Your Pictures Information to The Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Within the calm waters of the Coral Sea, a group of 74 Whitsunday islands await guests with their fish stuffed waters, snorkelling sizzling spots and plush coves aplenty prepared for sailors to drift on in.
The magical Whitsundays have been first visited by Captain Prepare dinner in 1770 when he famous ‘Certainly the entire passage is one continued protected harbour,’ on the morning of Sunday, 3 June. Its glowing seas at the moment are notorious for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week and naturally for vacationers travelling on boats, seaplanes, helicopters and kayaks as they discover the countless dive and swimming areas amongst the myriad of islands.
For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores supply a playground of alternatives to take that good tropical panorama shot. Having lived on Hayman Island for 5 years I’ve used these particular spots over and over in all seasons and might safely say you gained’t depart the Whitsundays with out your individual collection of wonderful pictures.
This vacation spot information is my approach of sharing one among my favorite locations on the planet, a group of photogenic experiences and areas so that you can go to whether or not you’re staying in Airlie Seaside, Hamilton Island or crusing round and sleeping below the celebrities.
Map: Whitsunday Islands + Pictures Places
Beneath is a map to among the greatest pictures areas within the Whitsundays, then proceed scrolling to learn in somewhat extra element about every spot.
High Pictures Places within the Whitsunday Islands
#1 Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Seaside
Coordinates 20°14’55.2″S 149°01’28.7″E
Situated on the northern finish of one of the well-known seashores on the planet, Hill Inlet is an ever-changing swirl of sand that guests can’t get sufficient of. On a excessive tide you’ll discover shiny blue water winding by the white silica sand shoreline creating what seems to be like a portray mom nature conjured up in a dream.
Hill Inlet is greatest photographed from the air whether or not it’s in a helicopter or seaplane nonetheless there’s additionally a really helpful viewing platform situated on a hill above Tongue Bay. The platform gives a shocking view throughout the inlet permitting a vantage level from east to west and loads of house to share with different individuals or discover your favorite angle.
Getting Right here: One of the simplest ways to see Hill Inlet is from the air with Air Whitsunday Seaplanes or helicopter, there actually isn’t any comparability to that first sight from the sky. In any other case, the viewing platform nonetheless provides a tremendous view and you may take a day tour with Purple Cat Adventures who drop you on the seashore of Tongue Bay and you may then stroll as much as the lookout. When travelling with Purple Cat Adventures you’ll additionally get some seashore time to absorb the sand swirls and clear shallow waters of Hill Inlet.
Pictures Tip: If you will get an aerial view it’s often fairly fast so be prepared together with your digital camera settings. Decide for a quick shutter pace so your pictures don’t blur with the motion of the airplane! When photographing from the lookout you will get actually artistic with the composition of the sand patterns so you should definitely get a large shot then hunt down alternate compositions inside the panorama.
#2 Hardy Reef
Coordinates 19°44’57.1″S 149°12’26.4″E
Only a tiny spec within the grand panorama of the Nice Barrier Reef, Hardy Reef sits off the coast of Airlie Seaside and the Whitsunday Islands. It’s comparable compared to different reef lagoons apart from one particular little coral formation…Coronary heart Reef. This chunk of coral sits inside Hardy Reef lagoon within the good form of a love coronary heart, you’ll be able to’t actually get extra photogenic.
When flying over Hardy Reef you’ll additionally go Bait Reef and Barb Reef providing you an opportunity to check your settings earlier than you arrive to the present stopper. Preserve an eye fixed out for the large deep channel which gives a shocking distinction to the shallow turquoise colored reef sections.
Coronary heart Reef Tip:
In case you’re flying with Air Whitsunday seaplanes, the pilot will depend you down so that you’ve received time to prepare earlier than you’ll be able to take a photograph of Coronary heart Reef. Bear in mind to compose the shot with surrounding reef formations and when you’ve received time, zoom in, zoom out and attempt to seize as many angles of Coronary heart Reef and the lagoon round it as attainable!
