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 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 provide 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 might safely say you gained’t go away the Whitsundays with out your individual sequence of wonderful pictures.

This vacation spot information is my method of sharing certainly one of my favorite locations on the planet, a set 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 celebs.

Map: Whitsunday Islands + Pictures Areas

Under is a map to a few of the finest pictures areas 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 Seaside

Positioned on the northern finish of one of the vital 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 vivid blue water winding by means of the white silica sand shoreline creating what appears to be like like a portray mom nature conjured up in a dream.

Hill Inlet is finest photographed from the air whether or not it’s in a helicopter or seaplane nevertheless there’s additionally a really helpful viewing platform positioned on a hill above Tongue Bay. The platform gives a surprising view throughout the inlet permitting a vantage level from east to west and loads of house to share with different folks 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 gives an incredible view and you may take a day tour with Crimson Cat Adventures who drop you on the seashore of Tongue Bay and you may then stroll as much as the lookout. When travelling with Crimson 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 normally fairly fast so be prepared together with your digicam settings. Choose for a quick shutter velocity so your pictures don’t blur with the motion of the airplane! When photographing from the lookout you may get actually artistic with the composition of the sand patterns so make sure to get a large shot then hunt down 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 Seaside and the Whitsunday Islands. It’s related 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 excellent form of a love coronary heart, you’ll be able to’t actually get extra photogenic.

When flying over Hardy Reef you’ll additionally move 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 large deep channel which gives 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 rely 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 if you happen to’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 best choice but when they’re out of your price range, an alternate method could 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 wish to see the reef from the air so it’s an incredible alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!

Pictures Tip: You’ll want to verify your white stability when photographing the reef from the air. If you must 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 Seaside Shoreline

Don’t make the error of basing your self in Airlie Seaside and never exploring a few of the lovely 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 basically photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and plush gardens. That is truly an incredible place to remain, the Mantra Boathouse Flats provide views throughout the marina that means you’ll be able to get up and watch the solar rise over Mandalay to the east.

Should you’ve bought a number of hours to spare, the foreshore stroll from the Port of Airlie all the way in which round to Cannonvale gives numerous scenic photograph 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 direction of Cannonvale and makes for an incredible topic to {photograph}.

There are some new spots which have opened just lately, if you happen to’ve bought a automobile drive round to Northerlies Bar & Grill for superb views trying again in 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: Should 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, if you happen to’re planning on photographing golden hour simply remember that you simply’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 under 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 incredible place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.

On the northern facet of the island is Manta Ray Bay which is named top-of-the-line 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 gives 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. A large rock face looms above a coral stuffed bay that gives a protected haven when the southerly wind is blowing and an incredible little spot to remain the night time if you happen to’re on a ship.

Getting Right here: Hook Island is finest explored by boat, you’ll be able to leap on board the Thundercat with Crimson Cat Adventures to snorkel in a few of 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 big pine tree forests round Hook Island make for an incredible distinction towards the ocean. It’s additionally an incredible 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 attractive rocky island surroundings within the different.

#5 Langford Island

This single strip of sand is sort of the spectacular seashore, a little bit bit like how most individuals think about paradise minus the palm bushes. 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 may 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 gives a beautiful distinction towards 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 Seaside, rent a yacht and drive your self to this little gem. You’ll be able to 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 an incredible alternative to {photograph} the feel of the coral towards the sand and blue sky with a half/half underwater shot. In any other case, if you happen to’ve bought a number of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the standard seashore pictures by mendacity on the bottom and getting a novel perspective of the fringing waters.

#6 Hamilton Island

Catseye Seaside is among the most iconic scenes within the Whitsundays due to the recognition of Hamilton Island. You’ll be able to fly direct to Hamilton Island from numerous 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’ll be able to choose to remain on Hamilton in vacation properties, flats or the luxurious qualia nevertheless if you happen to desire to base your self in Airlie Seaside, it’s additionally attainable to easily do a day journey with Cruise Whitsundays. Bounce 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 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 direction of Pentecost Island and past. It’s roughly 1.5hrs a technique and if you happen to’re like me, up is loads 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 Seaside you’ll be able to take a Cruise Whitsundays vessel which depart at numerous occasions all through the day. Verify the Cruise Whitsundays web site for present departure occasions 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 neglect to take your underwater digicam too, the reef at Catseye Seaside is understood for it’s turtles so gives an incredible probability to {photograph} the marine lifetime of the Whitsundays.

Different photogenic spots within the Whitsundays embody…

Maher Island – positioned 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…a little bit difficult to elucidate however one thing properly 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 outdoors of Airlie Seaside, Mandalay gives an incredible 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 generally is 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 towards the colorful water which makes for a ravishing 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 numerous accommodations in Airlie Seaside and I can safely say these are my two favourites as a result of their location, consolation and unimaginable views!

Mantra Boathouse Flats

You’ll discover this magnificence positioned proper on the Port of Airlie, offering these island vibes earlier than you even go away the mainland! The flats are tremendous stylish and have an ethereal, tropical really feel to them with white wood shutters main out to views of palms and turquoise coral seas.

The flats are available 1, 2 and three bed room configurations making them excellent for households or if you happen to’re travelling with pals. 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 courtroom 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 Under Pictures Gallery by native photographer Brooke Miles.

To verify charges and guide a room on the Boathouse Flats click on right here.

Peninsula Airlie Seaside

Smack bang on the waterfront at Shingley Bay and Abel Level Marina, the Peninsula Airlie Seaside flats are a luxurious alternative that don’t disappoint with regards to consolation. Trendy 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 provide 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’ll be able to 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 a special day, the penthouse would possibly take your fancy. There’s a landscaped pool if you happen to’re eager for a dip and the flats are positioned proper beside the coastal pathway so that you’re in a position to stroll into Airlie Seaside simply previous some lovely scenic spots.

To verify charges and guide a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seaside 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 lovely situations for pictures, all of it is dependent upon how properly you deal with humidity. The summer time months from November to March might be fairly humid which implies the prospect 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’ll be able to 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 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 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 Seaside, it’s finest to time your go to for a mid-level tide round 11am as a way to actually seize the robust patterns of the sand and reef formations. It’s finest to keep away from low tide as coral could also be above the floor which doesn’t look nice from the air, whereas a giant excessive tide would possibly 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 doubt shed a little bit gentle on what gentle will probably be finest primarily based on the situations however in any other case, for aerial imagery, late morning tends to work finest to keep away from any nasty glare on the water floor.

My prime picks for timings could be anyplace between Might – July, then September – November as a way to profit from steady situations earlier than summer time arrives.

Whitsunday Lookout, Hayman Island

For extra info 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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With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site 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 world wide.

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