that while Autumn may be a slow time of year, it is still one of the best.

​Winter

As autumn slowly fades into winter, the days take on an extra sparkle. The humidity disappears and the clouds clear, a crystal blue sky and striking turquoise water is revealed – winter is an ideal season to visit The Whitsundays. It’s not a ‘real’ southern winter, but a perfect opportunity to thaw out from the cold down south. The migrating Humpback whales will arrive at the beginning of winter to have their babies in the warm, protected waters. By mid-winter(ish), scheduled tours and ferry transfers moonlight as unofficial whale watching tours. A simple ferry to Hamilton Island could have you stopping once or twice for crossing whales, or better yet – a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef could give you front-row seats.

See Humpback whales, jump into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, relax in the sunshine, or visit one of the many islands – it’s all doable in a Whitsundays’ winter.​