Australians call the Great Barrier Reef the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s on every traveller’s wish list. Alas, like so many reefs, this 1,500-mile stretch is ecologically fragile. But castaways can set sandal on the ‘new’ Wilson Island knowing that their creature comforts are based on sound environmental principles; heat and light are by solar power and each of the six tents are created out of natural materials. There are separate bathrooms for each tent.
Beach combing and bird watching, swimming and snorkelling, reef walks and relaxing in your hammock are what Wilson Island is about during the day. Wining, dining and socializing take place later in the communal Longhouse.
The only way you can get to Wilson Island is via Heron Island.
Wilson island could well be described as the ultimate castaway experience as you will realise shortly.
The accommodation and all the principles of Wilson Island are based on eco principles which are firmly adhered to. Wilson Island as previously stated in on the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, and quite frankly it is difficult to imagine anything more attractive, although the three day Wilson Island Package was about long enough.
Beauty, there is in abundance, but like most of us, I have been spoiled by the 21st century luxuries that we now associate with dream islands, such as luxury bathrooms, mains electricity, to name but two!!
Compensations are an unrivalled natural beauty, beautifully clean and clear water, wonderful coral, and tropical fish to snorkel and see easily.
It is however a castaway experience with six permanent tents. The six tents have been designed to combine simplicity and comfort. Based on a modern beachcombing theme, the tents have raised timber floors, king-sized beds and a private decking with uninterrupted reef views. You will be supplied with everything you need apart from en-suite bathroom, but you will need the complete insect screening, and repellent.
The views from the tents are quite breathtaking.
All electricity is I believe by solar power, and batteries, so none of your electrical appliances will work, and the fresh water is rainwater, so all drinking water is bottled.
A separate building houses six showers and dressing area (one designated for each tent), along with toilet and vanity areas. This I’m afraid took be back to my youth hostelling/camping days which I had left behind long ago.
Entertainment and food are not forgotten; each evening begins with sunset pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the beach. The main course is a candle-lit three-course buffet meal with wine, served in the resort’s entertainment building, the Longhouse.
After dinner, guests can join an evening star-gazing walk or even a beach walk to observe the turtles nesting.
A popular activity for early risers is a walk to an area of the island known as the ‘Flintstone Chairs’. These naturally carved coral chairs offer a spectacular view of the colourful Wilson Island sunrise.
Quite honestly this is a beautiful place, but there really is very little to do, apart from wonderful snorkelling, and scuba diving. It is a bit rustic for my taste but in fairness that is what is part of the initial appeal.
Two last things, the wines are very good, and there are no children under the age of sixteen.
The Gold Coast features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia’s sixth largest city.
It is also Australia’s favorite tourist destination with a favorable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe environment and world class resorts. Inland from the Gold Coast is three magnificent National Parks – Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts.
Climate:
The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in
the 20′s and is enjoyable all year round.
Summer – December to February – 20-28 degrees C.
Autumn – March – May – 15-25 degrees C.
Winter – June – August – 11-21 degrees C.
Spring – September to November – 15-25 degrees C.
Attractions:
Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia. New theme parks are also underway.
Adventure attractions are endless and include motor bike tours, parasailing, sky diving, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, power boating, helicopter tours, go karting and motor racing.
Deep dea fishing charters are popular as well as whale and dolphin watching tours. Other marine activities include diving and snorkelling.
When you get tired of lazy days on the beach a short drive takes you to the Hinterland region you can roam through World Heritage listed subtropical rainforests with spectacular views, ancient Antarctic beech forests, thundering waterfalls and amazing geological formations to name a few of the highlights.
The Hinterland is also popular for it’s growing wine and vineyard industry.
The Gold Coast is also home to over 20 of Australia’s leading golf resorts with picturesque backdrops and meticulously manicured greens.
Australia, Queensland, Surfers Paradise
Nightlife:
The Gold Coast is popular for it’s famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre. Taverns and Surf Clubs are also popular.
Dining:
There are over 500 restuarants on the Coast! Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.
Accommodation:
The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Apartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.
Transport:
You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport (50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane.
Major Events:
The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.
With all that why not consider the Gold Coast for your next holiday!