Wilson Island, Queensland: Why stay on this Great Barrier Reef island?
Wilson Island in Queensland is a tiny, romantic hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef. This exclusive Reef resort island has just nine luxury tents, but world class snorkelling.
Wilson Island is one of several Great Barrier Reef islands where visitors can stay overnight. It is towards the southern end of the Reef, with the closest mainland hub being the Queensland city of Gladstone.
Wilson Island unashamedly promotes itself as an exclusive, adults-only romantic hideaway. Marine life and excellent snorkelling surround the island’s dazzling sandy beaches. If you can afford to stay there.
Wilson Island accommodation
Accommodation on Wilson Island comes in the form of nine Reef Safari Tents. These are not the sort of basic tents you can pick up in a camping store. They have king beds, hammocks, deck chairs and wooden decking outside.
There’s a strong lodge-style feel at Wilson Island. The host and chef greet new arrivals. And there’s a maximum capacity of 18 guests at any one time. The emphasis is on intimate, romantic and exclusive. All meals, drinks and snacks are included, with the drinks sourced from Australia’s finest craft breweries, wineries and distilleries.
This doesn’t come cheap, though. A two night stay on Wilson Island costs from $2,190. It’s very much honeymoon blow-out territory.
Find your ideal Great Barrier Reef tours by location
Great Barrier Reef tours run from numerous destinations along the Queensland coast. Different tours cater to different tastes – some make sure they go to the best snorkelling spots, others build in beach time and some throw in extra such as underwater observatories and glass bottom boat tours.
Use the following links to start picking the best Great Barrier Reef tour options where you’re going on holiday.
- The best Great Barrier Reef tours in… 1770 | Airlie Beach | Bundaberg | Cairns | Cape Tribulation | Mackay | Magnetic Island | Mission Beach | Palm Cove | Port Douglas | Townsville.
Things to do on Wilson Island, Queensland
Also included are single and double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkelling gear. The snorkelling fits the Great Barrier Reef fantasy, as you see the underwater world straight off the beach. Wilson Island is on the stretch of the reef that has been relatively unharmed by coral bleaching, too.
The emphasis is on doing very little on an island paradise. But you can go stargazing or birdwatching if you wish. In season – roughly October to March – you can also see the turtles. Mothers laying their eggs on the beach, or the baby hatchlings emerging, are one of the most magical sights available on Wilson Island.
How to get to Wilson Island, Queensland
Wilson Island and Heron Island are owned by the same group. Getting to Wilson Island involves going via Heron Island – it’s a half hour boat transfer away. To reach Heron Island, you can either take a two hour boat transfer or half hour helicopter flight. Both depart from the coastal city of Gladstone.
For considerably cheaper accommodation near Gladstone, try the Tannum Sands caravan park in Tannum Sands or camping at Lake Awoonga.
More Queensland travel
Shopping at the Carrara Markets on the Gold Coast.
Explore the castle in the rainforest at Paronella Park near Innisfail.
Swimming, boating and fishing at Somerset Dam.
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What are the best things to do in Laidley, Queensland?