overview

Wilson Island - Great Barrier Reef - Queensland Australia

This tiny coral cay is both part of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by it with pristine reef and beach environments including rare turtle and bird breeding grounds.

Those that are drawn to Wilson Island will see the natural beauty of the island, its seclusion and the freedom from modern-day living as part of its appeal. Wilson Island offers comfortable designer-inspired tent accommodation for a maximum of just 12 guests.

Wilson Island is essentially natural - a divine sweep of caster sugar sands that is home to turtles and birds.

The Wilson Island allows a maximum of 12 guests to access pristine reef and beach environments. Guests on Wilson Island are able to enjoy exceptional snorkelling, bird watching, island and reef walks or simply relaxing within the peaceful natural setting, enjoying the stunning views.

Wilson Island is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended.

Please note: Wilson Island is closed during the month of February for the bird nesting season.

Children 12 years and under are not catered for on Wilson Island.

Features

Wilson Island - Great Barrier Reef - Queensland Australia

The Longhouse
The Longhouse is the central dining and relaxation area, featuring the long table, where most meals are enjoyed, a large comfortable banquette seating area for relaxing and socialising and an open kitchen. Guests are encouraged to treat the Longhouse as their own home, helping themselves to the library, beverages and snacks as they please.

Community Tent
A Community Tent, with open sides, large comfortable day beds, a selection of magazines and binoculars provides guests the perfect place to relax, chill out, and enjoy the stunning ocean, reef and sunset views!

Complimentary Activities

• Relax in a hammock
• Take a self-guided nature walk
• Join your Hosts for a guided island or reef walk (upon request)
• Experience the wonder of watching Green and Loggerhead turtles laying their eggs or their baby hatchlings emerging from their nests (in season)
• Enjoy world class snorkelling directly off the beach (equipment provided)
• Visit the Heron Island Biological Calendar for seasonal information about sea life in the waters around Heron and Wilson Islands.
• Discover the night sky as your hosts provide a stargazing talk
• Bird watching
• Re-invent yourself as a 'Beachcomber'
• Challenge your fellow adventurers to a board game
• Help yourself to our library of educational books, novels, magazines and CDs

Children under 12 years are not catered for on Wilson Island.

Accommodation

Check in/out: 2pm/11am - All accommodation

All tents contain the following amenities and facilities

• Raised Timber Floors
• King Size Bed with Duvets and Pillows
• Bedside Tables
• Battery-Operated Bedside Lights and Clock
• Comfortable Deck Chairs
• Bathrobes
• Bath Towels
• Beach Towels
• Guest Toiletries
• Storage Chest
• Complete Screening
• Daily Housekeeping Service

All rates valid till 31 March 2010 and are subject to change

Permanents Tent

The 6 permanent tents, all with reef & ocean outlooks, are designed for ultimate comfort.

Solar power allows for hot showers and other creature comforts to be enjoyed in the central amenities building.

Each tent has its own designated private shower & dressing area in the Washhouse. Toilets and vanities are also located in this building.

Standard Inclusions: All meals, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Heron Island to Wilson Island return boat transfers, Deluxe tent accommodation at Wilson Island, Snorkelling gear.

Accommodation Features: Reef & Ocean views, Comfortable, Private shower, Dressing area in washhouse, Toilet and Vanities.

Please note:
- A minimum of two nights stay applies to all bookings.
- Wilson Island is closed during the month of February for the bird nesting season.
- The transfer to Wilson Island departs Heron Island at 3:00pm each day. Guests who wish to arrive on Heron by helicopter must arrive no later than 1:30pm Heron Island Time (12:30pm E.S.T.)

Specials

No current specials available

Need to Know

How to get to Wilson Island

Wilson Island is located just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, approximately 72 kilometres north east off the coast of Gladstone and 15 kilometres from nearby Heron Island.

Access to Wilson Island is via Heron Island

Return transfers from Heron to Wilson are included in the tariff. Transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island are additional and not included.

Getting to Gladstone

Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Gladstone with Qantas. From here you can transfer to Heron Island by launch or by scenic helicopter flight.

Transfer between Gladstone and Heron Island

By Boat

If your flight arrives in Gladstone before 10.00am
A courtesy coach transfer to the Gladstone Marina departs 10.00am, and arrives at the marina 10-15 mintues later. The boat service departs Gladstone Marina at 11.00am daily (excluding Christmas Day). Final check-in time is at 10.30am, if not arriving off a flight.

If your return flight departs Gladstone after 5.00pm
The return boat tranfer departs Heron Island at approx. 2.30pm Island time (1.30pm EST), arriving into Gladstone approx. 3.45pm EST. A courtesy transfer is available for immediate transfer to Gladstone Airport.

Transfer duration: approx. 2 hours

By Helicopter

If your flight arrives in Gladstone after 10.00am or
If your return flight departs Gladstone before 5.00pm

Australian Helicopters operates scenic transfers between Gladstone Airport and Heron Island daily (excluding Christmas Day) on demand during daylight hours (generally 0800 - 1800).

Guests must advise Australian Helicopters of their flight details and number into and departing Gladstone and confirm transfers directly with Australian Helicopters prior to arrival in Gladstone.

A bagage allowance applies for helicopter transfers.

Transfer duration: approx. 30 minutes

Transfer between Heron and Wilson Island

Launch transfers operate daily (with the exception of Christmas day) between Heron and Wilson Islands.

Transfer departing Heron 15.00
Return transfer departing Wilson 10.00

Guests transferring from Gladstone via launch or Helicopter must arrive at Heron Island no later than 13.30 Island time (12.30 EST) in order to meet the 15.00 service to Wilson.

Transfer duration: approx. 45 min

To assist in maintaining the pristine environment of the Cay there are no jetty facilities, with transfers ashore undertaken by way of a small tender vessel. Transfer times are subject to tide and weather conditions, and may vary accordingly.

In rare instances of extreme weather conditions, access to Wilson Island may be restricted and as a result of this, Voyages reserves the right to suspend or postpone the launch to Wilson Island due to safety considerations. In these circumstances, alternate accommodation, activities and dining options will be arranged on Heron Island.

Australian Helicopters Baggage Allowance: Passengers are restricted to one suitcase (maximum weight - 15kg) per person. Excess Luggage storage is available at Gladstone airport free of charge.

Security car lock up facilities: are available at Gladstone Marina. This may be pre-booked by ringing 07 4972 7283 (Gladstone Marina Bait & Tackle) or on arrival please see Voyages Marine staff at the Marina. The cost is approximately $10.00 per day or $50.00 per week for covered parking, and $8.00 per day or $40.00 per week for uncovered. Note:Prices are subject to change without notice.

Schedules & Pricing

Location