Getting Right here: Once more, the air is my tip for seeing this panorama in its full grandeur. Clearly a helicopter or seaplane is your only option but when they’re out of your price range, an alternate approach can be to take a day journey from Airlie Seaside or Hamilton Island with Cruise Whitsundays to the reef pontoon, have a snorkel after which take a 10minute scenic flight from the pontoon. The helicopters are on stand-by ready for guests who need to see the reef from the air so it’s a terrific alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!
Pictures Tip: Make sure to test your white stability when photographing the reef from the air. If you want to add somewhat extra oomph to the vibrance, change to ‘cloudy’ mode and see what the outcomes are. In case you discover it’s too heat nonetheless, keep on sunny or auto and snap away on the contrasts between the deep blue ocean and shallow reef pockets.
For extra ideas see Photographing Aerials of The Nice Barrier Reef.
#3 Airlie Seaside Shoreline
Coordinates 20°16’17.3″S 148°43’28.2″E to twenty°16’22.1″S 148°41’48.0″E
Don’t make the error of basing your self in Airlie Seaside and never exploring among the stunning spots the mainland has to supply. In downtown Airlie Seaside wander round to the foreshore to {photograph} yachts floating within the turquoise colored water or body your panorama photos utilizing one of many many palms that line the trail.
Additional alongside there’s Boat Haven and the Port of Airlie, the marina right here is actually photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and plush gardens. That is truly a terrific place to remain, the Mantra Boathouse Residences supply views throughout the marina that means you’ll be able to get up and watch the solar rise over Mandalay to the east.
In case you’ve received a number of hours to spare, the foreshore stroll from the Port of Airlie all the way in which round to Cannonvale gives a variety of scenic picture spots. There’s the Airlie Seaside Lagoon, Coral Sea Resort (simply beside is a beautiful little rocky bay), Abell Level Marina, Shingley Seaside after which a boardwalk which wraps across the rocks in the direction of Cannonvale and makes for a terrific topic to {photograph}.
There are some new spots which have opened not too long ago, when you’ve received a automobile drive round to Northerlies Bar & Grill for superb views wanting again in the direction of Airlie Seaside. It’s additionally a really cool place to spend sundown with outside lounges scattered alongside the seashore, video games, scrumptious meals and reside music.
Getting Right here: In case you’re staying in Airlie Seaside, most areas are accessible on foot. To have a bit extra of a glance across the space although, rent your self a automobile and take a drive out to Cedar Creek Falls, Conway Seaside (the place tides exit for miles!), Hideaway Bay and Dingo Seaside.
Pictures Tip: As a result of the solar units behind the mountains, when you’re planning on photographing golden hour simply bear in mind that you just’ll must arrive somewhat earlier when you’re hoping to seize some glow. In any other case, {photograph} the anti-sunset and seize nightfall colors as the autumn over the islands within the distance.
#4 Hook Island
Coordinates 20°06’06.1″S 148°54’15.5″E
Because the second largest island within the Whitsunday group, Hook Island is dotted with coral coves, rocky outcrops that jut into the clear waters beneath and marine life, loads of it! Round Hook Island you’ll discover the peaceable Nara Inlet, residence to aboriginal rock artwork and likewise apparently a terrific place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.
On the northern facet of the island is Manta Ray Bay which is named among the best dive spots within the Whitsundays with underwater valleys and caves together with majestic Manta Rays and Maori Wrasse. Across the nook is Butterfly Bay which provides a relaxed cove for snorkelling and mooring your boat for a lunch cease.
Simply reverse Hayman Island is one among Hook Island’s most spectacular options, Stonehaven. A large rock face looms above a coral stuffed bay that gives a protected haven when the southerly wind is blowing and a terrific little spot to remain the evening when you’re on a ship.
Getting Right here: Hook Island is greatest explored by boat, you’ll be able to leap on board the Thundercat with Purple Cat Adventures to snorkel in among the spots talked about above, or rent a yacht and take a number of days to cruise round your self. In case your arms are up for it take it a step additional and enterprise round on sea kayak with an organization like Salty Canine.
Pictures Tip: The rocky outcrops and large pine tree forests round Hook Island make for a terrific distinction in opposition to the ocean. It’s additionally a terrific location to attempt the half below/half over water pictures so you’ll be able to seize the superb reef and fish life in half and the gorgeous rocky island surroundings within the different.
