Welcome to the Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef learning page.
Learn all about this world-renowned region.
Whitsunday Island & Reef Scenic Flight
Embark on an unforgettable journey above the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and immerse yourself in the incredible beauty and rich heritage of this world-renowned destination. Our scenic flight experience offers passengers a unique opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and learn about the region’s fascinating Aboriginal and Indigenous heritage. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning aerial views and intriguing stories that await you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 tropical islands nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. As you soar above the azure waters, you’ll witness the unique beauty of these islands, which boast pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. This magnificent archipelago is home to the famous Hamilton Island and the luxurious Hayman Island, both offering world-class resorts and unparalleled natural beauty.
Great Barrier Reef
Stretching over 2,300 kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your flight, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the mesmerising Hook Reef, Hardy Reef, and the iconic Heart Reef, a natural coral formation shaped like a heart. Be prepared to capture this awe-inspiring sight, as it is a favourite among photographers and nature lovers alike.
As you continue your journey, you’ll fly over Reef World, a unique floating platform that offers unparalleled access to the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Observe the diverse marine life and vibrant corals that inhabit this underwater paradise, and learn about the vital ecosystem that supports the health of our oceans.
Indigenous People of The Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef hold deep significance to the Aboriginal and Indigenous people of the region. As you admire the natural wonders from above, our knowledgeable guides will share the rich history and cultural heritage of the Ngaro and Gia people, who have called these islands home for thousands of years. Their stories and legends will further enrich your experience, providing you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the land and its people.
Explore From Above
Our Whitsunday Islands & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight Experience is designed to captivate your senses and ignite your curiosity. As you explore this stunning region from above, you’ll gain an appreciation for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant Indigenous heritage. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable journey with you and create lasting memories of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the flight, and prepare to be amazed!
Whitsunday Day Tour
If you are thinking of going out to the beautiful Whitsundays and explore around on your feet, why not check out our Sea & Sky combo and have the best of both worlds to be flying above and explore on your feet.
ZigZag Whitsundays Day tour is our prefered partner for visiting the Whitsundays on an Airlie Beach Snorkelling tour.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitehaven Beach South Lookout
Stunning Snorkel Location
Chalkies Beach & Haslewood Island Lookout
With ZigZag, you’ll get to visit more of the incredible Whitsunday Islands—including Whitehaven Beach, the holy grail of white sands and clear tropical waters and snorkel the fringing coral reefs of The Great Barrier Reef around the islands.
Whitsunday Islands National Parks
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is the government agency responsible for the Whitsunday islands national parks in the region and jointly manages the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Both of these government agencies work together under the Whitsundays Plan Of Management In the above map (Download a PDF Copy Here)
As always before heading into any national parks you should do your research here are a few pointers before exploring the Whitsunday Islands
- Leave no trace
- No open fires and ash-producing stoves
- No domestic animals
- Take rubbish back to the mainland
- Dump fish scraps at night
- Be pest-free!
- Allow native animals to find their own food
- Minimise damage to corals and marine animals
- Check restrictions on activities
Every visitor and commercial operator has a duty of care for this stunning national park, do the right thing and leave the beauty for the next generation.
History of the Whitsunday Islands
The native Australians that originally lived in the Whitsunday region are called the Ngaro people, with their territory stretching both north and south of the Whitsunday Islands. Evidence has placed the Ngaro people as being settled in the area for at least 9,000 years. They lived mainly as maritime hunters and gatherers and were skilled navigators.
In 1770 Captain Cook and his crew first sailed through the Whitsunday Passage aboard the HMB Endeavour on a scientific expedition. He named the passage Whitsundays Passage after the Christian celebration of the Festival of Whitsun.
White settlers began to settle in the Whitsunday region in 1860 and sheep grazing businesses were established on several of the islands. The Whitsunday Islands became a popular tourism destination in the 1920’s with boats taking visitors out to some of the settled islands.
In the 1930’s the Queensland and Australian Government made several of the Whitsunday Islands national parks. Today more than 96% of the region is protected by the government in an effort to preserve the plants, animals and environment.
