Information to Landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands

Your Pictures Information to The Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Within the calm waters of the Coral Sea, a set of 74 Whitsunday islands await guests with their fish stuffed waters, snorkelling scorching spots and luxurious coves aplenty prepared for sailors to drift on in.

The magical Whitsundays had been first visited by Captain Cook 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 are actually notorious for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week and naturally for vacationers travelling on boats, seaplanes, helicopters and kayaks as they discover the limitless dive and swimming places amongst the myriad of islands.

For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores supply a playground of alternatives to take that excellent tropical panorama shot. Having lived on Hayman Island for 5 years I’ve used these particular spots again and again in all seasons and may safely say you received’t go away the Whitsundays with out your individual collection of fantastic pictures.

This vacation spot information is my means of sharing one among my favorite locations on the earth, a set of photogenic experiences and places 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 a number of the greatest images places within the Whitsundays, then proceed scrolling to learn in a little bit extra element about every spot.

High Pictures Areas within the Whitsunday Islands

#1 Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Seashore

Situated on the northern finish of probably the most well-known seashores on the earth, Hill Inlet is an ever-changing swirl of sand that guests can’t get sufficient of. On a excessive tide you’ll discover vibrant blue water winding via the white silica sand shoreline creating what appears like a portray mom nature conjured up in a dream.

Hill Inlet is greatest photographed from the air whether or not or not it’s in a helicopter or seaplane nevertheless there’s additionally a really useful viewing platform situated on a hill above Tongue Bay. The platform offers a surprising view throughout the inlet permitting a vantage level from east to west and loads of area 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 presents a tremendous view and you may take a day tour with Pink Cat Adventures who drop you on the seashore of Tongue Bay and you may then stroll as much as the lookout. When travelling with Pink Cat Adventures you’ll additionally get some seashore time to take in the sand swirls and clear shallow waters of Hill Inlet.

Pictures Tip: If you may get an aerial view it’s often fairly fast so be prepared along with your digital camera settings. Choose for a quick shutter pace so your photographs don’t blur with the motion of the airplane! When photographing from the lookout you may get actually inventive with the composition of the sand patterns so be sure you get a large shot then search out alternate compositions inside 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 excellent form of a love coronary heart, you may’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. Hold a watch out for the massive deep channel which offers a surprising distinction to the shallow turquoise colored reef sections.

Coronary heart Reef Tip:

Should you’re flying with Air Whitsunday seaplanes, the pilot will depend you down so that you’ve acquired time to prepare earlier than you may take a photograph of Coronary heart Reef. Bear in mind to compose the shot with surrounding reef formations and if you happen to’ve acquired time, zoom in, zoom out and attempt to seize as many angles of Coronary heart Reef and the lagoon round it as doable!

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 finances, an alternate means could 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 a terrific alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!

Pictures Tip: Make sure to examine your white steadiness when photographing the reef from the air. If it’s good to add a little bit extra oomph to the vibrance, swap to ‘cloudy’ mode and see what the outcomes are. Should 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.

 

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#3 Airlie Seashore Shoreline

Don’t make the error of basing your self in Airlie Seashore and never exploring a number of the lovely 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 pictures 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 de facto photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and luxurious gardens. That is really a terrific place to remain, the Mantra Boathouse Flats supply views throughout the marina that means you may get up and watch the solar rise over Mandalay to the east.

Should you’ve acquired a couple of hours to spare, the foreshore stroll from the Port of Airlie all the best way round to Cannonvale offers plenty 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 a terrific topic to {photograph}.

There are some new spots which have opened lately, if you happen to’ve acquired a automotive drive round to Northerlies Bar & Grill for superb views trying again in the direction of Airlie Seashore. It’s additionally a really cool place to spend sundown with outside lounges scattered alongside the seashore, video games, scrumptious meals and dwell music.

Getting Right here: Should 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 automotive 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, if you happen to’re planning on photographing golden hour simply remember that you just’ll must arrive a little bit earlier if you happen to’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 a terrific place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.

On the northern facet of the island is Manta Ray Bay which is called 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 presents 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 night time if you happen to’re on a ship.

