Information to Landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands

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 crammed waters, snorkelling scorching spots and plush coves aplenty prepared for sailors to drift on in.

The magical Whitsundays have been first visited by Captain Cook dinner in 1770 when he famous ‘Certainly the entire passage is one continued secure 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 fantastic pictures.

This vacation spot information is my method of sharing certainly one of 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 Seashore, Hamilton Island or crusing round and sleeping beneath the celebs.

Map: Whitsunday Islands + Pictures Areas

Beneath is a map to among the greatest images areas within the Whitsundays, then proceed scrolling to learn in somewhat extra element about every spot.

High Pictures Areas within the Whitsunday Islands

#1 Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Seashore

Positioned on the northern finish of one of the crucial 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 brilliant blue water winding via the white silica sand shoreline creating what seems 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 useful viewing platform situated on a hill above Tongue Bay. The platform supplies a shocking view throughout the inlet permitting a vantage level from east to west and loads of area to share with different folks or discover your favorite angle.

Getting Right here: The easiest way 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’ll take a day tour with Pink Cat Adventures who drop you on the seashore of Tongue Bay and you’ll then stroll as much as the lookout. When travelling with Pink 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 along with your digital camera settings. Decide for a quick shutter velocity so your pictures don’t blur with the motion of the aircraft! When photographing from the lookout you will get actually artistic with the composition of the sand patterns so make sure to get a large shot then search out alternate compositions throughout the panorama.

#2 Hardy Reef

Only a tiny spec within the grand panorama of the Nice Barrier Reef, Hardy Reef sits off the coast of Airlie Seashore and the Whitsunday Islands. It’s related compared to different reef lagoons aside 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 cross Bait Reef and Barb Reef providing you an opportunity to check your settings earlier than you arrive to the present stopper. Hold an eye fixed out for the large deep channel which supplies a shocking distinction to the shallow turquoise colored reef sections.

Coronary heart Reef Tip:

In the event you’re flying with Air Whitsunday seaplanes, the pilot will depend you down so that you’ve bought 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 for those who’ve bought 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 method can be to take a day journey from Airlie Seashore 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 an awesome alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!

Pictures Tip: Make sure you verify your white stability when photographing the reef from the air. If it’s essential add somewhat extra oomph to the vibrance, swap to ‘cloudy’ mode and see what the outcomes are. In the event 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 suggestions see Photographing Aerials of The Nice Barrier Reef.

 

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#3 Airlie Seashore Shoreline

Don’t make the error of basing your self in Airlie Seashore and never exploring among the stunning spots the mainland has to supply. In downtown Airlie Seashore wander round to the foreshore to {photograph} yachts floating within the turquoise colored water or body your panorama photographs 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 admittedly photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and plush gardens. That is truly an awesome 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 the event you’ve bought a couple of hours to spare, the foreshore stroll from the Port of Airlie all the way in which round to Cannonvale supplies a variety of scenic picture spots. There’s the Airlie Seashore Lagoon, Coral Sea Resort (simply beside is a beautiful little rocky bay), Abell Level Marina, Shingley Seashore after which a boardwalk which wraps across the rocks in the direction of Cannonvale and makes for an awesome topic to {photograph}.

There are some new spots which have opened just lately, for those who’ve bought a automobile drive round to Northerlies Bar & Grill for wonderful views wanting again in the direction of Airlie Seashore. It’s additionally a really cool place to spend sundown with out of doors lounges scattered alongside the seashore, video games, scrumptious meals and dwell music.

Getting Right here: In the event you’re staying in Airlie Seashore, 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 Seashore (the place tides exit for miles!), Hideaway Bay and Dingo Seashore.

Pictures Tip: As a result of the solar units behind the mountains, for those who’re planning on photographing golden hour simply bear in mind that you just’ll must arrive somewhat earlier for those who’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

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, dwelling to aboriginal rock artwork and likewise apparently an awesome place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.

On the northern facet of the island is Manta Ray Bay which is named probably the greatest 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 peaceful cove for snorkelling and mooring your boat for a lunch cease.

Simply reverse Hayman Island is certainly one of Hook Island’s most spectacular options, Stonehaven. An enormous rock face looms above a coral crammed bay that gives a secure haven when the southerly wind is blowing and an awesome little spot to remain the evening for those who’re on a ship.

Getting Right here: Hook Island is greatest explored by boat, you’ll be able to bounce on board the Thundercat with Pink Cat Adventures to snorkel in among the spots talked about above, or rent a yacht and take a couple 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 big pine tree forests round Hook Island make for an awesome distinction towards the ocean. It’s additionally an awesome location to attempt the half beneath/half over water images so you’ll be able to seize the wonderful reef and fish life in half and the attractive rocky island surroundings within the different.

