Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Chill and Grill Day Tour

Tour Operator – Cruise Whitsundays
Tour Type – Full-day beach adventure
Departure Time – 7:00 AM
Return Time – 6:30 PM
Departure Location – Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach
Tour Destinations – Whitehaven Beach (southern end), Hill Inlet Lookout

Tour Length
11.5 Hours

Max Guests
64

Ticket Costs

From $269 AUD per person.

Your ticket includes:

  • Return cruise through the Whitsundays
  • Up to 6 hours at Whitehaven Beach
  • Guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet lookout
  • Morning tea, gourmet BBQ lunch, and afternoon tea
  • Protective stinger suits
  • Beach activities (volleyball, paddle boarding, beach games)

Note:
Vegetarian and vegan options available — make sure to mention any dietary needs when booking. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure!

Overview

The Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill is the ultimate no-stress day in paradise. Imagine soft silica sands under your feet, turquoise waves lapping at the shore, and a sizzling BBQ lunch right on the beach. You’ll spend a full day unwinding at Whitehaven’s dazzling southern end and hiking to the jaw-dropping Hill Inlet Lookout — home to those famous swirling sands you’ve seen on every postcard.

With a laid-back vibe, plenty of space, and fresh beachside food, this trip is perfect for travellers who want to soak up the Whitsundays at their own pace. Whether you’re up for beach volleyball, paddle boarding, hiking, or just lying back with your toes in the sand, this day is all about chilling, grilling, and taking in the magic.

Key Details

  • Duration: 11.5 hours
  • Ages: Minimum age 4 years old
  • Fitness Level: Moderate (hike to Hill Inlet is short but uphill)
  • Meals: Morning tea, BBQ beach lunch, and afternoon tea
  • Bathrooms: Onboard facilities available
  • Group Size: Maximum 64 guests — plenty of room to relax
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible (please notify when booking)
  • Meeting Point: Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal, Airlie Beach (check-in 30 mins before departure)

Itinerary

Morning:
Cruise out from Airlie Beach, winding through the lush Whitsundays. Grab a cuppa and morning tea as you cruise past emerald islands and sheltered bays.

Mid-morning:
Arrive at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, where a private base is set up just for your group. Think beach tents, games, and all the essentials for a perfect beach day.

Midday:
Follow your guide for a short guided bushwalk up to the stunning Hill Inlet Lookout. It’s a bit of a hike (about 20 minutes) but trust me — the swirling blues and whites of Hill Inlet are absolutely worth it. Don’t forget your camera!

Lunch:
Back at the beach, feast on a beachside BBQ with gourmet burgers sizzling right on the sand. There’s plenty for everyone, with veggie options if needed.

Afternoon:
Chill out your way. Swim, sunbathe, join a game of beach volleyball, or grab a paddleboard and explore the shallows. Then, enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea before cruising back to Airlie Beach.

Reviews

Guests love this tour for its laid-back vibe, delicious food, and the luxury of having loads of free time at Whitehaven Beach. The guided walk to Hill Inlet is a highlight, and the crew gets constant praise for being friendly, organised, and making the day super easy. If you’re after a beach day that’s both active and chilled, this is the trip locals recommend.

What to Bring

  • Swimmers and towel
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
  • Walking shoes (for the Hill Inlet hike)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light jacket for cooler mornings
  • Camera for those magic Hill Inlet shots
  • Money or card for onboard purchases

Local Tip:
Thongs are fine for the beach, but you’ll want a proper pair of shoes for the Hill Inlet walk — it’s a bit rocky in parts!

Top 5 Reasons to Book This Tour

  • Spend almost a full day exploring the world-famous Whitehaven Beach
  • Tackle the Hill Inlet Lookout for unbeatable Whitsundays views
  • Feast on a delicious BBQ lunch cooked right on the sand
  • Plenty of free time to swim, paddle board, play, or just relax
  • Small group size and relaxed vibe — no overcrowding here



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