This Coral Reef in the Great Barrier Reef... The Whitsundays
From Daydream to Brampton Islands

This coral reef in the central section of the Great Barrier Reef is known as The Whitsundays. This page will cover the islands from Daydream to Brampton.

Daydream Island

Daydream is one of 7 coral reef islands in the Molle group of the Whitsundays and is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Even though it is only 1km by .5km in area it is jampacked with things to see and do.

The island was purchased in 1947 by Sir Reg Ansett, the founder of Ansett Airlines, but he closed it in 1953, and dismantled and removed the buildings and equipment. It remained closed until a Gold Coast entrepreneur purchased and re-established it in 1967, only to have it destroyed by Cyclone Ada in 1970. Most of the Whitsundays were extensively damaged. It changed hands several times until the present owners bought it in 1999.

Daydream has its own coral reef gardens, where you can enjoy snorkelling in the warm tropical waters and see the beautiful coral reef fish. You may even get to see a maori wrasse.

Access is by air from either Hamilton Island or Proserpine, as well as by cruise from Shute Harbour.

Whitsunday Island

Even though this is the largest island of the Whitsunday group, (6kms long), the only accommodation on the island is camping. It is most popular for day trips to the world famous Whitehaven Beach on the south eastern side of the island. Whitehaven is ranked in the top 10 beaches of the world.

In most coral reefs the compaction of layer upon layer of dead coral over millions of years, and the pounding by the wind and waves, has resulted in the Whitsunday beaches being of stunning white, almost pure silica sand. It is said you can polish your jewellery in the sand when it is dry.

Walk up to Hill Inlet to view the beautiful fusion of colour created by the shifting tides, sand and water. Swim in the clear crystal water or bushwalk to Tongue Bay lookout for some great photos.

Ferries and yachts travel from Airlie Beach or you can view the area from the air.

Hook Island

Hook Island is the second largest coral reef island in the Whitsundays, having an area of 58sq.kms. It is nearly all National Park with beautiful beaches and walking trails. Make sure you try the walking trail to Butterfly Bay to see ... what else ... the butterflies.
Also a must is a visit to the Historic Underwater Observatory where you can view all the wonderful marine animals from 9mts under the sea. A Marine biologist will be on hand to tell you about them and answer any questions you may have.

Onshore you have wonderful forest walks, with rugged views. Immediately offshore you can go snorkelling or reef diving off Crayfish Beach to see the breathtaking diversity of the coral reef and the fish ... the Whitsundays' greatest attraction.
All levels of budget accommodation are available.

To get there fly from Proserpine or take a launch from Airlie Beach … or you could go island hopping.

Lindeman Island

Lindeman is one of the most southerly of the Whitsundays. The first inhabitants moved there in 1923. Today,

There are 20kms of walking tracks through national park and if you climb to Mt Oldfield, which is 212mts high you will get 360 views of the adjacent Whitsunday Islands. There are 90 species of birds on the island.

Dolphins can be seen close to shore and occasionally hump-back whales. If you were to be there when Migaloo was making his annual trip to the north that would be an added bonus.

You can take a 30mins launch trip from Hamilton Island and it is accessible by small planes.

Long Island

Enjoy the magic of nature with 20 km of scenic walking tracks, explore the 2500 acres of national park and palm fringed beaches - ideal for all ages and fitness levels. For those who enjoy the great outdoors or simply wish to enjoy the complete Long Island experience, you may wish to completely circumnavigate the Island by foot. You will endure 9 hours of walking/hiking but the memories will last forever.

As the sun sets behind the mountains of the Conway National Park, its last light shimmers across the water. A truly magical sight through the palm trees and the Resort surrounds. This also heralds the nightly flight of the fruit bats as they momentarily darken the sky at dusk silently flying across the expansive courtyard and off into the night. The outside world is forgotten as you are submersed in nature's wonders..



No Whitsunday getaway is complete without enjoying the Great Barrier Reef. Long Island boasts coral reef only 150 metres off shore. Snorkels, Fins and other equipment is available, a sight not to be missed!

Long Island Resort boasts a comprehensive range of water sports, parasailing, jet skiing, catamaran sailing, glass bottom water bikes, fishing trips and Island cruises are all available. See the turtles, dolphins, not to mention the coral reef fish and the coral itself. Migaloo amy even be on his annual journey north while you are there.

Indulge in an island picnic utilizing the 20kms of bush tracks, our water sport team will even arrange for a picnic hamper to be waiting for you on your arrival at the secluded Sandy Bay.

Get there by launch from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, or by plane from Hamilton Island and Proserpine.

South Molle Island

This Whitsunday island is an area of 400ha of unspoilt National Park, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It is the largest of the Molle group and the only one with a resort. You can walk along a causeway between the islands at most times.

Cook passed through the passage in 1770. You already know it was on Whit Sunday, and that is what he named it. The aboriginal name is Whyrriba, which means ‘stone axe’.

