Long Island Destination Information

Located in a tropical wilderness, Long Island is small, secluded and incredibly beautiful. As the name suggests, its a narrow island, 9km long and 2 km wide although at points (like Fish Bay and Palm Bay) the distance between the western and eastern shores is probably no more than 200-300 metres.

If you are up for a bit of bounty -hunting, there is an old legend on the island about a sunken Spanish galleon off the coast of Long Island. The sternpost and prow of an old timber ship has reputedly been sighted off the coast of the island and claims of coins washed up on shore has given rise to speculation that 'there'd be riches' under the sea.

If you're looking for somewhere totally natural to unwind in peace, this could be the right place. The Island is a national park with 20 kilometres of wonderful walking tracks leading to beautiful secluded beaches and dense bush areas. It's never overrun, as numbers of holiday makers are strictly controlled.

Pieces of eight aside, Long Island offers fantastic diving. There is a local dive shop and dive school, so you can earn your diving accreditations while on holiday.

From the young to the young at heart, couples, families, honeymooners and international guests, Long Island Resort boasts a range of activities to suit everyone.

How to Get There

To reach Long Island, there are regular services from Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island) with a direct travel time by comfortable high speed catamaran of 35 minutes, or fly to Proserpine/Whitsunday Coast Airport, travel by coach to Shute Harbour, and then by ferry to Long Island. There is also the option to take a Helicopter transfer, which is as scenic as it is exhilarating.

Don't forget too...

Pack some walking shoes. The National Park areas of the island have graded walking trails to facilitate easy access to the more remote areas of the island.

Pack a gourmet picnic lunch and motor off in your own boat to explore the many secluded bays and private beaches of Long Island
Go ocean rafting - You'll enjoy swimming, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and bays. Relax on world famous Whitehaven Beach, snorkel at the pristine fringing reef at Border Island (away from the crowds), and take an informative guided walk to the sacred aboriginal cave at Nara Inlet. Plus the thrill of high speed sailing makes for a very exciting day. The focus of Ocean Rafting is on adventure, participation, education and the natural environment, so go ready to get involved!

Treat yourself to a massage. The island boasts a couple of great spas so you should be able to find a Shiatsu or Swedish to suit you.

Go snorkelling. If you are not into scuba diving, you don't have to miss out on the reef action. Long Island boasts coral reef only 150 metres off shore. Snorkels, fins and other equipment is easily available, so you can make your own adventure.