Getting Right here: Hook Island is greatest explored by boat, you may leap on board the Thundercat with Pink Cat Adventures to snorkel in a number of 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 a terrific distinction in opposition to the ocean. It’s additionally a terrific location to attempt the half beneath/half over water pictures so you may seize the superb reef and fish life in half and the gorgeous rocky island surroundings within the different.

#5 Langford Island

This single strip of sand is kind of the spectacular seashore, a little bit 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 may really 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 obtainable 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 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 if you happen to’re doing a scenic flight to the reef from Whitsunday Airport you’ll little doubt 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, if you happen to’ve acquired a couple of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the everyday seashore photographs by mendacity on the bottom and getting a novel perspective of the fringing waters.

#6 Hamilton Island

Catseye Seashore is among the most iconic scenes within the Whitsundays due to the recognition of Hamilton Island. You possibly can fly direct to Hamilton Island from plenty 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 properties, residences or the luxurious qualia nevertheless if you happen to desire to base your self in Airlie Seashore, it’s additionally doable 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, be sure you rent a buggy so you may 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 Seashore.

Whereas on Hamilton you may 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 if you happen to’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 may 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 high. Don’t neglect to take your underwater digital camera too, the reef at Catseye Seashore is understood for it’s turtles so presents a terrific probability to {photograph} the marine lifetime of the Whitsundays.

Different photogenic spots within the Whitsundays embody…

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 function. There’s a bit of seashore which wraps round and a blowhole seems from beneath the headland…a little bit tough to clarify however one thing nicely well worth the journey all the way down to see in good climate! Take a peek at The Crusing Yogi’s article for extra info and a video, you’ll see why it’s price visiting!

Mandalay Level – simply exterior of Airlie Seashore, Mandalay offers a terrific vantage level to {photograph} sundown because it falls behind Airlie and the encircling mountains. There’s additionally a little bit forest chapel right here which is usually a great spot for portraits.

Shute Harbour – often called a sailor’s haven, Shute Harbour is blessed with the encircling surroundings of Conway Nationwide Park contrasting in opposition to the colorful water which makes for an attractive spot to {photograph}. From Shute Harbour Lion’s Lookout you may 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 plenty of accommodations in Airlie Seashore and I can safely say these are my two favourites on account of their location, consolation and unbelievable views!

Mantra Boathouse Flats

You’ll discover this magnificence situated proper on the Port of Airlie, offering these island vibes earlier than you even go away 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 in 1, 2 and three bed room configurations making them excellent for households or if you happen to’re travelling with associates. There’s absolutely geared up with kitchens, a laundry and spacious balcony, excellent for a morning espresso whereas watching the colors change over the surroundings proper in entrance of your room.

On the Mantra Boathouse Flats 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 examine charges and e book a room on the Boathouse Flats click on right here.

Peninsula Airlie Seashore

Smack bang on the waterfront at Shingley Bay and Abel Level Marina, the Peninsula Airlie Seashore residences are a luxurious selection that don’t disappoint in relation to consolation. Fashionable interiors mix fantastically 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 Flats 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 possibly can go for a 1, 2 or 3 bed room residence relying on how many individuals you’re travelling with or if you happen to’re on the town for an important day, the penthouse would possibly take your fancy. There’s a landscaped pool if you happen to’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 Seashore simply previous some lovely scenic spots.

To examine charges and e book a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seashore click on right here.

When to Go to the Whitsundays?

Effectively, to be trustworthy you may go to 12 months spherical and expertise lovely situations for images, all of it is dependent upon how nicely you deal with humidity. The summer season months from November to March could be fairly humid which implies the possibility of rain is a little bit increased. 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 may swim stinger swimsuit 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 swimsuit 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 e book out shortly although so be sure you plan prematurely.

To {photograph} aerials of the Nice Barrier Reef and particularly Coronary heart Reef and Whitehaven Seashore, it’s greatest to time your go to for a mid-level tide round 11am as a way 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 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 doubt shed a little bit mild on what mild 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 high picks for timings could be wherever between Might – July, then September – November as a way to profit from secure situations earlier than summer season arrives.

Whitsunday Lookout, Hayman Island

For extra info 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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Hiya! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the highway. 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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