mackay great barrier reef tours

Sailaway Adventure

The Giant Clam Story

Mackay Coral Cay

Departs 8.00am – 5.00pm Suitable for all ages

Immersed in the northern frontier of Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect snorkelling and sailing adventure for a conservation minded visitor. Ideally suited to those who can swim and have a spirit of fun and adventure. Discerning guests can enjoy an inspiring full day experience to the absolutely stunning Mackay Coral Cay on the Great Barrier Reef in the most sustainable way!

Focussing on small groups on a luxury sailing catamaran, to fully enjoy a day of snorkelling and sailing.

An Eco Adventure on the Wild Side!

Sailaway’s focus is sharing our passion for the marine environment with our guests through reef interpretation with expert guiding. We have a team of qualified marine biologists who give information and entertaining reef presentations, allowing you to fully appreciate the fragile environment and have an understanding of the marine life you will encounter.

Sailaway is the only operator from Port Douglas who has access to the spectacular Coral Cays of Mackay Reef.  We have exclusive use of our reef site which are perfect for snorkelling. There are vast areas of coral gardens to explore at your own pace.  Being shallow and protected, you see beautiful corals, giants clams, turtles and fish life, up close. Ideal for taking underwater photos or watching the marine life in thier natural habitat.

Sailaway VII Custom built Sailing Catamaran

Sailaway VII is a stunning 25m sailing vessel to the Outer Barrier Reef. This is the most sustainable and comfortable way to visit the reef.  Sail along the coastline with views of the Daintree Rainforest, past Snapper Island before heading to the Outer Reef.

Nature activities include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef on our guided snorkel tour, enjoy a glass bottom boat for extra viewing and visit a spectacular Coral Cay.  Enjoy Aqua marine water and stunning views. Our delicious lunch, morning and afternoon teas will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.

Tour Rates*

Adult: $315.00 Child (4-12 years): $217.00 Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): $957.00

* Environment Management Charges: $8.00 per person.

Included in your cruise

• Courtesy coach transfers from Port Douglas accommodation
• Afternoon tea and coffee, cakes & fresh fruit platter (Using local produce Daintree Tea and Jaques Coffee)
• Superb tropical buffet lunch (including prawns)
• Snorkelling equipment, optical masks, seasonal lycra snorkelling suits, wet suits & flotation devices
• Snorkelling instruction and in-water assistance
• Guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist
• Glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation talk
• Explore the pristine Mackay Coral Cay
• 4.5 hours at unspoilt location on the Outer Barrier Reef
• The experience of sailing on board the luxury sailing catamaran Sailaway VII
• Eco Shamba Environmental Initiative $20 to local re-forestation

This is an adventure tour suitable for travellers with good mobility. To participate in snorkelling you must be confident in the water with good swimming ability, as snorkelling can be a strenuous activity.

Pickups from Palm Cove now available daily

Palm Cove bus times: Departs Palm Cove at 7.00am and return departs Port Douglas at 5.15pm Exact pickup times from various hotels will be advised at the time of booking.

Morning Tea

• Freshly brewed Jaques Coffee and Daintree Tea
• Freshly baked Danish Pastries
• Fresh fruit
• Watermelon, Honeydew melon, Rockmelon, Pineapple & Oranges

Buffet lunch

• Medium-rare Peppered Roast Beef slices
• Sliced champagne ham
• Sliced Italian Herb Chicken breast
• New potato salad w/ chopped eggs, spring onions & a sour cream & Parmesan mayo
• Mixed Leaf Salad w/ tomato, capsicum, cucumber & a balsamic & virgin olive oil dressing
• Asian noodle Salad
• Watermelon, honeydew melon, rockmelon, pineapple and oranges
• Freshly baked assorted bread rolls w/ butter portions
• Pesto Mayo, Mustard, Sweet Chilli, Chutney

Afternoon tea

• Honey Nougat slice

Prepared daily by On Deck Catering

What to Bring

• Beach towel
• A friendly smile and your consideration for this precious Marine National Park and World Heritage site
• Booking voucher (if you booked via a tour desk or travel agent)
• At check-in for the Environment Management Charge – see your confirmation document for details
• For onboard purchases of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks/juices
• For underwater camera hire – ensure you select this as an add-on to your booking if you would like to use it

VIP Upgrades

Add these luxury upgrades to your online booking and experience the best of Sailaway's service.

