Information to Landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands

Your Images 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 had 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 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 infinite 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 excellent 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 sequence of wonderful photographs.

This vacation spot information is my method of sharing one in all my favorite locations on the earth, a group 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 beneath the celebs.

Map: Whitsunday Islands + Images Areas

Beneath is a map to among the finest images places within the Whitsundays, then proceed scrolling to learn in a bit extra element about every spot.

Prime Images Areas within the Whitsunday Islands

#1 Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Seaside

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 by the white silica sand shoreline creating what seems to be like a portray mom nature conjured up in a dream.

Hill Inlet is finest photographed from the air whether or not or not it’s in a helicopter or seaplane nonetheless there’s additionally a really helpful viewing platform positioned 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 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 is not any comparability to that first sight from the sky. In any other case, the viewing platform nonetheless provides an incredible 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.

Images Tip: If you may get an aerial view it’s often fairly fast so be prepared together with your digital camera settings. Choose for a quick shutter pace so your photographs 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 you’ll want to 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 Seaside 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’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. Preserve an eye fixed out for the massive deep channel which offers a shocking 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. Keep 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 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 best choice but when they’re out of your price range, an alternate method 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 an important alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!

Images Tip: Be sure you verify your white steadiness when photographing the reef from the air. If you want to add a bit extra oomph to the vibrance, change 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 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 admittedly photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and plush gardens. That is really an important place to remain, the Mantra Boathouse Residences provide views throughout the marina which 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 offers a variety of 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 important 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 trying again in direction of Airlie Seaside. It’s additionally a really cool place to spend sundown with out of doors 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.

Images Tip: As a result of the solar units behind the mountains, for those who’re planning on photographing golden hour simply remember that you just’ll have to arrive a bit 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 under and marine life, loads of it! Round Hook Island you’ll discover the peaceable Nara Inlet, house to aboriginal rock artwork and likewise apparently an important place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.

On the northern facet of the island is Manta Ray Bay which is called 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 one in all Hook Island’s most spectacular options, Stonehaven. An enormous rock face looms above a coral stuffed bay that gives a secure haven when the southerly wind is blowing and an important little spot to remain the evening for those who’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 Pink 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.

Images Tip: The rocky outcrops and large pine tree forests round Hook Island make for an important distinction in opposition to the ocean. It’s additionally an important location to strive 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, a bit bit like how most individuals think about paradise minus the palm bushes. One facet is a shallow reef lagoon crammed with sting rays and crabs whereas the opposite facet of the sand financial institution is house 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 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 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!

Images Tip: The reef of Langford hugs intently to the sand financial institution so it’s an important 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, for those who’ve bought a number of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the standard seashore photographs by mendacity on the bottom and getting a singular 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 a variety 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, flats or the luxurious qualia nonetheless for those who desire to base your self in Airlie Seaside, it’s additionally doable 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, you’ll want to 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 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 for those who’re like me, up is rather a lot 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 occasions all through the day. Examine the Cruise Whitsundays web site for present departure occasions for Island Escapes.

Images Tip: Nothing beats sundown from One Tree Hill and there’s additionally a brand new cocktail bar on the high. Don’t overlook to take your underwater digital camera too, the reef at Catseye Seaside is thought for it’s turtles so provides an important likelihood to {photograph} the marine lifetime of the Whitsundays.

Different photogenic spots within the Whitsundays embrace…

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 bit difficult to clarify however one thing properly definitely 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 value visiting!

Mandalay Level – simply outdoors of Airlie Seaside, Mandalay offers an important vantage level to {photograph} sundown because it falls behind Airlie and the encompassing mountains. There’s additionally a bit 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 motels 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 positioned 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 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 for those who’re travelling with pals. There’s absolutely outfitted 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 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 Images Gallery by native photographer Brooke Miles.

To verify 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 flats are a luxurious selection that don’t disappoint on the subject of 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 house away from house, 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 condominium relying on how many individuals you’re travelling with or for those who’re on the town for an important day, the penthouse would possibly take your fancy. There’s a landscaped pool for those who’re eager for a dip and the flats are positioned proper beside the coastal pathway so that you’re capable of stroll into Airlie Seaside simply previous some stunning scenic spots.

To verify charges and ebook a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seaside click on right here.

When to Go to the Whitsundays?

Nicely, to be trustworthy you’ll be able to go to yr spherical and expertise stunning situations for images, all of it depends upon how properly you deal with humidity. The summer season months from November to March will be fairly humid which implies the prospect of rain is a bit 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’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 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 you’ll want 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 to be able to actually seize the sturdy 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 and so they’ll little question shed a 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 high picks for timings can be anyplace between Might – July, then September – November to be able to benefit 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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Good day! 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 highway. 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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