Print PageWhitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is located on the east coast of Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsunday Group.
Whitehaven Beach is an icon for the region and is recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The magical white silica sands (approximately 98 per cent pure silica) of Whitehaven Beach stretch for 7 km.
Whitehaven Beach is used for sightseeing, walking, swimming, relaxing, beach games and as a scenic flight landing area.
Access to the waters adjacent to Whitehaven Beach is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). A Standard Tourism Permit grants up to 50 days access to the Whitsundays Planning Area (excluding the Setting 5 area) with a booking from QPWS.
Site Map of the Whitehaven Beach Area
Accessing the Area
The waters adjacent to Whitehaven Beach are located in a Marine National Park (Green) Zone.
This zone provides for the protection and natural integrity and values of areas of the Marine Park, generally free from extractive activities, whilst providing opportunities for certain activities, including the presentation of the values of the Marine Park.
Please refer to the Zoning Maps and the Zoning Plan for detailed information.
Whitsundays Plan of Management (WPOM)
The Setting classifications for this area are outlined below.
Table 1: WPOM Setting Limits for Whitehaven Beach:
| Setting | Description | Restrictions | Locations |
| 2 | High Use | Max vessel length: 35m | Southern end of Whitehaven Beach |
| 3 | Moderate Use |
Max vessel length: 35m
|
Tongue Bay Whitehaven Beach |
| 4 | Natural | Max vessel length: 35m Max group size: 15 |
Whitehaven Beach |
| 5 | Protected | Refer to individual permit specification |
Hill Inlet Northern end of Whitehaven Beach |
Regular Aircraft Landing Area
South Whitehaven Beach has a Regular Aircraft Landing Area.
Seaplanes and helicopters can land and depart between 7am and 5pm. Coordinates are provided in Schedule 7 of the Whitsundays Plan of Management.
It is recommended that vessels remain clear of the regular aircraft landing area.
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Free Zoning Maps
If you're heading out on the water, don't forget your free Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.
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Important milestone
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Visit the Reef
Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing plants, animals and habitats. There are a range of tourism experiences on offer.
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What you can do
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our Great Barrier Reef. Find out what you can do to help protect this Great Australian icon.
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Report marine strandings
If you see sick, dead or stranded marine animals please call RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL
(1300 264 625) -
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