MACKAY CORAL CAY

The Coral Cays are pure white sand surrounded by a large fringing reef system and crystal clear water.

Sailaway is the only operator from Port Douglas who has access to visit Mackay Coral Cays. This exclusivity means we have the area to ourselves to explore without restrictions.

Low Isles is an idyllic Coral Cay island. The reef around Low Isles comprises 150 species of hard corals and is dominated by 15 species of soft corals.

Guests of Sailaway have the opportunity to snorkel in the lagoon of the island with our marine biologist, offering an interesting and informative tour.

Sunset Sailing

Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing. A must do when visiting Port Douglas is to relax with an exhilarating cruise on board this first class sailing catamaran.

Soak up the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea as you sail along the coast off Far North Queensland.

Sailaway Loyalty Club

Receive 10% discount on your second Sailaway experience - simply contact our friendly reservations team to book. Conditions apply.

Wildcat Mackay All-Inclusive Day Tour

Quick Details

• Users Ages: Ages 2+
• Clock Duration: 7 Hours
• Cruise Ship Capacity: Up to 40 Passengers

Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure!

Wildcat recently won Gold for the 2022 Best New Tourism Business in Australia at the National Tourism Awards 2022!

Departing from the MACKAY MARINA at 9:00am and journey towards the hidden wonders that lay above and below the island waters off the coast of Mackay. Spend your morning discovering one of the region’s many secluded beaches or sandbars. Enjoy fresh homemade baking for morning tea, followed by a buffet lunch before heading to one of the many snorkelling locations on the fringing Great Barrier Reef. Afternoon tea is provided before the journey back to Mackay, arriving at approximately 4:00 pm.

The brand-new day tour will take you on a journey of discovery to some of the most picturesque and untouched locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Guests will enjoy the hidden wonders above and below the ocean off the coast of Mackay.

Blending technology and practicality, this one-of-a-kind custom-built vessel aims to provide guests of all ages with the smoothest and fastest experience possible, leaving guests excited for the next ride. Wildcat has many user-friendly features to ensure a comfortable, fun and unforgettable experience for you and your family. These include toilet facilities, a beach landing ladder, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, a rescue tender, large open windows and roof access for whale watching! There is also a bar for guests who would like cold drinks throughout the day.

Feeling Hungry? Wildcat is an all-inclusive tour and has you covered with a variety of mouth-watering lunch options accompanied by morning and afternoon snacks.

This unique day tour offers the chance to explore some of the best snorkelling along with breathtaking beaches and marine life located just a short ride from the Mackay Marina. Variable weather and tides mean no

two days will be the same, ensuring a different adventure each time you explore the islands with us.

Are you ready to explore some of the most pristine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? Sure to be one of your favourites, Wildcat will be an experience like no other!

• Chevron down Tour Highlights
• Brand new custom-built vessel for the Mackay conditions
• Stable catamaran so alleviates concerns regarding seasickness
• Full-day tour 9:00 am – 4:00 pm which means more time to spend at iconic locations
• On-board licensed bar for cold drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the day
• On-board toilet for passenger comfort plus individual seating with back support
• All-inclusive of lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and paddleboards (numbers limited)
• All-Inclusive of morning tea/lunch and afternoon tea freshly made and locally catered
• Beach drop off’s available (weather & tide dependent)
• Rooftop viewing platform
• Visit the best locations on and around the Mackay Islands
• Experienced and knowledgeable crew members to keep you safe and informed
• The ultimate way to travel around Mackay Island in just one day!
• Proud Climate Action Leaders
• Australian owned, and family-operated business for the past 11 years
• We are the elite guiding experience and are proud to be Australia’s only marine-accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise
• Chevron down What’s included?
• Free use of snorkelling equipment + fins
• Free use of paddleboards
• Lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks
• Lycra suit hire
• Parks fees and fuel levy
• Chevron down More info

