Those that are drawn to the Wilson Island Experience will see the pristine nature of the island, its seclusion and the freedom from modern-day living part of its appeal. Wilson Island is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended. The Wilson Island Experience allows a maximum of 12 guests to access pristine reef and beach environments including rare turtle and bird breeding grounds. Guests on Wilson Island are able to enjoy exceptional snorkelling, bird watching, island and reef walks or simply relaxing within the peaceful natural setting, enjoying the stunning views.

Children under 16 years are not catered for on Wilson Island.

Wilson Island is located just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, approximately 80 kilometres north east off the coast of Gladstone and 15 kilometres from nearby Heron Island. Gladstone is 534 kilometres north of Brisbane and 1183 kilometres south of Cairns. Wilson Island is essentially natural - a divine sweep of caster sugar sands that is home to turtles and birds. This tiny coral cay is both part of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by it, its pristine waters host to an unimaginable variety of marine life including coral and fish.

From welcoming you on Heron Island through to ensuring your every moment on Wilson Island is as you imagined it would be, your Wilson Island Hosts play a vital role in The Wilson Island Experience. Together, Ben and Louise will ensure guests on Wilson Island enjoy a truly wonderful Great Barrier Reef experience.

accommodation

Wilson Island - offers comfortable designer-inspired tented accommodations on six permanent tent sites designed for ultimate comfort, all with reef and ocean views. Wilson Island is packaged with pre and post accommodation at Heron Island as a complete 5-night escape. Solar power allows for hot showers and other creature comforts to be enjoyed in the central amenities building. Each tent has its own designated private shower & dressing area. Toilets and vanities are also located in this building.

Features: Raised Timber Floors King Size Bed with Duvets and Pillows Bedside Tables & Storage Chest Battery-Operated Bedside Lights and Clock Comfortable Deck Chairs Bathrobes Bath Towels Beach Towels Guest Toiletries Umbrella Complete Screening Daily Housekeeping Service

Heron Island Reef Suites - positioned close to the beach, Reef Suites offer filtered reef and water views through a canopy of beachside trees. The living area extends outdoors to a balcony or garden setting, Interiors are light-filled, modern and comfortable.

Features: Balcony or Patio Ceiling Fan Refrigerator Tea & Coffee Making Facilities Beach Towels Clock Radio Iron & Ironing Board Hair Dryers Umbrellas Extra Pillows & Blankets

dining

All meals are included in the package and the menus have a distinctive Australian feel, with a commitment to freshness, simplicity and variety. Breakfast is a tropical buffet, with hot breakfasts cooked to order. Lunch is a delicious smorgasbord which can be enjoyed in the Longhouse, or picnic style on the beach.

Each evening begins with guests enjoying sunset drinks and canapes. Returning to The Longhouse they will find the table set for a dinner party style gathering of friends, with light music playing, candles lit, and the Island Hosts making final preparations for the evening's dinner. The dinner menu changes daily.

Vegetarian options can only be catered for if advance notice is provided. Due to the remote location of Wilson Island, it may not be possible to cater for other special dietary requirements. Please discuss your requirements at the time of booking.

Beverages on Wilson Island - Premium Australian wine, standard and light beer, soft drinks, juices and bottled water are included in the package. Guests can order spirits or other preferred beverages prior to departure from Heron Island. These will be charged to your Heron Island account.

facilities

A Community Tent, with open sides, large comfortable day beds, a selection of magazines and binoculars provides guests the perfect place to relax, chill out, and enjoy the stunning ocean, reef and sunset views!

activities

Relax in a hammock Take a self-guided nature walk Join your Hosts for a guided island or reef walk (upon request) Experience the wonder of watching Green and Loggerhead turtles laying their eggs or their baby hatchlings emerging from their nests (in season) Enjoy world class snorkelling directly off the beach (equipment provided) Discover the night sky as your hosts provide a stargazing talk Watch birds nesting from the comfort of our specially designed bird-hide Re-invent yourself as a 'Beachcomber' Challenge your fellow adventurers to a board game Help yourself to the library of educational books, novels, magazines & CD's

Itinerary

Day 1 - Heron Island

Arrive at Heron Island - a World Heritage Listed coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef.

