Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
by Kerri Anderson
Stretching
more than 1200 miles along Australia’s Queensland coast is the Great Barrier
Reef, one of the world’s greatest -- and most famous -- natural wonders.
The greatest single living organism on the planet and the only one visible
from space, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of hundreds of reefs and
almost a thousand islands.
The islands are unique, ranging from large continental islands which were once a part of the mainland and signified by rugged headlands, native bush and long stretches of undeveloped beach, to lush, rainforest-clad retreats with palm-fringed beaches, and tiny coral cays that have formed out of the reef itself and where the reef is literally a step off the beach.
Dotted throughout the waters of the Great Barrier Reef are more than 300 coral cay islands and more than 600 continental islands surrounded by reef. Of these, less than two dozen contain resorts. And of those that do, most are the sole occupant, with the majority of the island preserved in its natural state.
The
key island resorts of the Great Barrier Reef -- Lizard, Dunk, Bedarra,
Hamilton, Hayman and Heron - are as different as night and day, ranging
from intimate, luxurious retreats, to those catering to families and a
variety of budgets, and avid adventurers seeking some of the best diving,
snorkeling and hiking in the world.
With just 40 rooms and an emphasis on privacy and luxury, Lizard Island is the ultimate tropical retreat. As the only accommodation on the island, guests have 2,500 acres of national park - including 24 sandy beaches -- virtually to themselves. A popular pastime is to set off in a motorized dinghy armed with a gourmet picnic hamper in search of a private beach. Lizard offers some of the Reef’s best diving and world-class gamefishing. Children under 10 aren’t catered for. Access is via a one hour charter flight from Cairns.
The
Aboriginal name for Dunk Island is Coonanglebah, “The Island of Peace
and Plenty.” This is exactly what visitors to Dunk will find -- the peace
of a tropical rainforest island, 75% of which is national park, and plenty
to do, including watersports, gym, volleyball, tennis, horseriding, mountain
biking and fishing ? plus exploring the palm-fringed beaches spotting
for the magnificent blue Ulysses butterfly -- the island’s symbol. Dunk
has 146 rooms and caters to couples, singles and families. Access is by
air from Cairns and Townsville.
Exclusive
Bedarra offers the chance for a fortunate few to savor the finer things
in life in their own island hideaway. With just 15 private, freestanding
villas scattered amongst natural rainforest, Bedarra Island is the ultimate
in privacy, peace and relaxation. A range of activities and all meals
and beverages are included, so the hardest decisions guests need to make
is whether to order from the daily menu, request a gourmet picnic hamper
for a secluded beach, or to order something special from the five star
kitchen. Bedarra doesn’t cater to children under 16. Access is via flights
from Cairns to Dunk Island and 15 minute launch transfer to Bedarra.
Whether you’re looking for five star luxury, a top class hotel, or are more budget conscious, Hamilton Island has it all. As one of only a few island resorts in the Whitsundays group, and the only one with a jet airport, Hamilton is the most accessible of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef islands. Hamilton’s village atmosphere offers an array of accommodation types and levels, shops, clubs and restaurants. Access is via daily direct flights from Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney.
Part of the Whitsundays Group, Hayman Island is one of the world’s premier -- and most awarded -- five star island resorts. With a dedication to excellence, the 203 room Hayman Resort emphasizes understated civilization and comfort. Set amidst landscaped gardens and featuring a small but exclusive shopping precinct, five star restaurants, and a wine cellar with over 35,000 bottles, Hayman caters to every whim. Leisure facilities are top class including three swimming pools, an 18 hole putting green, croquet course, health club and spa and a range of water-based activities. Access is via air to Hamilton Island followed by a 45 minute luxury launch transfer.
A
true coral cay where guests literally step straight from the beach onto
the reef, Heron Island is a diver’s dream. Midway between Cairns and Brisbane,
Heron is a tiny national park island whose resort features only 109 rooms.
Guests enjoy superb snorkeling and diving, interpretive reef and nature
walks and the unique opportunity to see giant sea turtles nesting. Migrating
humpback whales can also be seen offshore from June to October. An on-site
dive shop offers lessons and certified dives. Access is via air to the
town of Gladstone followed by a two hour launch trip.
Tropical North Queensland
is just as famous for its Daintree Rainforest as it is for the Great Barrier
Reef. And it is possible to enjoy them both. Combine an island stay with
a rainforest stay at Silky Oaks Lodge. 
Set
in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest on the banks of the Mossman River,
Silky Oaks Lodge guests can experience the world’s oldest living rainforest
with elegance and ease. The Lodge’s 50 individual cabins are set amidst
the rainforest canopy with balconies overlooking the forest and the river.
Each room has an aromatherapy oil burner to add to the feeling of peace
and relaxation. Swim in a natural rock pool and indulge in an Aboriginal
product treatment at the Lodge’s Healing Waters Spa. Silky Oaks Lodge
is a 30 minute drive from Port Douglas.
Travel
writer Kerri Anderson
is based in Los Angeles.
Her email is 
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