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

Coral Princess Cruises If you are finding the choice between each of theGreat Barrier Islands a little difficult, your solutionmay lie in a cruise that links several of the islandsand reefs. Coral Princess is a small ship cruisecompany who offers three, four or seven-nightcruises around the unspoiled reef system betweenCairns, Townsville and Lizard Island. The ships arelarge enough to ensure that your comfort is notcompromised, yet small enough to access reef andisland sites inaccessible to other boats. In thecompany of just 54 passengers the crew will ensurethat your travels through this huge marine park areboth personal and memorable. You are free to do asmuch, or as little as you like. Go snorkelling, take aguided rainforest walk, attend a presentation by theresident marine biologist or simply take the time torelax on deck. 32Hayman,Hayman Island Magnificent surroundings, outstanding cuisine, chicsuites and a distinctive lagoon pool overlook neatlyclipped gardens, waving palms and a long, longstretch of a talcum powder beach. White-washedvillas are scattered amongst the natural setting andthe resort hosts a range of activities that could keepyou occupied for weeks; a rejuvenating spa, watersports galore or a deserted atoll reached only byboat. In this memorable destination the 'Haymanexperience' will leave you feeling fully recharged. THE WHITSUNDAYISLANDSLightening the blue waters in the heart of theBarrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands lie likeemerald gems, ringed by untouched beachesand the pale turquoise of shallow waters, awonderful archipelago of green islands andsandy atolls amongst the world's mostspectacular coral system. The mosaics of coralplatforms, turquoise lagoons and rich bluechannels in this area are some of the mostpristine areas of the entire Great Barrier Reefand with reef names such as Hook, Line, Sinkerand Bait you will be forgiven for thinking thatyou can fish to your heart's content. However,while you can't bring home the myriad of fishthat inhabit the reef, you can get up close andpersonal through your snorkelling mask. Some74 islands make up the Whitsunday Islands andeach coral-fringed island has its own individualappeal. Many are uninhabited and are listed asnational parks, however, a handful have resortsthat offer a multitude of accommodationchoices from budget to five-star luxury;Brampton, Hamilton, Daydream, Long andHayman are just some. All you have to do isdecide if you wish to just sink your feet into theimpossibly white silica sand, swim in thetemperate waters that hug the shore, hikethorough the forest and mountains, see theswirls of creamy sand and coral from ahelicopter or discover a mix of these islands foryourself by chartering a yacht.Coral Princess CruisesHaymanPeppers Palm Bay,Long IslandIn a secluded part of Long Island amidst a grove oftropical palms, the elegant bures of Peppers PalmBay offer an escape far from the crowds, a laid-backhaven perfected by the attention of genuinelyfriendly hosts. Unwind to the soothing sounds ofswishing palms and the lapping lagoon. Feel thewarm sand between your toes, savour fine food andwine. Swim, snorkel and explore hidden bays andrainforest trails or venture beyond the lagoon toexperience the delight of the Great Barrier Reef.Peppers Palm Bay