Check-in opens at 8:15 am at the Mackay Marina Village Wildcat office

Departs: Mackay Marina Village at 9:00 am.

Ends: Mackay Marina Village at 4:00 pm.

Please meet at the Wildcat office at the Mackay Marina Village at 8.15 am to allow time for the sizing of wetsuits and snorkelling equipment. The vessel will depart at 9:00 am sharp so please don’t be late. It is advisable to bring a rain jacket during the summer months (Jan – April) and warmer clothes during the winter months (June-September). Travel Insurance is recommended.

NOTE: Parking is available at the Marina Village and is free. Wildcat is a licenced vessel No BYO. The bar takes card only

Age ranges from 4 years old and above, Children under 4 must be approved before departure – weather conditions dependant

• Chevron down What to bring

Pack a small soft bag and include:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a hat
• Practical clothing and footwear
• (Warmer items during winter)
• Swimming attire
• Underwater camera
• Card for purchases, no cash
• A sense of fun and adventure!

Related Activities

• Most Popular
• Cruise Ship Up to 38 Passengers
• Clock 8 Hours
• Users Ages 2+

Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour

Thundercat offers an exhilarating ride around the Whitsunday Islands all in one day! This Australian GOLD national award-winning tour visits the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and two snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Cruise Ship Up to 30 Passengers
• Clock 8.5 Hours
• Users Ages 6+

Tongarra Day Sailing Tour

This all-inclusive sailing day tour takes you off the beaten track to experience the Whitsunday Islands’ secret spots. Explore the most incredible range of marine life and witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from above and below.

• Cruise Ship Up to 40 Passengers

Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure

Embark on a small-group snorkelling eco-adventure to witness the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef. Explore diverse coral reefs, savor a delicious catered lunch, and create unforgettable memories on this all-inclusive day trip for families, couples, and adventure-seeking groups.

Visit Mackay for Adventure and Unforgettable Experiences.

(with a dose of comfort), are you feeling adventurous.

Why Visit Mackay Adventure?

• Explore with personalised tours unique locations along the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding national parks.
• Stay in our bout ique lodge or apartments.
• Direct access to the sunset bar, cafe and wakeboarding facilities.
• Transfers to local Airports, Airlie Beach and other destinations.
• Great weather with access to wildlife all year round.

From tours , to lodge accommodation and experiences to you can really do it all when you stay at Mackay Adventure Lodge!

Explore Tours & Activities

Tours from Mackay

Our local tours are a must – do! Whether it’s waking up to stunning sunrises with local wallabies or enjoying a relaxing walk in the rainforest, our tours will make your visit one to remember.

Day Trips to Airlie Beach

White sand, crystal clear water and sun on your skin. Experience all this and more with one of our guided day trips to Airlie Beach. Get the crew together and book today.

Activities & Transfers

Wakeboarding, surfing, hiking or just need a ride? At Mackay Adventure Lodge, Dan and Amanda are here to help arrange your activities and transfers to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Stay Packages

3+ nights package.

4+ Nights Package

Get more with bonus perks

Stay with us, experience mackay like a local., check our blog.

Discover the Mackay & Whitsundays Region

Meet your hosts

Construction of Mackay Adventure Lodge

[email protected]

Email Address

07 4946 4444

Mackay Marina

Our Location

Mon-Sun 07:00 To 18:00

Reservations

Diving the Outer Reef

Outer reef dive charters.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Get ready to tick diving the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list. Wildcat is ready and raring to take on the most incredible journey to some of the most magical dive locations waiting just off the Queensland coast.

