The beach at Club Crocodile

Long Island (see also South Long Island)
Quiet and interesting island close to the mainland in the Whitsunday group.
Geologically the Whitsunday Islands are all drowned mountains. Prior to the last Ice Age they were connected to the mainland and would have all been prominent mountains in the area. The melting of the polar caps drowned the valleys between the mountains creating a network of 74 islands of which only 7 have resort facilities. Beyond the resorts the whole area is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the uninhabited islands are all controlled by National Parks and Wildlife.

The first European to explore the area was Captain James Cook who travelled through the area on his journey up the eastern coast of Australia in 1770. He passed through Whitsunday passage, a narrow channel which lies between the mainland coast, South Molle and Daydream Islands to the west and Dent, Whitsunday, Hook and Hayman Islands to the east, on Sunday 4 June which happened to be Whit Sunday (the seventh Sunday after easter) - hence the name of the area.

Mangroves on Pandanus Bay

Long Island, with the exception of Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge, is regarded as a budget destination. It has a number of resorts which promote themselves as 'getting away from it all' locations. For example the Palm Bay Resort proudly announces 'you won't find loud bands, large groups of people or discotheques.' Located in a tropical wilderness it promotes its smallness and its secluded location as its major attractions. Equally Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge boasts that it is the most secluded resort in the Whitsundays.

The Crocodile Club (previously known as Whitsunday 100 and Contiki Resort) is a far cry from the old (and wild) 18-35 year olds resorts which were famous for their all night dance parties.

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

There is a nice myth (maybe it is fact) 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 this has given rise to speculation. The legend has been further fuelled by stories of an Aboriginal tale about the crew of a ship being wrecked near the island and a local farmer claiming that he had found coins washed up on a beach.

Things to see:  

Beach at Palm Bay Hideaway

Vital Information About the Island
1. The Island Itself
Location
In the heart of the Whitsundays approximately 20 minutes from both Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island

Description of the island
A narrow island which is 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.

How do visitors access it?
Fly to Hamilton Island - launch to Club Crocodile (20 min). There is also a water taxi from Shute Harbour.

Activities on the island
Bush walking, swimming, snorkelling. There is a brochure available from Club Crocodile which details three walking trails from the jetty. There is a 3.5 km circular trail known as the Whitsunday Circuit; the Palm Bay walk which is 2.2 km (one way) and takes about 20 minutes each way; and Sandy Bay Trail which is 5.9 km and lasts about 1.5 hours.

2. Resorts on the Island
Club Crocodile
How big is it?
160 rooms

Who does it appeal to?
Families and the budget minded

How much does it cost?
Room and all meals: (per person/twin share) 5 nights $635 per person per night

Free activities
All non motorised activities

Other activities
Jet skis, mini golf, scuba diving, trips to the Outer Reef

Eating at the resort
All meals included in the standard

Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge
How big is it?
Ten recently completed waterfront cabins located in Paradise Bay, South Long Island. Accommodation for 20.

Who does it appeal to?
People serious about getting away from phones, TV, hair dryers etc

Palm Bay Hideaway
How big is it?
14 beachfront Bungalows with cooking facilities (6 Bures 8 Cabins)

Who does it appeal to?
People who want a real beachcomber experience quiet and secluded

	Resorts
	Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge Long Island QLD 4802 Telephone: (07) 4946 9777 Facsimile: (07) 4946 9777
	Lodges & Chalets
	Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge Long Island QLD 4000 Telephone: (07) 4946 9777 Facsimile: (07) 4946 9777