Lesser-known islands in the Whitsundays
When it comes to the tropics of Australia, popular spots like Hamilton Island or even Whitehaven Beach might come to mind, but did you know the Whitsundays are actually comprised of 74 different islands? Here’s a look at a few of the ones you might not recognize that are worth a visit.
Long Island
As you’d likely imagine, Long Island is exactly that: long. At around five and a half miles in length — yet only 1,300 feet in width — the land mass can be reached by water taxi, helicopter or private watercraft. On site, you’ll find a labyrinth of hiking trails that wind every which way around the national park terrain, where flora and fauna abound. You can even go off the track to snorkel, or just hang out at the beach. On the island, Long Island Resort overlooks the aptly named Happy Bay.
South Molle Island
South Molle Island abounds with birdlife and abundant coral reefs. One of the most prolific bird species you’ll likely spot is the majestic, albeit noisy, rainbow lorikeet: a parrot with vibrant, multicolored plumage. More mountainous than other islands in the area, South Molle has a scenic peak, which makes it the ideal spot to ascend and catch panoramic views of the surrounding sea and reef. Don’t forget that the island also boasts incredible white-sand beaches amid its turquoise waters. During low tide, you can even walk between South and Mid Molle islands.
Daydream Island
Appropriately named, Daydream Island is one of the easiest places to get to from the coast as it’s the closest. Much smaller than other neighbor islands, it is home to exactly one resort — Daydream Island Resort and Spa — but that doesn’t mean it’s short on activities. Daydream Island offers the usual activities of the area, including water sports, and other activities like miniature golf and movies in an open-air cinema. It’s also the closest island to Airlie Beach, the main port of call for cruising around the Whitsunday area.
Hook Island
A diverse wilderness land more primitive than its neighbors, Hook Island is less inhabited than other resort-spangled islands. This makes it an ideal place to get out, explore and experience the great outdoors. Hook Island contains two majestic fjord-like inlets called Nara and Macona where boats dock along the northern shores and visitors get to experience some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island. You might also be surprised to know Hook Island is home to one of the oldest references of Aboriginal life in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a series of caves that once belonged to the Ngaro People. For accommodation, camping is permitted and there’s also a wilderness resort.
Lindeman Island
Lindeman Island is the ideal jumping-off point to explore scenic spots not far off its shores, like the Sidney Reef, Cole Island Reef, Anne Island Reef and Seaforth Reef. Covering nearly eight square miles (much of which is national park territory), Lindeman Island is also a great place to spy migrant humpback whales that swim offshore between July and November. Dolphins are also known to splash about nearby. Getting to Lindeman Island is a breeze since it has its own airstrip.
One&Only Hayman Island
Right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, One&Only Hayman Island lies in the northern section of the Coral Sea. Of the islands to explore, this one is perhaps the most settled, centering around a luxury resort that debuted in mid-2014. If a stay on the island doesn’t strike you, a great way to experience it without overnighting is a Whitsunday Islands sailing experience, which will also take you to explore neighboring islands over the course of three days. On the first day, a luxury ship will take you to Blue Pearl Bay to experience swimming, snorkeling and other water sports.
- Contributed by Megan Snedden
A Look at the Whitsundays’ Lesser-Known Islands from Australia Things to Do