Wildcat offers fully customisable and all-inclusive private dive charters, with specially contracted dive professionals ready to immerse you in the very best that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer below the surface.

Perfect For Dive Groups

Being a private charter, you are gifted with the unique opportunity of a flexible itinerary, first dibs at the most secret dive locations, personalised service and a one-of-a-kind experience.

If you are a dive enthusiast, or someone who has always dreamed of taking the plunge, Wildcat will take you on a journey of discovery to encounter this natural wonder of the world waiting below the surface. Divers, it’s time to suit up – this is the trip for you!

Pricing And Bookings

Price on application – maximum guests 40 external dive company additional charge, are you ready to discover mackay, leave a message.

Leave us a message and we will get back to you by email asap 

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Great Barrier Reef Tours | Cairns & Port Douglas Reef Tours

Experience the best Great Barrier Reef tours in Queensland with the local reef experts The Tour Specialists. Discover our renowned 2nd Child Travels Free deals and exhilarating Helicopter ride and Reef tour Combos. Our team is dedicated to tailoring Great Barrier Reef tours to meet your unique preferences. Explore our latest Hot Deals or reach out to The Tour Specialists for real-time guidance. With over two decades of tourism experience in Australia, we're available seven days a week to assist you. Choose between half-day Great Barrier Reef tours with a thrilling helicopter ride or opt for a snorkelling and diving tour combo package. Families love island tours and non-swimmers prefer Great Barrier Reef tours to a pontoon on the outer reef. Charter boats are another speciality of our Tour Specialists team. No matter your travel group or travel style, our team will guide you to the best Great Barrier Reef tours for your holiday in Cairns and Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland.

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Great barrier reef tours.

Experience the best Great Barrier Reef tours in Queensland with the local reef experts The Tour Specialists. Discover our renowned 2nd Child Travels Free deals and exhilarating Helicopter ride and Reef tour Combos. Our team is dedicated to tailoring Great Barrier Reef tours to meet your unique preferences. Explore our latest Hot Deals or reach out to The Tour Specialists for real-time guidance. With over two decades of tourism experience in Australia, we're available seven days a week to assist you. Choose between half-day Great Barrier Reef tours with a thrilling helicopter ride or opt for a snorkelling and diving tour combo package. Families love island tours and non-swimmers prefer Great Barrier Reef tours to a pontoon on the outer reef. Charter boats are another speciality of our Tour Specialists team. No matter your travel group or travel style, our team will guide you to the best Great Barrier Reef tours for your holiday in Cairns and Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland.

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Luxury Charter Boat Mackay | Snorkel & Fish | Up to 24 Guests | EII

Luxury private charter boat departing from Mackay. Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef as well as the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel, dive and fish on a minimum 4 day charter up to 24 guests.

Departing: Mackay

Mackay Reef Trips | Snorkelling Tours Mackay

Mackay snorkel tour and island tour on the Great Barrier Reef. Depart Mackay on a fast boat trip to the outer reef to snorkel the coral outcrops.

Charter Boat Mackay - 40 Guests - Snorkel Tour - 50 Sunset Cruise

Charter boat for groups of up to 40 snorkel tour - 50 sunset Cruise in Mackay.

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Ocean Safari Website

Great Barrier Reef Tours

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Turtle Rock Café

Groups & Charters

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation. The half day Great Barrier Reef tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. After a fast 25 minute ride, you are ready to snorkel fabulous locations at Mackay Reef.

Your Special Encounters

On most days, you can snorkel alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish. Often the coastal rainforest of the Daintree can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, two world heritage areas side by side.  The experienced Skipper and Eco Host ensure the trip is filled with fun and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest of the Daintree. Magical memories like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime.

