Images and Video
Northern Exposure or Southern Lights departing Daydream Island
Highlights
- Experience exhilarating ocean rafting from Daydream Island to the stunning Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
- Snorkel vibrant reefs in the Whitsundays, immersing yourself in the rich marine life and crystal-clear waters.
- Embark on guided walks through Whitsunday Island National Parks, soaking in breathtaking views and lush landscapes.
- Choose between Northern Exposure for more snorkelling or Southern Lights for extra beach time, tailored to your adventure style.
Ocean Rafting offers daily tours from Daydream Island, including an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, pristine Whitsundays snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks. Choose from the Northern Exposure which offers more snorkelling time or the Southern Lights which offers more beach time.
Itinerary highlights
Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout
Whitehaven Beach’s Most Iconic Viewpoint
Hill Inlet Lookout is one of the Whitsundays’ most breathtaking natural highlights, located at the northern end of world-famous Whitehaven Beach. After a short guided bushwalk through Whitsunday Island National Park, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over swirling white silica sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The lookout showcases the incredible tidal patterns that shift daily, creating ever-changing marble-like designs where the sand meets the sea — making every visit unique and unforgettable. It’s one of the most photographed locations in Australia and a must-see for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Whitehaven Beach
Australia’s Most Famous Beach Paradise
Whitehaven Beach is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the Whitsundays, stretching over seven kilometres along the eastern side of Whitsunday Island. Renowned for its pure white silica sand — one of the whitest in the world — and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches.
The sand’s high silica content makes it incredibly soft underfoot and naturally cool, even on warm tropical days. Framed by lush national park rainforest and vibrant coral reefs just offshore, Whitehaven Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation, swimming, snorkelling, and breathtaking scenery.
Tour details
-
Available from 12 July 2024 to 31 March 2026
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
Operation information
Ocean Rafting Whitsundays
Multi award-winning Ocean Rafting offers the best of the Whitsundays from above, on and below the water!
Enjoy Ocean Rafting’s signature adrenalin-fuelled ride to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites on the Northern Exposure or Southern Lights tours, or upgrade to the popular Fly Raft package, which also includes a 60-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Heart Reef. Stand-alone scenic flights, charter options and Ocean Rafting’s Reef Seeker environmental educational program are also available departing from Airlie Beach.
Now departing from Hamilton Island – Half Day Dash, Half Day Splash, Full Eco Adventures, Ocean Fishing and Ocean Jetboat.
Ocean Rafting’s fleet of semi-rigid inflatable vessels allow you to experience an adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays, while a maximum of 32 passengers per vessel allows for a personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.
As the original and most awarded tour operator in the Whitsundays and the only commercial company with permit permissions to access and anchor within world-famous Hill Inlet, Ocean Rafting offers the ultimate Whitsunday experience like no other!
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
-
Climate Action Innovator Certified by Ecotourism Australia
-
Climate Action Leader Certified by Ecotourism Australia
-
ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
-
Quality Tourism Accreditation
-
Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Boating Industry Association
- Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia (GALTA)
- Queensland Tourism Industry Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- QLD – Tourism Whitsundays
Plan more around this area
Whitsundays, QLD 
Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef
Multi award-winning Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers guests affordable luxury with 296 beautiful rooms and suites, each one luxuriously appointed with modern amenities.
South Molle Island, QLD Molle Islands National Park Camping
Pitch your tent on picturesque continental islands and explore the nearby walking and riding tracks and clear, blue water.
Flametree, QLD
Yangaro
Yangaro is nestled in pristine Funnel Bay, just 10 minutes from vibrant Airlie Beach—a serene destination to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
Flametree, QLD BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park
BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park is nestled in the Whitsunday's tropical rainforest of Conway National park.
Mandalay, QLD Bell Tents Whitsundays Mainland & Island Glamping
Discover the natural beauty of the Whitsunday region at a slower pace and treat yourself to an immersive bell tent experience at a picturesque location!
Jubilee Pocket, QLD
Discovery Parks – Airlie Beach
BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park is a tranquil 28 acre tropical haven, offering a range of tourist park accommodation in a natural environment.
Jubilee Pocket, QLD Jubilee Tavern
The Jubilee Tavern is a family-friendly favourite in Airlie Beach, known for its relaxed atmosphere, classic pub fare and welcoming service.
Mandalay, QLD Club Whitsunday
Airlie Beach, Club Whitsunday is the vibrant new hub for dining, entertainment, and community.
Airlie Beach, QLD Whitsunday Sailing Club
Located at the tip of Airlie Point, the Whitsunday Sailing Club has the best view in Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach, QLD The Palms Restaurant & Bar
At The Palms Restaurant, we proudly serve a diverse range of Modern Australian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you prefer a hearty steak,
Airlie Beach, QLD The Pub
The Pub at Airlie Beach Hotel is the Whitsundays best destination for unbeatable live entertainment, dining and hospitality in the heart of Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach, QLD
Eastwoods Dining & Bar
Eastwoods Dining & Bar is a new venue in Airlie Beach focusing on the bold, fresh and aromatic flavours of South East Asia.