#5 Langford Island
Coordinates 20°05’00.2″S 148°52’46.6″E
This single strip of sand is sort of the spectacular seashore, somewhat bit like how most individuals think about paradise minus the palm bushes. One facet is a shallow reef lagoon full of sting rays and crabs whereas the opposite facet of the sand financial institution is residence to turtles, vibrant reef fish (together with Nemo) and a string of coral that can have you ever fortunately snorkelling for hours. On low tide you’ll be able to truly entry Langford Island which sits on the western finish of the sand financial institution however the spotlight of Langford is the sandy stretch that provides an exquisite distinction in opposition to the waters of the Whitsundays.
Getting Right here: There are public moorings out there alongside the reef in entrance of Langford so take a day journey from Airlie Seaside, rent a yacht and drive your self to this little gem. You possibly can skip the water all collectively and leap in a seaplane or helicopter and fly over it to expertise the colors and contrasts of this final seashore vacation spot too. Really when you’re doing a scenic flight to the reef from Whitsunday Airport you’ll little question fly straight excessive!
Pictures Tip: The reef of Langford hugs carefully to the sand financial institution so it’s a terrific alternative to {photograph} the feel of the coral in opposition to the sand and blue sky with a half/half underwater shot. In any other case, when you’ve received a number of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the standard seashore pictures by mendacity on the bottom and getting a singular perspective of the fringing waters.
#6 Hamilton Island
Coordinates 20°20’47.1″S 148°57’27.3″E
Catseye Seaside is among the most iconic scenes within the Whitsundays because of the recognition of Hamilton Island. You possibly can fly direct to Hamilton Island from a variety of main cities alongside Australia’s east coast that means it’ll solely take a couple of minutes to get from airplane to deck chair.
You possibly can choose to remain on Hamilton in vacation houses, residences or the luxurious qualia nonetheless when you want to base your self in Airlie Seaside, it’s additionally attainable to easily do a day journey with Cruise Whitsundays. Leap on board a ship round 8am and by 9am you’ll be arriving to the photogenic marina the place cafes and shops line the plush boardwalk.
Over the hill are the place the views await although and for photographers, you should definitely rent a buggy so you’ll be able to cruise on as much as One Tree Hill lookout for unbelievable views over the Whitsunday Passage, Whitsunday Island and again in the direction of Hamilton Island and Catseye Seaside.
Whereas on Hamilton you’ll be able to chill on the seashore or get adventurous with a hike as much as Passage Peak for views over in the direction of Pentecost Island and past. It’s roughly 1.5hrs a method and when you’re like me, up is so much slower than down so permit for about 2.5-3hrs all up.
Getting Right here: Both fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia and land at Hamilton Island Airport. In any other case if travelling from Airlie Seaside you’ll be able to take a Cruise Whitsundays vessel which depart at numerous instances all through the day. Examine the Cruise Whitsundays web site for present departure instances for Island Escapes.
Pictures Tip: Nothing beats sundown from One Tree Hill and there’s additionally a brand new cocktail bar on the high. Don’t neglect to take your underwater digital camera too, the reef at Catseye Seaside is understood for it’s turtles so provides a terrific likelihood to {photograph} the marine lifetime of the Whitsundays.
Different photogenic spots within the Whitsundays embrace…
Maher Island – situated inside the Lindeman Island group which is discovered South of Hamilton Island, Maher is an untouched wilderness providing these crusing with one very particular characteristic. There’s a bit of seashore which wraps round and a blowhole seems from beneath the headland…somewhat difficult to elucidate however one thing properly definitely worth the journey right down to see in good climate! Take a peek at The Crusing Yogi’s article for extra data and a video, you’ll see why it’s price visiting!
Mandalay Level – simply exterior of Airlie Seaside, Mandalay gives a terrific vantage level to {photograph} sundown because it falls behind Airlie and the encompassing mountains. There’s additionally somewhat forest chapel right here which generally is a great place for portraits.