The Great Barrier Reef tour begins at Cape Tribulation beach where you board the vessel bound for the tropical waters. The Ocean Safari vessel takes a maximum of 25 passengers allowing guests to experience tropical paradise and the pleasure of a small group. The vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines.

Eat, Stay and Play

The Ocean Safari check in office is also home to the Turtle Rock Café and Safari Lodge . Situated just 400 metres from the beach, Safari Lodge offers cabins and camp sites in the tropical Cape Tribulation rainforest and is the perfect base for exploring this famous region. The Turtle Rock Café offers freshly cooked wholesome meals, great coffee and tropical outdoor dining in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Latest News and Updates

We have a reopening date and it’s not far away!

We are reopening soon!!! That's right, Safari Lodge and Turtle Rock Cafe will reopen on 28 March, followed by the … Read More

Closure updates from Cyclone Jasper floods

T’was a wet, wild and windy Christmas… Like many Far North Queensland residents who live and work in the beautiful … Read More

2023 Best Of Queensland Experience

Both Ocean Safari and Safari Lodge are proud once more to to receive a perfect score of 100/100 as a 2023 Best of … Read More

Ocean Safari Wins Silver at 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards

Ocean Safari proudly brought home a silver award at the 37th annual 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards, which was held on … Read More

We’re in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide!

Ocean Safari's great reviews land us a place among travellers’ favourites and a Tripadvisor 2022 Travellers’ Choice … Read More

Ocean Safari wins Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice

The Ocean Safari team is extremely proud to be awarded as a 2020 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner! Based … Read More

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Receive 10% off per person for travel until 31 May 2024! Your discount will be applied on checkout...visit Ocean Safari Mid Morning Great Barrier Reef Experience for more information.

Please note , to allow for additional travel time due to current road conditions and roadworks, Ocean Safari will operate one tour daily at the amended tour time of 10am - 2pm until 31 May, then will recommence the two regular tour times as normal thereafter.  

* Road conditions: Road access, including Noah Range, will be open from 27 March, 6am - 6pm daily. Road limit of 16tonne and 12.5m. Please factor in additional 20-30 minute travel time to allow for roadworks and road conditions. Road openings remain weather dependant and may be subject to closure due to excessive rainfall. Know before you go and take care on the roads! For the latest road conditions, visit https://douglas.qld.gov.au/noah-range-updates .

Mackay is the jump off point for snorkel tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit multiple islands in one day on the most exciting Great Barrier Reef snorkel tours by fast jet boat. Explore the coral reefs, deserted islands and beaches on a Mackay snorkel tour.

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Mackay Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a 2 hour sunset cruise around the Mackay Marina

Departing: Mackay

Charter Boat Mackay - 40 Guests - Snorkel Tour - 50 Sunset Cruise

Charter boat for groups of up to 40 snorkel tour - 50 sunset Cruise in Mackay.

Mackay Reef Trips | Snorkelling Tours Mackay

Mackay snorkel tour and island tour on the Great Barrier Reef. Depart Mackay on a fast boat trip to the outer reef to snorkel the coral outcrops.

Luxury Charter Boat Mackay | Snorkel & Fish | Up to 24 Guests | EII

Luxury private charter boat departing from Mackay. Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef as well as the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel, dive and fish on a minimum 4 day charter up to 24 guests.

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Central Great Barrier Reef – Townsville to Mackay

Trying to work out where to stay at the Great Barrier Reef? Discover a great selection of accommodation, the length and breadth of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Search for hotel rooms and book online.

• Great Barrier Reef Hotels
• Airlie Beach Hotels
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Great Barrier Reef's islands are simply enchanting, with the choice of over 100 islands from unique and exotic islands to the world famous Whitsundays.

