The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands are home to some of the most incredible Australian wildlife – so come and meet the friendly locals. This world-class destination bursts with life, both above and below the water.
In the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, come face to face with turtles, reef sharks and manta rays. Schools of tropical fish flash with colour as they move across the coral. Dolphins often appear, riding the bow waves of visiting vessels. During the winter months, migrating humpback whales arrive in the Whitsundays. Their arrival offers unforgettable sightings of mothers and calves playing in warm, sheltered waters.
On land, the Whitsunday mainland and islands deliver just as much variety. Watch wallabies grazing at sunrise. Venture into rainforests to search for shy platypus. Alternatively, join a guided safari to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. National parks brim with native flora and fauna, giving visitors endless ways to connect with nature.
For a closer, hands-on experience, Daydream Island’s Living Reef offers a safe and educational introduction to marine life. Guests can touch, feed, and learn about an array of reef species within a purpose-built lagoon.
Together, these experiences ensure the Whitsundays delivers unforgettable encounters with Australian wildlife, leaving every visitor with a deeper connection to this extraordinary natural wonder.
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Whale Season
In our glorious winter months (June - September), hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warmer tropical waters of the Whitsundays.
Breaching whales, mothers and their calves, and pods playing in the warm shallow waters are all a common sight during winter.
Witnessing the majesty of these creatures in the wild is not to be missed.
You can discover more about the humpback whales and what to expect here.
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Under the Waves
From the stingrays that play in the shallows at Whitehaven Beach, to the friendly Maori Wrasse that joins you on your snorkel - the wildlife encounters awaiting you beneath the surface are breathtaking.
Watch the turtles feed, find Nemo amongst the reef or spot the Giant Trevally play - The Great Barrier Reef is like no other underwater world.
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The Friendly Locals
Stroll through the nearby eucalyptus forests and see if you can spy the koalas or listen out for the laughing kookaburra. Watch a sunrise on the beach and get up close to the native kangaroos and wallabies. There are so many friendly locals to meet here in the Whitsundays.
Encounter crocodiles in the wild, cuddle a koala or handle a snake, your Superyacht Concierge can organise many tours or activities that will enable you to come face to face with the incredible Australian wildlife.
Come and explore the land beyond the reef and see what awaits in tropical North Queensland.
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The Living Reef
Discover the Living Reef on Daydream Island.
The Living Reef is a man made coral reef lagoon, over 200m in length and home to over 100 species of local marine life including fish, small sharks, rays and other reef dwelling creatures.
This incredible facility provides a range of ways where guests can get up close to the resident marine animals, including an underwater observatory, an education centre and interactive touch pool.
Many activities are offered by the resident marine biologists, who will share their knowledge and passion with guests. Activities include fish feeding, becoming a Reef Ranger for children and guided snorkels both by day and by night.
