lunch at whitehaven beach

We began our Whitsundays adventure early, sailing into Tongue Bay, where Pegasus gently moored amongst calm turquoise waters. From here, the tender whisked us ashore to the start of the Hill Inlet walking trail. The hike itself is short and shaded, winding through lush bushland alive with the sounds of tropical birds. Within minutes, we reached the lookout — and the view was nothing short of breathtaking.

From above, the swirling sands of Hill Inlet looked like a canvas painted by nature. Brilliant white silica stretched in shifting patterns across aquamarine shallows, creating one of the most photographed vistas in Australia. It was a reminder that some of the world’s greatest treasures are found at the end of the simplest walks.

After soaking in the views, we returned to the tender and cruised around to the southern point of Whitehaven Beach. This hidden stretch of sand, tucked away from the crowds, felt like our own private paradise. The crew set up a shaded picnic spot, and we slipped straight into island time.

A seafood lunch was prepared onboard Pegasus — fresh prawns, oysters, and local reef fish — paired with crisp salads and chilled champagne. We swam in the crystalline shallows, snorkelled along the shoreline, and basked in the solitude that only Whitehaven can offer.

The silica sands here are famously fine, and guests often use them to polish jewellery or exfoliate skin. It’s nature’s luxury spa, right at your feet. With sparkling rings, sun-kissed smiles, and glasses of bubbles in hand, we felt worlds away from everyday life.

As the afternoon light turned golden, we returned to the yacht by tender, enjoying a refreshing swim before sailing back across the Whitsundays. The day was perfectly balanced — a hike with unforgettable views, an indulgent beachside lunch, and the kind of barefoot luxury that makes Pegasus so special.