South Long Island Nature Lodge

South Long Island
Southern section of Long Island where South Long Island Nature Lodge is located.
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.

Today the northern end of Long Island is a budget destination which is easily accessible from Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island. The southern section of this appropriately-named long island - it is 9km long and up to 2km wide (at one point it is only a few hundred metres wide) - is uninhabited wilderness with the notable exception of South Long Island Nature Lodge.

Mangroves on Pandanus Bay

The island itself is 1215 hectares of National Park which is characterised by rugged terrain. There is a path between the two resorts on the northern section of the island but South Long Island Nature Lodge on the southern section of the island can only be reached by aircraft or boat.

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:  

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. The southern section can only be accessed by helicopter, sea plane and boat.

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.

South Long Island Nature Lodge
A secluded island retreat catering for a maximum of ten guests with fine dining, premium Australian wines, and personalized service, in a friendly, homely atmosphere and a spectacular unspoilt natural environment. The all inclusive tariff includes helicopter tours plus private yacht cruises to explore the coral gardens, deserted beaches and unique wildlife of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. A perfect escape for couples and singles seeking a truly unique experience (no single surcharge applies). South Long Island Nature Lodge consists of just ten beautiful waterfront bungalows and an open dining gazebo overlooking the private beach of Paradise Bay - the most secluded and unspoilt location in the Whitsundays. Your private waterfront bungalow is one of only ten on the foreshore surrounded by rainforest .

How big is it?
Ten well appointed waterfront cabins. Accommodation for 10. It is located on a beach at the southern end of Long Island and is surrounded by tropical rainforest. The resort has no day guests and no children under the age of 15.

Who does it appeal to?
This is a genuine environmental/ecotourism experience. It will appeal to people serious about getting away from phones, TV, hair dryers etc

Free activities
The Lodge owns and operates its own 34 foot sailing catamaran and 18 foot power boat, with an experienced local skipper and guide. They are available all day to take guests exploring the dozens of islands, coral gardens & deserted beaches surrounding South Long Island. On one of your days at the Lodge, a helicopter picks you up for a morning of adventure, visiting two of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena - the outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach.

The Great Barrier Reef from the air

Other activities
The "outer reef" of the Great Barrier Reef can be visited by seaplane which can give you an aerial view of the spectacular reef system ­ before landing inside a reef lagoon, where you can snorkel from the plane. This excursion can be arranged at the lodge.

Eating at the resort
All meals included in the standard rates for the resort. A constantly changing menu, created with fresh local produce, including some of the best seafood in the world, can be individually tailored for guests specific tastes and dietary requirements.

How do I get there?
There are daily flights direct from Sydney and Brisbane to Hamilton Island from where a helicopter transfers you to the lodge.

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