Seaside Sanctuary at Whitehaven Beach: A Cruise Whitsundays Chill & Grill Experience

Seaside Sanctuary at Whitehaven Beach: A Cruise Whitsundays Chill & Grill Experience
Edited by Travel Weekly


    In early November, Travel Weekly had the privilege of embarking on the Cruise Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Chill & Grill adventure. The excursion was an eleven-hour sojourn into adventure and natural splendour, offering a perfect fusion of repose and exploration.

    The day kicked off in the bustling hub that is Airlie Beach where we were picked up by our Captain, guests have the choice to bask in the sun outside or play it sun safe indoors. Whichever you choose, one thing is certain, panoramic views of the crystal waters and coral sea as you absorb knowledge from the crew on board about how to best enjoy the day. 

    The Postcard-Perfection of Hill Inlet

    Our boat anchored at Tounge Bay, the starting point of our moderate hike to the lookout, where the views just kept getting better as we approached Hill Inlet. A natural masterpiece of swirling sandbars and deep blues and greens appeared beneath us, a truly mesmerising view! We spent a couple of hours soaking up in the sun, exploring the shallow waters, and walking along the inlet’s silken sands.  

    Whitehaven Beach: A Surreal Oasis

    The grandeur continued as we set foot on the pristine Whitehaven Beach, which is composed of 98 per cent pure silica. The sand is some of the whitest in the world, and the seven-kilometre stretch provides ample room for leisure or engaging in beachside revelry, orchestrated by the crew. The sun-soaked afternoon unfurled with an array of waterfront activities, from snorkelling to guided strolls and beach games. The crew, a blend of professionalism and charm, ensured accessibility and safety for all participants.

    Otherworldly views on offer.

    This experience was elevated through offerings of a variety of food and beverage choices, seamlessly woven into the day. The crew also presented a beachside barbecue with a range of locally sourced and homemade ingredients to satiate us after a long day of exploring. 

    Eco-conscious and Responsible Fun

    Cruise Whitsundays is a champion of eco-conscious initiatives, a gratifying nod to responsible tourism, ensuring the sanctity of Whitehaven Beach for generations to come.

    While onboard, the crew explained to guests the importance of preserving the pristine haven that is Whitehaven Beach, imploring guests to respect marine life and adhere to sustainable practices. 

    Final comments: 

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the ocean with hues of amber, our return to Airlie Beach marked the end of an extraordinary day on the water. The Cruise Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Chill & Grill experience is a perfect blend of nature and relaxation, executed by a crew dedicated to curating nothing short of the perfect day.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our day exploring the incredible landscapes of the islands and would recommend this outing to anyone looking for a quintessential Whitsunday experience.

    Latest News

    • Cruise

    P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu

    P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]

    • Destinations

    Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

    Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]

    • Appointments

    Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role

    Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]

    • Appointments

    Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia

    Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]