Sailing the Whitsunday islands is a classic must-do in Australia so, naturally, we have found an alternative way to see them: by plane, luxury speedboat and helicopter. We’ve also added in our favourite secret island which can only sleep 12: the ultimate eco-friendly paradise.
wilson island: our little-known jewel
The ideal spot to start your island-hopping tour of the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson island is a little-known jewel of caster-sugar sand and designer tents, only reachable by helicopter from nearby Heron island.
Only 12 guests can stay on Wilson Island at one time, any more and the commotion would disturb the turtles.
Once we've got you there, spend your first three nights in pristine nature, snorkelling in the reef just off the beach: a rare find. Soak up the nature around you: the perfect breeding ground for unusual species of turtles and birds.
the world’s most scenic rim
Talking about birds, Heron island is the gateway to your next port of call, Spicers Peak. Queensland’s highest mountain lodge retreat has jaw-dropping views of what is known as the Scenic Rim. That’s the most incredible lush green scenery we have ever seen, and an enormous dose of fresh mountain air to really blow away the cobwebs.
Hop on a mountain bike and explore the lush hills, or have a game of tennis (if you can concentrate on the ball with those views around), before cooling off in the infinity pool at Spicers Peak lodge.
the ultimate power yacht experience
From highlands to the sea, we’ll fly you over to Hamilton Island, your base for the big yachting expedition. Looking out over the sea one day, the next you’ll be gliding across the very same waters on your luxury motor yacht, the DescaradA.
This new, sleek yacht has just four cabins and enough staff to pander to your every need. Coming in from a swim or canoe trip? They’ll have a warm towel ready for you. Thirsty? An array of ice cold drinks will appear in a flash.
Spend three days snorkelling above multicoloured fish (the crew know exactly where to stop), turtles, and bright coral while hopping from jungle islands to sandy havens and indulging in delicious, fresh meals (fresh pink salmon salad anyone?). This is the ultimate way to appreciate the beauty of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.
hamilton to finish
Finishing off with a couple of days on Hamilton Island is a must. And we say do it in style. The unique positioning of qualia boutique hideaway, with its views over the stunning Whitsundays, will seduce even the most experienced luxury traveller. Spend your last island moments floating in your private infinity pool, sailing catamarans, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and waterskiing in the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea, before waving your goodbyes to the reef and heading home with incredible stories and even more amazing photos (if you remembered your underwater camera, that is).
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Sailing the Whitsunday islands is a classic must-do in Australia so, naturally, we have found an alternative way to see them: by plane, luxury speedboat and helicopter. We’ve also added in our favourite secret island which can only sleep 12: the ultimate eco-friendly paradise.
wilson island: our little-known jewel
The ideal spot to start your island-hopping tour of the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson island is a little-known jewel of caster-sugar sand and designer tents, only reachable by helicopter from nearby Heron island.
Only 12 guests can stay on Wilson Island at one time, any more and the commotion would disturb the turtles.
Once we've got you there, spend your first three nights in pristine nature, snorkelling in the reef just off the beach: a rare find. Soak up the nature around you: the perfect breeding ground for unusual species of turtles and birds.
the world’s most scenic rim
Talking about birds, Heron island is the gateway to your next port of call, Spicers Peak. Queensland’s highest mountain lodge retreat has jaw-dropping views of what is known as the Scenic Rim. That’s the most incredible lush green scenery we have ever seen, and an enormous dose of fresh mountain air to really blow away the cobwebs.
Hop on a mountain bike and explore the lush hills, or have a game of tennis (if you can concentrate on the ball with those views around), before cooling off in the infinity pool at Spicers Peak lodge.
the ultimate power yacht experience
From highlands to the sea, we’ll fly you over to Hamilton Island, your base for the big yachting expedition. Looking out over the sea one day, the next you’ll be gliding across the very same waters on your luxury motor yacht, the DescaradA.
This new, sleek yacht has just four cabins and enough staff to pander to your every need. Coming in from a swim or canoe trip? They’ll have a warm towel ready for you. Thirsty? An array of ice cold drinks will appear in a flash.
Spend three days snorkelling above multicoloured fish (the crew know exactly where to stop), turtles, and bright coral while hopping from jungle islands to sandy havens and indulging in delicious, fresh meals (fresh pink salmon salad anyone?). This is the ultimate way to appreciate the beauty of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.
hamilton to finish
Finishing off with a couple of days on Hamilton Island is a must. And we say do it in style. The unique positioning of qualia boutique hideaway, with its views over the stunning Whitsundays, will seduce even the most experienced luxury traveller. Spend your last island moments floating in your private infinity pool, sailing catamarans, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and waterskiing in the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea, before waving your goodbyes to the reef and heading home with incredible stories and even more amazing photos (if you remembered your underwater camera, that is).
Take me back for more Australia experiences
Australia
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits