How to holiday on Hook Island

Guide

By Sarah Bristow

You may find that as the Whitsundays is one of the most popular places to visit in Queensland, it’s also one of the busiest. But that’s not to say that this superb region in the state’s north doesn’t have seclusion to offer in spades - get off the beaten track with a trip to one of the region’s hidden gems, the rugged Hook Island.

Largely uninhabited, and almost completely contained within a section of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, this pristine place measuring 58 square kilometres is one of the best anchorages in the islands for those bareboating. But there’s plenty more reasons to visit, as proven below.

How to get there

Snorkelers on Ocean Rafting tour Manta Ray Bay Hook Island | Hook Island holiday guide

Hook Island sits 27 kilometres offshore from Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. Thankfully there are regular ferries and charter boats (like those from Cruise Whitsundays) that venture to and from the mainland, and some of the more popular island destinations. It will generally take you about an hour one way to reach Hook.

Best time to visit

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef at Saba Bay Hook Island | Hook Island holiday guide

Spring or September is considered one of the best times of year to make a visit to the Whitsundays, with warm weather reaching the high twenties, lower than average rainfall, and increased water clarity to explore reefs and marine life.

While stingers may be present all-year round, it’s recommended to wear a protective suit from October to May when swimming or snorkelling.

Hook Island accommodation

Camping at Crayfish Bay Hook Island Whitsundays | Hook Island holiday guide — Photo by @_markfitz

There are currently no resorts operating on Hook Island, so luxury seekers may be better off resting their head at neighbouring Hayman Island, where there sit a number to choose from. Or you can pitch a tent under the stars at one of the cluster of camping sites available on Hook Island, many of which sit right on the beachfront. These include Crayfish Beach in Mackerel Bay, Curlew Beach in Macona Inlet, Maureen’s Cove, and Steens Beach, though be mindful that permits are required to spend the night.

Things to do

Swimming at the upper waterfalls Stonehaven Bay, Nara Inlet | Hook Island holiday guide

This stunning island is the second largest in the Cumberland Group, and is home to a gathering of bays, beaches and reefs, making it a haven for native flora and fauna, and the perfect opportunity for guests to get back in touch with the great outdoors.

Calm waters make this destination ideal for kayaking, sailing, snorkelling or swimming. Not to mention the diving opportunities available - Hook Island is considered one of the Whitsundays’ best places to explore below the surface. Manta Ray Bay and Butterfly Bay are two of Hook Island’s stand-outs thanks to a gathering of underwater valleys, caves, and swim-throughs leading all the way to the seafloor 25 metres below. Though Saba Bay is preferred by snorkellers thanks to its shallow waters, and soft corals.

Discover the hiking trails on the island, or cool off in the waterfalls and natural infinity pools around Stonehaven Bay and Nara Inlet.

Tours that will take you to Hook Island

Whitsunday Paradise Explorer Ngaro Indigenous Cultural Tour | Hook Island holiday guide

If you don’t have that long to spare you can choose instead to explore Hook Island for the day only. There are a handful of companies in the Whitsundays devoted to exploring its outer stretches, including Hook Island. The multi-award-winning tourism operator Red Cat Adventures is one of the best: join eco-sailing adventure Tongarra to cruise your way to Hook Island aboard one of its luxury sailboats, or access the island at high speed with the Thundercat Day Tour, the fastest catamaran in the region. Ocean Rafting will also take you to some of Hook Island's most pristine snorkel sites.

Or get better acquainted with the local indigenous people via the N’garo Indigenous Cultural tour. You’ll make your way to the island aboard the Whitsundays Paradise Explorer, learning more about the history of these ancient island sea people and their customs as a part of a small group.