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 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 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 limitless dive and swimming places amongst the myriad of islands.
For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores provide 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 time and again in all seasons and may safely say you gained’t go away the Whitsundays with out your individual collection of wonderful pictures.
This vacation spot information is my means of sharing one in every of my favorite locations on this planet, a set of photogenic experiences and places so that you can go to whether or not you’re staying in Airlie Seaside, Hamilton Island or crusing round and sleeping underneath the celebs.
Map: Whitsunday Islands + Pictures Areas
Beneath is a map to a few of the greatest images places within the Whitsundays, then proceed scrolling to learn in a bit of extra element about every spot.
Prime Pictures Areas within the Whitsunday Islands
#1 Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Seaside
Coordinates 20°14’55.2″S 149°01’28.7″E
Positioned on the northern finish of one of the well-known seashores on this planet, 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 by the white silica sand shoreline creating what appears to be like 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 nevertheless there’s additionally a really helpful viewing platform situated on a hill above Tongue Bay. The platform offers a shocking 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: The easiest way to see Hill Inlet is from the air with Air Whitsunday Seaplanes or helicopter, there actually is not 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 Crimson Cat Adventures who drop you on the seaside of Tongue Bay and you may then stroll as much as the lookout. When travelling with Crimson Cat Adventures you’ll additionally get some seaside 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 along with your digicam settings. Choose for a quick shutter pace so your pictures don’t blur with the motion of the aircraft! When photographing from the lookout you may get actually artistic with the composition of the sand patterns so be sure you get a large shot then search out alternate compositions throughout 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 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. Preserve an eye fixed out for the large deep channel which offers a shocking distinction to the shallow turquoise colored reef sections.
Coronary heart Reef Tip:
For those who’re flying with Air Whitsunday seaplanes, the pilot will depend you down so that you’ve obtained 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 obtained 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 funds, an alternate means 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 wish to see the reef from the air so it’s an ideal alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!
Pictures Tip: Make sure to examine your white stability when photographing the reef from the air. If it is advisable add a bit of extra oomph to the vibrance, change to ‘cloudy’ mode and see what the outcomes are. For those who 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
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 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 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 absolutely photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and plush gardens. That is really an ideal place to remain, the Mantra Boathouse Residences provide views throughout the marina which means you may get up and watch the solar rise over Mandalay to the east.
For those who’ve obtained a number of hours to spare, the foreshore stroll from the Port of Airlie all the way in which round to Cannonvale offers plenty 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 an ideal topic to {photograph}.
There are some new spots which have opened just lately, if you happen to’ve obtained a automobile drive round to Northerlies Bar & Grill for wonderful views trying again in the direction of Airlie Seaside. It’s additionally a really cool place to spend sundown with outside lounges scattered alongside the seaside, video games, scrumptious meals and reside music.
Getting Right here: For those who’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 bear in mind that you simply’ll have to arrive a bit of 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
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 under and marine life, loads of it! Round Hook Island you’ll discover the peaceable Nara Inlet, residence to aboriginal rock artwork and in addition apparently an ideal place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.
On the northern aspect 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 provides a peaceful cove for snorkelling and mooring your boat for a lunch cease.
Simply reverse Hayman Island is one in every of Hook Island’s most spectacular options, Stonehaven. A large rock face looms above a coral crammed bay that gives a protected haven when the southerly wind is blowing and an ideal 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 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 large pine tree forests round Hook Island make for an ideal distinction in opposition to the ocean. It’s additionally an ideal location to attempt the half underneath/half over water pictures so you may seize the wonderful reef and fish life in half and the attractive 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 kind of the spectacular seaside, a bit of bit like how most individuals think about paradise minus the palm bushes. One aspect is a shallow reef lagoon full of sting rays and crabs whereas the opposite aspect 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 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 gives 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’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 seaside vacation spot too. Truly if you happen to’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 ideal 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 obtained a number of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the everyday seaside 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 without doubt one of 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 plenty of main cities alongside Australia’s east coast which 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, residences or the luxurious qualia nevertheless if you happen to desire to base your self in Airlie Seaside, it’s additionally doable 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, be sure you rent a buggy so you may 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 Seaside.
Whereas on Hamilton you may chill on the seaside 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 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 may take a Cruise Whitsundays vessel which depart at numerous instances all through the day. Verify 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 neglect to take your underwater digicam too, the reef at Catseye Seaside is understood for it’s turtles so provides an ideal 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 function. There’s a piece of seaside which wraps round and a blowhole seems from beneath the headland…a bit of difficult to clarify however one thing effectively well 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 value visiting!
Mandalay Level – simply outdoors of Airlie Seaside, Mandalay offers an ideal vantage level to {photograph} sundown because it falls behind Airlie and the encompassing mountains. There’s additionally a bit of forest chapel right here which is usually a great place for portraits.
Shute Harbour – often called 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 gorgeous 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 Seaside?
I’ve stayed in fairly plenty of inns in Airlie Seaside and I can safely say these are my two favourites resulting from 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 go away the mainland! The residences 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 residences are available 1, 2 and three bed room configurations making them good for households or if you happen to’re travelling with associates. There’s absolutely 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 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 Beneath Pictures Gallery by native photographer Brooke Miles.
To examine 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 with regards to 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 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 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 Seaside simply previous some lovely scenic spots.
To examine charges and ebook a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seaside click on right here.
When to Go to the Whitsundays?
Properly, to be sincere you may go to yr spherical and expertise lovely situations for images, all of it is determined by how effectively you deal with humidity. The summer time months from November to March could be fairly humid which implies the prospect of rain is a bit of 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 which 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 value 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 rapidly although so be sure you 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 in an effort 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’ll be able to ask any of the pilots and so they’ll little question shed a bit of gentle on what gentle will likely be greatest based mostly 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 anyplace between Might – July, then September – November in an effort to benefit from secure situations earlier than summer time 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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Hiya! 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 web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.