Sweeping from Lady Elliott in the southto beyond Haggerstone Island in thenorth are the islands of the GreatBarrier Reef. Some are tiny specks,others little more than sandy cay swirls,crowded with seabirds, whilst severalare densely vegetated and encased inrock. Dip below the surface and you'llfind tufts of brilliant blue, vibrant greenbrain coral and swirling tentacles, thetips of which glow like lights on aChristmas tree. Washed by the warmwaters of the south-west Pacific Oceanthis perfect environment is consideredto be in such pristine condition that it isprotected by the UNESCO WorldHeritage Trust to ensure that its futurebeauty is maintained. Out of 2,000islands less than 20 accommodatevisitors, and standards range fromremote luxury resorts to basic campsites. A handful of our favourites areshown here and under the WhitsundayIslands section on pages 32 and 33.Some of the islands have been chosenfor their privacy, others for thedistinctive nature experience they offer,engaging you in a relaxing yetstimulating stay. Alternatively, you canvisit a number of islands on a cruise orby hiring a yacht.30Lizard Island One of the most northerly islands of the GreatBarrier Reef, this is perhaps also the mostexceptional. Take a picnic hamper and motoriseddinghy to explore one of twenty-four superb beacheswith which the island has been blessed. Anchor off asecluded beach, take a short swim and withinminutes you will be floating over vivid underwatergardens where you can discover giant clams, manya metre long and more than a hundred years old.Renowned for its diving, at the famous 'Cod Hole'you'll come face to face with a massive yet curiouspotato cod swimming right up to inspect you withchildlike curiosity. The rocky, mountainous interior isexcellent for bush walking rewarding you withpanoramic views from 'Cook's Look'. It was here thatCaptain Cook once stood trying to chart a coursethrough the maze of reefs which confronted him.There are four different types of guestroom, from the simple yet elegantly furnished Anchor Bayrooms, set within tropical gardens, to the lavishPavilion Suites perched high above the Coral Sea,which combine privacy with a spectacular wrap-around view of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island andSunset Beach. A private plunge pool, day bed andsecluded beach area complete the picture. Theentire island is a national park and is the ultimateplace in which to relax and unwind, and isconsidered to be one of the most beautifulhideaways in Australia.Dunk Island Known by its first inhabitants as 'Coonanglebah'meaning the 'Island of Peace and Plenty', DunkIsland's first name was far more apt. Whether youwish to soak up the sun on the honey-colouredbeaches flanked by shady palm trees, swim in thetranquil waters or trek into the heart of the island'sdense rainforest searching for colourful wildlife, theisland has something to suit everyone. Anabundance of activities suit families and couplesalike, including a wonderful golf course, a spa andsunset cruises accompanied by the obligatory glassof wine. From the simply furnished Banfield roomsthrough to exclusive Bayview suites, accommodationchoices are available to suit most budgets. DunkIsland is an ideal Barrier Reef base and is right topride itself on being a spectacular tropical island.Great Barrier ReefLizard IslandDunk Island

QUEENSLAND31Heron IslandHeron Island Heron Island is a true coral cay right on the GreatBarrier Reef: here you can swim off the beach intoan endless garden of coral and come face to facewith the heaving kaleidoscope of marine life thatlives just inches below the surface of the water.Heron is also one of the few places where you cantake a guided reef walk to learn more about theunique ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. Green andloggerhead turtles have chosen Heron as theirnesting place from February to March, when femaleturtles can be seen laying their eggs whilst hatchlingscontinue to emerge from their nests. From June toJuly migrating humpback whales can be spottedfrom the beach, and the dense pisonia forests arehome to thousands of curious noddy terns. Beassured that the island's activities follow a strongecological theme and feature a range of wildlifepresentations and workshops. Take your pick from aTurtle room overlooking the gardens, to Heronbeachside suites offering direct beachfront access, orfor the ultimate in privacy, take the Beach House,set in a grove of trees with a private boardwalkleading directly to the beach. There is a relaxedisland lifestyle that sets Heron apart, a sophisticatedyet casual appeal, with an emphasis on discoveringthe natural attractions. HERON ANDWILSON ISLANDsCombine the comfort and style of the sophisticatedresort on magically unspoilt Heron Island with thenatural beauty and seclusion of one of the BarrierReef's most pristine and remote island hideaways ofWilson Island. The coral cays and pristine beachesare home to rare turtles and an unimaginablevariety of marine and bird life, and the perfect basefor snorkelling, swimming, deep dives or simplyrelaxing in the sun.Day 1:Fly to Heron Island where you can relaxfor the rest of the day.Day 2:Transfer to Wilson Island where you willbe welcomed to your castaway islandoverlooking the reef.Day 3:Full day on Wilson Island. Enjoy watchingthe sunset from the beach followed bydinner with your fellow islanders.Day 4:A second day at leisure on this GreatBarrier Reef Island.Day 5:Spend the day on either Heron or WilsonIsland, depending on the tides, thenreturn to Heron Island for the night.Day 6:Depart Heron Island.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Wilson Island This tiny tropical nature lover's paradise, reached byboat from Heron Island, has captured the veryessence of an island escape. As you step out of thedinghy on to a pristine beach you are greeted with asmile, a helping hand and an invitation to lose yourshoes. Year-round this tiny island is a hive of wildlifeactivity; green and loggerhead turtles laying theireggs, humpback whales heading south with theircalves and the constant arrival and departure ofmigratory birds. The island's tropical interior is hometo an array of wildlife and your hosts are happy totake you on a guided walk through the interior oracross the reef. With space for just twelve guests theluxurious walk-in tents blend into the naturallandscape and are surrounded by a divine sweep ofsands. The Longhouse with its 'help yourself'communal bar is the perfect place to meet like-minded travellers in a secluded patch of paradise.Beachfront Suite, Heron IslandGuestroom, Wilson IslandWilson Island