Description:

This group of islands off the Queensland coast is one of Australia's most well-known cruising areas. The largest of the islands is Whitsunday Island itself, and it is surrounded by many others. The biggest of these being Hook, Border, Haslewood, Hamilton, Lindeman, and Shaw.

In 2018 Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsundays. There was a great deal of damage but the marinas are now open and repaired.

Natural Hazards:

Due to a number of shark attacks in waters surrounding the Whitsunday Islands in the past 18 months, anyone planning to snorkel, swim or dive should take extra care. Attacks have been reported near Airlie Beach, Hook Passage, Cid Harbour and Hardy Reef near Hamilton Island. The latest incident occurred on October 29, 2019 when two men were attacked while snorkeling in the water at Hook Passage. For a news item on the most recent incident, click here.

For more information on Australia's natural hazards, visit the Australian Geographic website.

Position:

20° 15.33'S, 148° 56.79'E (W side Whitsunday Island)