Join a hostel pub crawl along the main strip

Swim and snorkel at Whitehaven Beach -- 7 km of pure silica sand so fine it does not retain heat

Swim in the free Airlie Beach Lagoon (open year-round, patrolled by lifeguards)

**2-3 day Whitsundays sailing trip**: Sail between islands, snorkel coral reefs, visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout. The signature east coast backpacker experience

Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip (from $220 AUD)