Way, way back it reportedly was used for grazing sheep and cattle. I have trouble visualizing getting a mob of sheep or cattle on to and off an island in those times.
The accent is on no glitz and glamour, just back to nature relaxation and do your own thing. This can be bushwalking on the 16kms of walking tracks, golfing on the 9 hole course, taking a picnic hamper to Paddle Bay or feeding the Lorikeets in the afternoon. Birdlife is extensive.

Both Proserpine and Hamilton Island have flights, and you can go by launch from Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton is the largest inhabited coral reef island of the Whitsundays and has its own airstrip. Virgin Blue and JetStar have daily flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns.

The resort has recently been refurbished. Over 80% of the island has been left in its natural state and is on long term lease from the Commonwealth Government.

As well as tourists, the island supports residents who are employees of the various businesses on the island, and those lucky people who have retired there.
The only motor vehicles on the island are for trades people. Tourists rent golf buggies to get around.

For your morning activities you can … Bush walk to Coral Cove…Yoga on the beach … pamper yourself with a massage …or …sleep in.

Go by seaplane to Whitehaven Beach ... one of Australia's most beautiful beaches … and take a picnic lunch to have on the pure white sand. And/or do a trip to Fantasea Reefworld to snorkel and enjoy the pontoon facilities. You can also indulge in bareboating or take a luxury cruise and see all the Whitsunday Islands.

As well as the water activities there are numerous trails to secluded hideaways. Visit Koala Gallery, the fauna park, where you can see Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Crocodiles, Tasmanian Devils and various Reptiles.

You might be wanting to get married? Island weddings are popular … over 500 last year... or you may get to witness a Whitsunday Wedding during your stay.

Be a devil and go on the Island Wire Flyer to Palm Valley, or the Ecosystem Hanglider/Flying Fox. If you are under 4 years of age or over 87, you are not allowed to do that last one.
A more sedate pastime is the 18 hole mini-golf. There are target sports as well. The Peter Thomson designed 18 hole golf course is expected to be completed this year, (2009), on Dent Island.

One of the most popular events in the Whitsundays is held in August each year ... the Hamilton Island Race Week Yachting Festival. Over 150 yachts from Australia and New Zealand compete in a week long series of races around the coral reef islands. The last day is known as Whitehaven Day and all yachts finish up on Whitehaven Beach … told you everyone went to Whitehaven ... for a beach party. Last year there were 225 yachts. Some party.

Air flights leave from Proserpine or you can fly direct to the island

Hayman Island

The most northern of the Whitsundays, award-winning Hayman Island was designated a National Park in 1941 and is a Bird sanctuary. It is a most celebrated private island, and the resort is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Over 200 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, 11 unique themed penthouses and a villa, all with their own private terraces or balconies, ensures you can soak up your Whitsunday luxury in private.

The swimming pool is Olympic size X 7. The resort is surrounded by 14 ha of beautiful tropical gardens.

Enjoy a bush walk … see the birds … maybe even a rock wallaby.(They are the cutest animals. I was visiting some chasms in the mountains west of Alice Springs once. We saw two little rock wallabies playing all the way along the side of the rocky chasm and then they stopped playing and had a boxing match ... one of the best things I’ve ever seen … and I didn’t have the video with me.)

Back to Hayman Island. Take a cruise or flight to Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and the beautiful Whitehaven Beach ... you haven't been to the Whitsundays if you haven't been to Whithehaven ... or, maybe you’d like to take a cruise and go island hopping.

Don’t forget about the snorkeling to view the coral reef fish and other aquatic animals in Blue Pearl Bay … and of course the coral itself..

From Hamilton Island you can journey by seaplane, helicopter or luxury launch; by launch from Shute Harbour; or seaplane transfer direct from all domestic connections.

Brampton Island

From the emerald greens of the island's National Park, the azure blues of the surrounding waters, to its twelve golden sandy beaches and colourful coral gardens just off shore, Brampton Island’s style is vibrant and easy-going. It’s hard not to be captivated by the beauty of this Queensland island, lying at the southern entrance to the Whitsunday Passage off Mackay. Naturally beautiful and with no day trippers, Brampton Island offers an affordable island holiday away from the crowds.

Billed as small and intimate this is the most southerly of the coral reefs in the Whitsundays, and is situated at the end of the Whitsunday Passage east of Mackay. Its 460 ha is almost all National Park, with unspoilt forests and loads of wildlife and birdlife.

The island is fringed by coral gardens and 7 magnificent beaches.

The island is fringed by coral gardens and twelve magnificent beaches, seven accessible by foot. As well as fishing, you can take the mini-train to watch the daily fish feeding. Don’t forget to snorkel the underwater adventure trail, or you can go on a scuba diving trip, scenic flight or an island cruise, particularly a sunset cruise.

With unique diving experiences such as Sea Salt, the island offers intimate and affordable privacy within beautiful natural surrounds.

Link to Brampton Island Accommodation


And, yes!... you can walk on water. At low tide you’ll be able to walk across to the uninhabited Carlisle Island for a private picnic on your own little piece of paradise ... you can do most things in the Whitsundays.

Get there by plane or helicopter from Mackay or Hamilton Island, or by launch from Mackay.