#5 Langford Island

This single strip of sand is sort of the spectacular seashore, somewhat bit like how most individuals think about paradise minus the palm timber. One facet is a shallow reef lagoon stuffed with sting rays and crabs whereas the opposite facet of the sand financial institution is dwelling 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 towards 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 Seashore, rent a yacht and drive your self to this little gem. You’ll be able to skip the water all collectively and bounce in a seaplane or helicopter and fly over it to expertise the colors and contrasts of this final seashore vacation spot too. Truly for those who’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 an awesome alternative to {photograph} the feel of the coral towards the sand and blue sky with a half/half underwater shot. In any other case, for those who’ve bought a couple of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the everyday seashore pictures by mendacity on the bottom and getting a novel perspective of the fringing waters.

#6 Hamilton Island

Catseye Seashore is likely one of the most iconic scenes within the Whitsundays because of the recognition of Hamilton Island. You’ll be able to 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 aircraft to deck chair.

You’ll be able to decide to remain on Hamilton in vacation properties, flats or the luxurious qualia nonetheless for those who favor to base your self in Airlie Seashore, it’s additionally attainable to easily do a day journey with Cruise Whitsundays. Soar on board a ship round 8am and by 9am you’ll be arriving to the photogenic marina the place cafes and shops line the luxurious boardwalk.

Over the hill are the place the views await although and for photographers, make sure to rent a buggy so you’ll be able to cruise on as much as One Tree Hill lookout for unimaginable views over the Whitsunday Passage, Whitsunday Island and again in the direction of Hamilton Island and Catseye Seashore.

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 technique and for those who’re like me, up is lots slower than down so enable 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 Seashore you’ll be able to take a Cruise Whitsundays vessel which depart at varied 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 prime. Don’t overlook to take your underwater digital camera too, the reef at Catseye Seashore is understood for it’s turtles so provides an awesome probability to {photograph} the marine lifetime of the Whitsundays.

Different photogenic spots within the Whitsundays embrace…

Maher Island – situated throughout 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 piece of seashore which wraps round and a blowhole seems from beneath the headland…somewhat tough 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 Seashore, Mandalay supplies an awesome vantage level to {photograph} sundown because it falls behind Airlie and the encircling mountains. There’s additionally somewhat forest chapel right here which could be a great spot for portraits.

Shute Harbour – generally known as a sailor’s haven, Shute Harbour is blessed with the encircling surroundings of Conway Nationwide Park contrasting towards the colorful water which makes for a lovely 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 Seashore?

I’ve stayed in fairly a variety of inns in Airlie Seashore and I can safely say these are my two favourites attributable to their location, consolation and unimaginable 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 flats 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 flats are available 1, 2 and three bed room configurations making them good for households or for those who’re travelling with pals. There’s totally outfitted 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 verify charges and guide a room on the Boathouse Residences click on right here.

Peninsula Airlie Seashore

Smack bang on the waterfront at Shingley Bay and Abel Level Marina, the Peninsula Airlie Seashore flats are a luxurious selection that don’t disappoint on the subject 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 dwelling away from dwelling, the Peninsula Residences supply an opportunity to be near all of the facilities of Airlie Seashore, however return to a quiet nook on the finish of the day.

You’ll be able to go for a 1, 2 or 3 bed room condominium relying on how many individuals you’re travelling with or for those who’re on the town for an important day, the penthouse may take your fancy. There’s a landscaped pool for those who’re eager for a dip and the flats are situated proper beside the coastal pathway so that you’re in a position to stroll into Airlie Seashore simply previous some stunning scenic spots.

To verify charges and guide a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seashore click on right here.

When to Go to the Whitsundays?

Properly, to be trustworthy you’ll be able to go to 12 months spherical and expertise stunning situations for images, all of it relies on how properly you deal with humidity. The summer time months from November to March may be fairly humid which suggests the prospect of rain is somewhat larger. 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 go well with free…hooray! It’s suggested to all the time take precautions simply incase the stingers are hanging round so it may be price popping on a stinger go well with for solar safety if nothing else.

Hamilton Island Race Week and Airlie Seashore 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 guide out shortly although so make sure to plan prematurely.

To {photograph} aerials of the Nice Barrier Reef and specifically Coronary heart Reef and Whitehaven Seashore, it’s greatest to time your go to for a mid-level tide round 11am with a purpose to actually seize the sturdy 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 may put an excessive amount of water between the floor and the reef. You’ll be able to ask any of the pilots they usually’ll little question shed somewhat gentle on what gentle might be greatest primarily based on the situations 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 prime picks for timings can be wherever between Might – July, then September – November with a purpose to profit from steady situations earlier than summer time arrives.

Whitsunday Lookout, Hayman Island

For extra data on all there may be 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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Hi there! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.

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