• Best Islands Near Cairns
• Bedarra Island
• Brampton Island
• Daydream Island
• Dunk Island
• Fitzroy Island
• Great Keppel Island
• Green Island
• Haggerstone Island
• Hamilton Island
• Hayman Island
• Heron Island
• Hinchinbrook Island
• Langford Island
• Lindeman Island
• Lizard Island
• Long Island
• Orpheus Island
• South Molle Island
• Whitsunday Island

Queensland is unique amongst the Australian states in that it has a number of genuine coastal capitals.

• Airlie Beach
• Charters Towers
• Daintree Rainforest
• Mission Beach
• Port Douglas
• Rockhampton
• Shute Harbour
• Whitehaven Beach

Discover a diverse range of experiences in the Great Barrier Reef.

• Reef Experiences
• Diving the Reef
• The reef from the air
• Sky diving at Airlie Beach
• Sky diving at Cairns
• Sky diving at Mission Beach
• Adventure Activities
• Cairns Reef Tours
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours
• Sail the Reef
• Snorkelling The Reef
• Submarine Reef Tours
• Liveaboard Reef Tours

The Great Barrier Reef is a gathering of brilliant, vivid coral providing divers with the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable.

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Central Great Barrier Reef From Townsville to Mackay.

Central Great Barrier Reef spans the central Barrier Reef from Townsville in Northern Queensland, south to Mackay and includes many of the iconic islands (such as the Whitsundays) and famous reefs that this region is known for.

Townsville Coast

Townsville (pictured below) is the largest tropical city in Australia, in the central Great Barrier Reef area and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, which lends itself to tourism activities all year round and an abundance of outdoor activities.

One of the most interesting things to see in Townsville is Reef HQ, the only living coral reef in captivity – a fact which means that visitors can actually see the Great Barrier Reef while safely on land.

Palm Island is about 65 km north-east of Townsville and is the main Island of the Greater Palm group taking in 64 square km of small bays, sandy beaches and steep forested hills rising to a peak of 548 metres.

Other islands include Fantome Island, Pelorus Island, Orpheus Island (with its very exclusive resort), Curacoa Island, Falcon Island, Esk Island, Brisk Island, Barber Island and Eclipse Island.

Magnetic Island (pictured below) , just offshore from the city of Townsville, is a 52 km² mountainous island which has effectively become a suburb of Townsville having well over 2000 permanent residents.

It is accessible from Townsville by ferries arriving at Nelly Bay. There is a large 27 km² national park and bird sanctuary and excellent walking tracks can be taken between the populated bays and to fascinating historic tourist destinations such as the World War II Forts.

The name of the island came about because of the apparent “magnetic” effect it had on the ship’s compass of Captain Cook as he passed the island when sailing up the east coast of Australia in 1770.

The town of Ayr (pictured below) on the Burdekin River, lies 88 km south of Townsville, at the heart of one of the most productive sugarcane-growing areas in Australia and is an attractive place for tourists to visit.

Bowen is located 206 km south of Townsville. The great appeal of Bowen lies not in the town itself but in the unspoiled bays to the north which boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the tropical north.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands , known affectionately as ‘The Whitsundays’, are a collection of 74 beautiful and popular islands in the Central Great Barrier Reef of which the most important are Daydream Island , Dent Island, Hamilton Island , Hayman Island , Hook Island, Lindeman Island, Long Island , and South Molle .

These islands are synonymous with paradise, conjuring up images of lying in the tropical sun, having a really good holiday, perfect turquoise tropical seas, white sun-kissed beaches, exquisite tropical sunsets, good food and drink.

The Whitsundays are home to the iconic Heart Reef (pictured below) , located in the middle of Hardy Reef, a suspended lagoon which is approximately 60 kilometres from Airlie Beach on the mainland.

See some of the highlights of Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and the Whitsunday Islands in the video below (video duration: around 5 minutes) .

While much of Hardy Reef is accessible and ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, you are not allowed to snorkel or dive at Heart Reef.

