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| Home > Destinations > South Pacific > Australia > Island Resorts |
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One of Australia's greatest attractions is the unique and spectacular Great Barrier Reef, a collection of undersea shoals, reefs and coral cays stretching 1,250 miles to the south from the tip of the Cape York Peninsula. Positioned 50 - 100 miles offshore, the reef protects hundreds of islands against the oceanic waves of the Pacific and the fabulous coral Sea. Several of these islands are home to some of the famous island resorts in the Pacific, while others offer a wider range of accommodations, entertainment and facilities. Here are our favorites:
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Heron Island |
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Declared a National Park in 1943, Heron Island is the only resort located on a coral atoll within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. World famous for it's SCUBA diving and snorkeling, Heron caters to families with quad accommodations, a babysitting service, tennis, reef ecology walks, fishing and more. Witness great green turtles laying eggs and then the incredible race to the sea after hundreds of baby turtles hatch. Offshore, humpback whales breech and migratory birds return to Heron to mate and nest. Explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Heron Island is a natural wonderland awaiting your family's discovery. |
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Lizard Island |
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Australia's northernmost island resort, Lizard Island is renowned for its spectacular diving, world class Black Marlin fishing and unspoiled natural beauty. Located on the Inner Great Barrier Reef, - 240 kilometers north of Cairns - Lizard Island offers a private paradise in an exclusive environment. The 40 room resort is surrounded by national parkland and 24 unspoiled beaches and is a perfect base from which to experience the wonders of North Queensland's underwater world. Located 150 miles northeast of Cairns, Lizard Island is fringed by coral reefs. This small luxury resort is a Mecca for big game anglers and divers alike. |
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Hamilton Island |
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A mountainous island covered with natural vegetation in the heart of the Whitsunday passage, Hamilton offers the largest variety of accommodation of all the great Barrier Reef Islands. Enjoy the largest, most comprehensive resort in the South pacific, located between Queensland's tropical gold coast and the Great Barrier Reef. Activities include SCUBA, snorkeling, fishing, tennis and water skiing. Air service from the mainland to Hamilton is available from most major Australian cities and by launch from Shute Harbor. |
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Hayman Island Resort |
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For those discriminating families that seek only the very highest standards in a resort, Hayman Island is for you. Hayman pampers its guests with true Aussie hospitality and the young ones enjoy the superb KidzClub. All waters sports are offered, as well as tennis and an 9 hole putting green. With 3 swimming pools, a Health Club, six outstanding restaurants, superb service and fine food, it is no wonder that Hayman is the proud winner of the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Award for Best Resort Pacific Rim in 1999 and Best of the Best Resorts & Hotels Worldwide Top 3. Exclusive RASCALS family packages are available. |
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Bedarra Island |
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One of the most beautiful of all the islands, Bedarra is a combination of lush rainforests and white sandy beaches. Guest bungalows, just a few steps from he water's edge, provide each of its 64 guests with balconies, a separate living area and a fully stocked bar. Fish snorkel, windsurf or just drink in the the beauty of the special island. Daily air service is available to the island from Cairns or Townsville. |
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Dunk Island |
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Dunk Island lies a mere three miles off the North Queensland coast and is a perfect vacation spot for singles, couples and families alike. home to a myriad of brilliant butterflies and birds, Dunk also boasts a complete kids' activities program and is one of the only islands of offer gold. SCUBA, fishing sailing and tennis are available. Fly to Dunk from Townsville, or go by launch from Mission Beach, south of Cairns. |
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Great Keppel Island |
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Great Keppel Island Resort caters especially to families, with its Keppel Kids Klub program and a host of activities to please and entertain each family member. Secluded bays, beaches and inlets offer excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving. Launch transfers daily from Roslyn Bay in Rockhampton. |
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Magnetic Island |
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Just 20 minutes from Townsville, Magnetic Island in unique and affordable, a destination for everyone. Enjoy the beaches, accessibility to the reef, hiking and wildlife. |
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Hinchinbrook Island |
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The world's largest island national park, Hinchinbrook is a resort with a difference. No building is over one story, and the average number of guests staying on the island is 30. This island is unspoiled and a naturalist's paradise. Access to Hinchinbrook is by seaplane from Townsville or Cairns, or by launch from Cardwell. |
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