Imagine this: your feet sink into sand so fine it squeaks. You’re dressed head-to-toe in effortless white linen; breezy, billowing and perfectly reflective of the laid-back luxury of the Whitsundays. A glistening flute of French Champagne in one hand, a freshly shucked oyster in the other and before, the kind of turquoise blue ocean you thought only existed on postcards.
Welcome to the 74 Islands Distillery White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, where one of Australia’s most iconic beaches becomes the setting for a dining experience that’s equal parts culinary theatre and coastal reverie.
If you’ve ever daydreamed of lunching in one of the world’s most incredible settings that speaks to the soul of Australia, this is for you.
This truly is a lunch like no other.
Held annually on the pristine stretch of Whitehaven Beach (consistently ranked among the world’s best), the lunch White on Whitehaven is no mere meal. It’s a fully immersive, full-sensory experience that celebrates the tropical luxe of the Whitsundays with the culinary finesse of Queensland’s top culinary talent.
Starting in the stylish resort town of Airlie Beach, guests board an air-conditioned ferry and embark on a journey across the Coral Sea. Cutting through crystalline water and clusters of lush, green islands. It’s undeniably cinematic. From the sea breeze to the sparkling water and the thrill of knowing what’s to come, the anticipation builds from the moment you set foot on the ferry.
Then, arrival.
You’re greeted not with a handshake, but with an impossibly chic glass of chilled French Champagne and a feast for the senses. Long white tables stretching along the shoreline, glassware glittering under the sun and artfully plated canapes floating through the crowd like edible jewels. The dress code? White only - naturally. It’s the Amalfi Coast meets Australia with just a whisper of elevated bohemia.
Curated and executed by the award-winning culinary team at Fish D’vine Catering, the menu is a love letter to the sea. Fresh, bright and unapologetically decadent. It kicks off with canapes like salmon sashimi kissed with citrus and oysters so fresh they may as well have been plucked out of the ocean on the journey over.
The main event is a lavish buffet. Think grilled local seafood, barbequed meat, crisp seasonal salads and decadent desserts, all served with a side of sea breeze and uninterrupted ocean views. Gourmet seafood rolls into succulent meat charred to perfection, while bright salads refresh and invigorate the palate for a round of luxurious desserts. It’s perfection on silky white sand.
The accompanying drinks are equally refined – French Champagne, premium Australian wines, boutique beers and a recent partnership with 74 Islands Distillery brings artisanal spirits inspired by the balance of nature. Every sip and bite is designed to complement the surrounding vistas; light, fresh and luxurious.
Yes, it is insanely photogenic, but White on Whitehaven isn’t just another post for your travel highlight reel. It’s the kind of memory that lingers long after your tan fades. A reminder that Australia knows how to host a party. A chic, sun-drenched, white-linen clad kind of party against backdrops that feel wild and untouched.
When luxury is often associated with excess, this event is refreshingly grounded. It’s elegant and refined, but relaxed. Sophisticated, but never stuffy. The true luxury here is the setting - the impossibly white sand, the soundtrack of rolling waves and the wide-open sky that reminds you how good it feels to be here in the moment. True luxury.
For food lovers and sun seekers, this is a destination-worthy experience. Tickets are limited and the event sells out quickly (for good reason). So whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or someone who simply wishes to experience the finer things in life (served on sand no less), the White on Whitehaven Long Lunch should be firmly on your radar.
Start planning now for September 2026 because paradise, plated to perfection, waits for no one. For more information, head here. Bought to you by Tourism Whitsundays, our partner in everything Whitsundays. For the most up-to-date information and travel tips, head to Tourism Whitsundays to immerse yourself in the beauty of The Whitsundays.
