Whitsundays Short Break 

Whitsundays Short Break 

This offer is perfect for celebrating life’s special moments; whether it’s an anniversary, a milestone birthday, or simply a romantic getaway, create memories that will last a lifetime.

Pricing based on departure date: 22 June 2026

Depart for Airlie Beach from Brisbane aboard Carnival Encounter. Spend the day there or take a shore tour to explore the Whitsunday Islands or Great Barrier Reef. If you ache to snorkel, dive, swim, paddle or just laze on a breathtaking white sand beach, this is the place to do it.

Itinerary Highlights

The white sands of world-famous Whitehaven Beach, glass-bottom-boat day tours on the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, high-speed catamaran joy rides and Hamilton Island region magic awaits Airlie Beach cruises with Carnival.

Travel to the heart of the 74 islands that comprise the picture-perfect Whitsunday Islands, an Australian treasure.

Snorkel from the Great Barrier Reef pontoon on an Airlie Beach 4, 7, 9, or 10-day cruise departing Sydney or Brisbane. Your fantastic holiday begins the moment you step onboard Carnival’s cruise ships. There’s a multitude of tastes, sights, natural wonders, sightseeing, themed events and year-round fun to suit the whole family.

You'll find so much fun ashore and onboard:

Full day or half day scenic must-see Queensland tours.

Take a day trip to the Conway National Park or walk around Shute Harbour.

Enjoy boutique shopping at the Port of Airlie.

Take a boat ride and cruise Whitsunday Islands, coves, and coral reefs.

Experience a jet boat or jet ski, or go ocean rafting.

Get to Know Carnival Encounter

Carnival Encounter sails year-round from Brisbane and is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends who want to lean into both fun and relaxation on their holiday.

Guests can expect the perfect blend between everyone’s interests with kids clubs, teen-friendly hangout spaces, an adult-only retreat, dining that ranges from casual to connoisseur, and entertainment for all ages.

Water lovers will be spoilt for choice with spas, four pools, and waterslides. Thrill seekers are covered too with Edge Adventure Park, complete with ziplining, rock climbing and abseiling. More of a chill seeker? You’ll love the exclusive Byron Beach Club, the Adult-Only Oasis Retreat, and the day spa and salon.

As the sun goes down, the fun only goes up. Dive into delicious dining options like Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, or celebrity-chef dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill. Be entertained with live comedy and dazzling stage shows. Or dance the night away at a classic Carnival deck party. Yep, Carnival Encounter has got it all!

Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Brisbane

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.