On Heron Island, you will be met by your Wilson Island hosts, check into your accommodation and then the Island is yours to explore as you wish. In the evening you'll have the chance to meet your fellow Wilson Island adventurers. Your Wilson Island hosts will provide a briefing on the Island and over welcome drinks you can find out all there is to know about Wilson Island including your scheduled departure time. Later, enjoy a three-course dinner at Heron's Shearwater Restaurant.

As Wilson Island is such a carefree destination, you won't need to take a great deal with you. On returning to your room, you will find a Wilson Island Camp Bag ready for you to pack your belongings in - the essentials you'll need for three days of fun. Your Wilson Island Hosts will organise for your Camp Bag to be collected and for your luggage to be securely stored. Your main luggage will be placed in your room when you return to Heron Island on Monday.

Day 2 - Wilson Island

Transfer times to Wilson Island depend on tide, so today's activity options on Heron Island will vary. There may be time for a swim, in-season viewing Turtle nesting on the beach (November to March), followed by a leisurely breakfast and perhaps an Island walk.

Alternatively, there could be a full day's program open to you including lunch either at the restaurant or if you prefer a beach picnic - with a late afternoon boat transfer to Wilson Island.

At Wilson Island, your hosts will show you to your tent - though with wooden floors, a king-sized bed and a verandah that offers uninterrupted reef views it's not your average campground - and the other facilities available to you at Wilson Island including The Longhouse.

Day 3 - Wilson Island

The first full day on your Great Barrier Reef island. Perhaps a morning swim, snorkelling straight off the beach in front of your tent. The rest of the day is open to do as you please. Explore the Island and discover the beaches, find a hammock and laze the day away or perhaps join your hosts on a snorkelling safari to some of the nearby reefs.

Sunset is spectacular on Wilson Island. Join your fellow castaways for sunset drinks either on the beach or in the Sunset Tent and then dinner in The Longhouse awaits.

Wilson Island dinner parties are informal occasions - barefoot if you wish. Each evening the menu has a different theme but flavour some food presented with flair is all a part of the Wilson Island Experience. Large platters of food shared around a long table, wine and good conversation.

After dinner your hosts will take you on evening stargazing walks - if you wish - or in-season, a beachside walk to observe turtle nesting or hatchlings.

Day 4 - Wilson Island

Another day in paradise. Walk around the Island enjoying the fresh morning air, perhaps scout for turtles nesting along the shore (October to March) or walk to the area of the Island known as the 'Flintstone Chairs'. From these naturally carved stone 'chairs' you'll be in the perfect location to watch a dramatic Wilson Island sunrise.

Day 5 - Heron Island

Depending on the tide, you may be able to enjoy a full day on Wilson Island or your transfer to Heron Island may take place early in the day. Your Hosts will advise you on transfer times and how to make the most of your last day on Wilson Island.
This evening you will be back on Heron Island with the full facilities of the resort and its activities program open to you

getting there

Access to Heron Island

Air Connections Via Gladstone with QantasLink. A 30 minute helicopter flight from Gladstone Airport to Heron Island is operated by Marine Helicopters. Baggage allowance for helicopter transfers is limited to one suitcase and one small carry-on item of hand luggage. A limit of 15kg per person applies. Excess luggage storage available at the airport free of charge.

Sea Connections A courtesy coach departs from Gladstone Airport 10.15am daily to Gladstone Marina, to connect with the Heron Island launch service. The launch departs Gladstone Marina at 11.00am and returns at 3.45pm. There are no launch transfers on Christmas day. The launch trip from Gladstone to Heron Island takes approximately 2 hours each way.

Access to Wilson Island

Wilson Island is a 45 minute boat ride from Heron Island. Transfer times between Heron and Wilson Islands at the commencement (Friday) and completion (Monday) of your Wilson Island Experience are subject to tide and weather conditions, and may vary accordingly.

In rare instances of extreme weather conditions, access to Wilson Island may be restricted and as a result of this, P&O Australian Resorts reserves the right to suspend or postpone the Wilson Island Experience due to safety considerations. In these circumstances, alternate accommodation, activities and dining options will be arranged on Heron Island.