Due to its extraordinary status, Heart Reef is protected, so you can’t snorkel and scuba dive at Heart Reef, however, you can still see and experience the reef by air . Heart Reef is a very popular and much-appreciated site with a handful of commercial helicopters and seaplanes running scenic flights.

Of the 74 islands, only 7 have resort facilities. Beyond the resorts the whole area is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the uninhabited islands are all controlled by National Parks and Wildlife. It is possible to visit the uninhabited islands by charter boat, private boat or water taxi. However it is necessary to obtain camping permits from the National Parks Office if you intend to stay the night.

Daydream Island is a small island only 15 minutes by water taxi from Shute Harbour on the mainland and is easily accessible to day trippers. The island’s only resort, Daydream Island Resort, is a suitable destination for the general leisure market of all ages.

Recognised as one of the most luxurious resort destinations on the central Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is a very good example of how the Great Barrier Reef can match any tropical paradise in the world.

Lindeman Island (pictured below), the first of the islands in the Whitsunday group to be developed, is covered by more than 690 hectares of World Heritage Listed National Parkland, so you’ll never run out of things to see and do.

Brampton Island is located 32 km north-east of Mackay and is considered by some to be the southernmost island in the Whitsunday Island group. A large 770 ha island with seven idyllic beaches which are isolated and delightful. Most of the island is part of the Brampton Island National Park.

The town of Mackay , where day tours and extended charters to the Great Barrier Reef are available, lies halfway between Cairns and Brisbane on the southern bank of the Pioneer River along the Whitsunday Coast, just north of the Capricorn Coast, at the southern end of central Great Barrier Reef. There are over 30 beautiful beaches in the Mackay region with Town and Illawong beaches close to the centre of town.

Continue to the southern region of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Experiences

There are plenty of things to experience on Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville Townsville, a thriving metropolis, is the unofficial capital of North Queensland and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

Rockhampton Rockhampton is set under Mount Archer, posing an impressive backdrop for the vibrant City centre, coast and the outback beyond.

Charters Towers Charters Towers is one of the most beautiful inland cities in Queensland, with unrivalled architecture and a unique history.

Australia's great natural wonder

More great australian travel destinations.

• Uluru Australia
• Blue Mountains
• Kangaroo Island
• Fraser Island
• Lord Howe Island
• Hunter Valley
• Port Stephens
• Moreton Island
• Great Ocean Road
• Australia's Best Beaches
• Wiki Australia
• Kimberley Australia
• Aussie Hotel Bookings

About 'greatbarrierreef.org'

greatbarrierreef.org is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to the Great Barrier Reef. We are passionate about Australia's great natural wonder, its vast marine life, its golden sun-kissed beaches, its warm turquiose waters and the unforgetable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss the Great Barrier Reef, its history, its environment, its marine life and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as the Great Barrier reef has inspired us.

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Destroyed by cyclones, impacted by climate change and neglected by foreign owners – these abandoned island resorts are now an eyesore

A pool lined with green sludge, rotting roofs and termite infested buildings – this derelict island resort has become a sad tourist attraction for all the wrong reasons, and it's not an isolated case.

At least half a dozen resorts along the Queensland coast have fallen to a similar fate.

In the heart of tropical Far North Queensland, the picturesque Double Island was once a thriving hub for holiday-makers including former Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

The island resort, 30 minutes north of Cairns, even built a gym for actor Keanu Reeves, so frequent were his stays.

But the resort has long been in a state of disrepair, with rotting roofs punctured by falling coconuts and green sludge lining the bottom of the once sparkling pool.

Brad Madgwick offers guided kayaking tours to the island, and recently incorporated the island's decay into his regular marine-life spotting adventures.

"We've always walked the shorelines looking for wildlife, but in the last few years, we have been given permission to go through the resort," Mr Madgwick said.

"The coconuts have taken a toll and the termites are having a good feed, it's sad really because it used to be a very glamorous resort back in the day."