Shute Harbour – often known as a sailor’s haven, Shute Harbour is blessed with the encompassing surroundings of Conway Nationwide Park contrasting in opposition to the colorful water which makes for a good looking spot to {photograph}. From Shute Harbour Lion’s Lookout you’ll be able to see throughout to Lengthy Island and there’s additionally Hamilton, Whitsunday and the Molle Islands within the distance.
The place to Keep in Airlie Seaside?
I’ve stayed in fairly a variety of inns in Airlie Seaside and I can safely say these are my two favourites because of their location, consolation and unbelievable views!
Mantra Boathouse Residences
You’ll discover this magnificence situated proper on the Port of Airlie, offering these island vibes earlier than you even depart the mainland! The residences are tremendous stylish and have an ethereal, tropical really feel to them with white picket shutters main out to views of palms and turquoise coral seas.
The residences are available 1, 2 and three bed room configurations making them good for households or when you’re travelling with mates. There’s totally geared up with kitchens, a laundry and spacious balcony, good for a morning espresso whereas watching the colors change over the surroundings proper in entrance of your room.
On the Mantra Boathouse Residences there’s a really splash worthy swimming pool, full-sized tennis court docket and downstairs you’ll discover the Espresso Membership and Denman’s Cellars amongst different eating places. There’s additionally clothes boutiques and the inspirational Above and Beneath Pictures Gallery by native photographer Brooke Miles.
To test charges and ebook a room on the Boathouse Residences click on right here.
Peninsula Airlie Seaside
Smack bang on the waterfront at Shingley Bay and Abel Level Marina, the Peninsula Airlie Seaside residences are a luxurious selection that don’t disappoint in the case of consolation. Trendy interiors mix superbly with the colourful waters of Pioneer Bay that are seen from the kitchen, lounge, bedrooms and expansive balcony.
With a sense of full privateness, like your individual little residence away from residence, the Peninsula Residences supply an opportunity to be near all of the facilities of Airlie Seaside, however return to a quiet nook on the finish of the day.
You possibly can go for a 1, 2 or 3 bed room condominium relying on how many individuals you’re travelling with or when you’re on the town for a special day, the penthouse would possibly take your fancy. There’s a landscaped pool when you’re eager for a dip and the residences are situated proper beside the coastal pathway so that you’re in a position to stroll into Airlie Seaside simply previous some stunning scenic spots.
To test charges and ebook a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seaside click on right here.
When to Go to the Whitsundays?
Nicely, to be sincere you’ll be able to go to 12 months spherical and expertise stunning circumstances for pictures, all of it is determined by how properly you deal with humidity. The summer season months from November to March may be fairly humid which implies the prospect of rain is somewhat greater. In any other case, winter within the Whitsundays is prime time for clear skies, calm seas and there’s additionally no nasty stingers within the water that means you’ll be able to swim stinger swimsuit free…hooray! It’s suggested to at all times take precautions simply incase the stingers are hanging round so it may be price popping on a stinger swimsuit for solar safety if nothing else.
Hamilton Island Race Week and Airlie Seaside Race Week happen in August making it a good time to {photograph} some mega yachts that compete in challenges across the islands and thru the Whitsunday Passage. Lodging throughout this era does ebook out shortly although so you should definitely plan upfront.
To {photograph} aerials of the Nice Barrier Reef and specifically Coronary heart Reef and Whitehaven Seaside, it’s greatest to time your go to for a mid-level tide round 11am so as to actually seize the robust patterns of the sand and reef formations. It’s greatest to keep away from low tide as coral could also be above the floor which doesn’t look nice from the air, whereas an enormous excessive tide would possibly put an excessive amount of water between the floor and the reef. You possibly can ask any of the pilots they usually’ll little question shed somewhat gentle on what gentle can be greatest primarily based on the circumstances however in any other case, for aerial imagery, late morning tends to work greatest to keep away from any nasty glare on the water floor.
My high picks for timings can be wherever between Might – July, then September – November so as to profit from secure circumstances earlier than summer season arrives.
Whitsunday Lookout, Hayman Island
For extra data on all there’s to see and do within the Whitsunday Islands and surrounding area, pop on over to the Tourism Whitsundays web site for some inspiration!
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With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.