Why you need to visit Wilson Island this weekend
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By Danielle Reckless
There’s an island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef you need to meet.
You might not have heard of this spot – just a tiny dot on the map east of Gladstone – but it’s one you need on your radar. Along with its unrivaled natural beauty of pellucid waters, fringing coral reefs and subtropical rainforest, this secluded five-acre coral cay brings so much more than meets the eye.
Don’t believe us? Here are six reasons why you absolutely need to visit Wilson Island.
1. Your arrival sets the scene for an unforgettable escape
Holiday on Wilson Island and you’ll be staying on one of the seven wonders of the world – and it’ll leave you speechless before you even check in.
Getting here is as much part of the experience as the destination, with access via a 30-minute boat ride from Heron Island. Choose to venture to Heron by boat from Gladstone Marina, or chopper over the reef in a helicopter from Gladstone Airport (approximately 30 minutes).
Not familiar with Gladstone? Start exploring here.
2. It’s one of Queensland’s best eco resorts
Staying on Wilson Island is exclusive. We mean limited to under 18 guests exclusive – home to just nine Reef Safari Eco Tents nestled amongst the ancient Pisonia Forest.
This adults-only private hideaway balances creature comforts with a desert-island atmosphere, whether you’re after a romantic escape or rent out the entire island for a group holiday. There’s no phones or televisions to distract you: recharge to the sound of water lapping the shore, the island birds in song, and the range of adventure activities at your fingertips in your own little spot on the Great Barrier Reef.
Eco also isn’t just a marketing slogan here; it’s real life. The island is 100% solar and battery powered, and sustainable touches range from the central amenities building to the eco, organic materials used for bed linen, upcycled wine glasses and bathroom products. Rest assured, your footprint here is low.
3. There’s beach access to the best snorkelling of your life
Strapping on your snorkel and exploring the underwater mecca that is the Southern Great Barrier Reef is literally a hop, skip and jump away. The fringing reef around Wilson Island means you can snorkel straight off the beach and spot marine life, big and small – and all equipment is provided at the resort.
In between dips, take a self-guided nature walk around the island or relax in a hammock.
4. You’ll share the island with a few locals
You know a place is special when even the locals want to hang around.
But when you stay on Wilson Island, the locals have four fins and spend their days swimming the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Visit during nesting and hatching season and you could witness the wonder of turtles laying their eggs, or baby hatchlings emerging from their nests to scurry to the water.
5. There’s no traffic on your daily commute
You don’t really have anywhere to be when you’re on Wilson Island. This place is all about relaxing and unwinding; and the only roads are made of sand and crushed shells. But when you want to travel a little further than from your king bed to seaside hammock, you’ll do so by kayak or SUP.
6. Happy hour is served with the best sunsets of your life
Enjoying happy hour is just another day on Wilson Island.
Every evening begins with sunset drinks and canapes on the beach and ends with a dinner party at the Longhouse restaurant, which dishes up locally sourced produce and seafood.
The resort is all-inclusive, with all meals, drinks and snacks included during your stay. And you’ll be treated to impeccable service, from personally-prepared picnic baskets to wine pairings at dinner.
Ready to pack your bags?
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