The derelict state of the resort — safari-style tents covered in mould are dotted throughout — is shaping up to be one of the biggest legal battles ever held over an island in Australia.

The Queensland Government's Department of Resources will attempt to strip Hong Kong based billionaire Benny Wu of the island's lease in the Land Court in Cairns within weeks.

Mr Wu's Fortune Island Holding's is accused of non-compliance for failing to bring the facilities up to scratch and open the island to the public.

The day can't come soon enough for some local Palm Cove business owners, although opinions vary about what should happen with the island, if the state government is successful in its proceedings.

"When it was taken over in 2012, it was a thriving business," said local businessman Tony Richards, who would like to see a resort rebuilt.

"Nothing has been done to it since then. It's a complete bulldoze job."

The ABC has contacted Mr Wu for comment.

Paradise lost

Across the Great Barrier Reef, cyclones and neglect have left half a dozen island resorts shuttered and abandoned, with ruined infrastructure and damaged environments.

Brampton Island Resort, off Mackay, was a jewel in Queensland's tourism crown until it was bought by United Petroleum in 2010 for $5.9 million, its ocean side pool now filled with sand.

Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays, once famed for being the first Club Med in Australia, has sat in ruins since it was pummelled by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

The Singaporean company, Well Start, has since bought the island and pledged to restore it.

Resorts on South Molle and Hook Island have also been closed for years.

The 1980s party paradise, Great Keppel (Woppa) Island off the central Queensland coast, has been laying in ruin for 15 years, with the Queensland government recently announcing a $30 million master plan including provisions for an eco-resort , new sewage system and conservation areas. 

Meanwhile, the beleaguered Dunk Island resort off the coast of Far North Queensland, was also destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

There are plans to open "glamping" style accommodation on the island within months, following billionaire Annie Cannon-Brook's purchase in 2022.

Professor Daniel Gschwind, from Griffith University's Institute for Tourism, said abandoned and closed resorts not only had an impact on the Great Barrier Reef's reputation, but Australia's broader tourism brand.

"Globally, the Great Barrier Reef is recognised as an outstanding asset, it's World Heritage listed, which in itself draws a lot of attention," Professor Gshwind said.

"The way Australia manages that asset and presents the asset to visitors is absolutely, critically important for our global reputation."

He said island resorts helped to bring in billions of tourism dollars each year and there needed to be an "expectation that lease holders fulfil their obligations".

However, he said the high cost of maintaining as well as accessing the resorts by plane or barge was impacting on owners to turn a profit, as well as skyrocketing insurance premiums.

"So there are great obstacles to overcome, but the benefit and the value of those islands as a tourism destination really can't be overstated."

Parliamentary inquiry into Queensland islands

Queensland's Transport and Resources Committee held a parliamentary inquiry examining the economic and regulatory frameworks for Queensland's island resorts, tabling a report just over a year ago.

Eighteen recommendations were made to the state government, including cancelling the leases of developers who let the resorts fall to rack and ruin.

Several of the submissions raised concerns about foreign ownership, as well as the impact of climate change, including intense cyclones, on resort infrastructure.

Professor Tim Harcourt, chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney said buying up tropical islands could be seen by some international companies as an attractive proposition.

"They've got to get their money out and they're going to put it somewhere, and buying land is the easiest thing to do," Professor Harcourt said.

He also noted the longevity and success stories of the Hamilton and Hayman Island resorts in the Whitsundays.

The Andrew Forrest-owned Lizard Island, off Cooktown in Far North Queensland has been rebuilt twice due to successive cyclones, and is enjoying strong occupancy numbers.

Orpheus Island and Pelorus Island north of Townsville have also undergone extensive renovations.

Back on Double Island, Mr Madgwick said he would like to see the island returned to its natural splendour.

"I would love to see the island turned into a national park, with a communal kitchen, maybe a caretaker on the island, and to open it up to camping," Mr Madgwick said.

"It's a beautiful island and it should belong to the people."

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