Long Island 

The Whitsunday Islands are technically drowned mountains that were once connected to the mainland. Melting ice in the Ice Age created a network of 74 islands, one of which is Long Island. Often described as the prettiest of the Whitsunday islands it boasts stunning azure blue waters and lush tropical gardens and national parks. Beyond the island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Originally named Port Molle, Long Island is just that - 11 kilometres long and no more than 1.5 kilometres wide. The island is in actual fact a national park with 13 kilometres of graded walking tracks leading to beautiful secluded beaches and dense bush areas. Palm and Happy Bay are the nearest safe anchorages to Shute Harbour and therefore a popular spot for yachties.

Long Island is regarded as the budget destination within the Whitsunday Island group. It has a number of resorts which promote themselves as 'getting away from it all' locations.

Things to do

• Trek Long Island National Park - 13km of walking tracks
• Laze away the day at Palm or Happy Bay - safe anchorages
• Circumnavigate the island by foot. It takes 9 hours of walking, hiking and climbing
• Explore Conway National Park
• See the nightly flight of the fruit bats
• Hire snorkels and fins and enjoy the coral reef only 150 metres off shore
• Long Island boasts a comprehensive range of water sports, parasailing, jet skiing, catamaran sailing, glass bottom water bikes, fishing trips & island cruises