5 minute read
ISLAND ESCAPADES
Head to the Whitsundays and explore the best island life Queensland has to offer
When there are 74 islands to explore, why visit just one? Island-hop the Whitsundays and discover why this sublime destination delivers its promise as the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
How to get around
When planning to visit an island wonderland, it makes sense that you’ll need a boat to get around.
If you’re comfortable wearing a captain’s hat, choose to charter your own adventure with Go Bareboating. Unlike anywhere else in the world, you won’t need a licence to skipper your own adventure. Insurance paperwork and a half-day training session is all that stands between you and the perfect sailing holiday.
For those more comfortable in the passenger seat, Cruise Whitsundays can also take care of your transfers with daily services between Shute Harbour, Hamilton Island Marina and Daydream Island, along with the airports too.
Of course, if you’ve come to the Whitsundays wanting the A-list treatment, Great Barrier Reef helicopters can give your island adventure wings.
Island hit-list
Our six picks on where to go and what to do on your island getaway.
1. The Whitsundays Islands National Park
You might not have heard of The Whitsunday Islands National Park, but chances are you’ve heard of Whitehaven Beach.
This stretch of beach is no stranger to the spotlight. It has a string of trophies and awards to its name including the number one beach in Australia, and the number one beach in the South Pacific in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
It’s unlike the other beaches you’ll find in this list, in that its beach is made entirely of pure-white silica sand – sand so pure you can actually polish your diamonds on it.
When you’re not picnicking on Whitehaven’s white sandy shores or paddling in the bright blue shallows, take a stroll to the Whitehaven Beach lookout (approx. 970m) for views over this island playground.
Moor your boat, come by ferry transfer or chopper in and discover the original Whitsunday Island.
Whitehaven Beach
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
2. Hamilton Island
When it comes to Queensland’s islands, Hamilton Island (the biggest island in the Whitsundays at 740 hectares) has access on its side – you can fly directly from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Cairns.
Set your sights on Hamilton Island for the day if you want to experience the dining scene on the island, whether it’s something casual at Coca Chu or a more romantic, four course degustation at Bommie.
Bommie Deck & Restaurant
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
No matter your resort of choice, you’ll have access to the Hamilton Island activities desk which will give you an access-all-areas pass to the Great Barrier Reef and water sports hire for use on Hamilton’s own Catseye Beach.
Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island
Credit: Jason Hill and Tourism & Events Queensland
3. Camp Island
Don’t let its name mislead you, there’s no actual camping to be done at Camp Island – surprise!
You’ll find this island off the coast of Bowen on the Whitsunday Coast, and you’ll be able to rent the whole thing for yourself, rockstar-style.
Forget tents. On Camp Island there are four bungalows which lead onto a large guest house, perfect for groups wanting an experience island-side that won’t blow the budget.
Getting here is easy. BYOB (that’s bring your own boat), join a barge transfer from Elliot River, or get to the chopper with Great Barrier Reef Helicopters.
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4. Daydream Island
It’s safe to call Daydream Island the ultimate comeback island.
Daydream Island reopened its doors in January 2019 after ex-tropical cyclone Debbie flattened the resort in 2017. The team set to work rebuilding a completely new resort experience. Following a $100-million renovation, it’s every bit as good as the original – bringing the best elements of the former resort (Living Reef) into the new design.
On the accommodation front, there are 277 rooms to choose from, catering for everyone from loved-up couples to families needing interconnecting rooms and suites.
Most guests don’t end up spending much time inside though, with a pool (complete with swim-up bar and burger cafe) that winds through the resort, The Living Reef which is a freeform coral lagoon, and Daydream’s three new restaurants on site. Getting there is easy with Cruise Whitsundays operating a 30-minute ferry transfer to Daydream from Hamilton Island and 30-minute ferry from the mainland.
Daydream Island
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
5. Langford Island
Langford Island might have been put on the map in Lara Bingle’s “Where the bloody hell are you?” tourism campaign, but day trippers prove this island in the Whitsundays passage is worth a permanent spot on the map.
You’ll want to bring a tide guide with you, as parts of this island dip below the waterline in high tide.
When you’re not exploring its short, 300m walk through the native vegetation, take a dip in the Whitsundays’ world-famous turquoise waters that surround this island.
If you’re here during the warmer months, a stinger suit is recommended if you’re planning a dip around any of the islands.
Langford Island
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
6. Hook Island
You’ll feel a bit like Captain Hook if you anchor your own boat at Hook Island – this island is one for the adventurers.
Hook Island is the home of Nara Inlet as well as the Ngaro Aboriginal cultural site, which celebrates the original custodians of the Whitsundays land. You’ll find interactive displays set in ancient caves, and rock wall paintings that share a 9000-year-old history of the Ngaro people.
Unless you plan to stay the night on your own boat, it’s camping-only on this island. You’ll find the campsite on the eastern side of the island, accessible at mid to high tide and in a shallow watercraft.
What Hook Island might lack in accessibility, it makes up for in uninterrupted views, looking out over Crayfish Beach.
Did we mention a maximum of 12 people only are able to camp at any one time here? Yes, really.
Hook Island
Credit: Jules Ingall
