Information to Landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands

Your Images Information to The Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Within the calm waters of the Coral Sea, a set of 74 Whitsunday islands await guests with their fish crammed waters, snorkelling sizzling spots and plush coves aplenty prepared for sailors to drift on in.

The magical Whitsundays have been first visited by Captain Cook dinner in 1770 when he famous ‘Certainly the entire passage is one continued secure harbour,’ on the morning of Sunday, 3 June. Its glowing seas are actually notorious for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week and naturally for vacationers travelling on boats, seaplanes, helicopters and kayaks as they discover the limitless dive and swimming areas amongst the myriad of islands.

For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores supply a playground of alternatives to take that good tropical panorama shot. Having lived on Hayman Island for 5 years I’ve used these particular spots over and over in all seasons and might safely say you gained’t depart the Whitsundays with out your individual collection of fantastic images.

This vacation spot information is my approach of sharing one among my favorite locations on the earth, a set of photogenic experiences and areas so that you can go to whether or not you’re staying in Airlie Seaside, Hamilton Island or crusing round and sleeping below the celebs.

Map: Whitsunday Islands + Images Areas

Beneath is a map to a number of the greatest images areas within the Whitsundays, then proceed scrolling to learn in somewhat extra element about every spot.

High Images Areas within the Whitsunday Islands

#1 Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Seaside

Situated on the northern finish of one of the crucial well-known seashores on the earth, Hill Inlet is an ever-changing swirl of sand that guests can’t get sufficient of. On a excessive tide you’ll discover brilliant blue water winding by the white silica sand shoreline creating what appears like a portray mom nature conjured up in a dream.

Hill Inlet is greatest photographed from the air whether or not it’s in a helicopter or seaplane nonetheless there’s additionally a really useful viewing platform positioned on a hill above Tongue Bay. The platform gives a shocking view throughout the inlet permitting a vantage level from east to west and loads of area to share with different individuals or discover your favorite angle.

Getting Right here: One of the best ways to see Hill Inlet is from the air with Air Whitsunday Seaplanes or helicopter, there actually is not any comparability to that first sight from the sky. In any other case, the viewing platform nonetheless gives an incredible view and you’ll take a day tour with Crimson Cat Adventures who drop you on the seashore of Tongue Bay and you’ll then stroll as much as the lookout. When travelling with Crimson Cat Adventures you’ll additionally get some seashore time to absorb the sand swirls and clear shallow waters of Hill Inlet.

Images Tip: If you may get an aerial view it’s normally fairly fast so be prepared along with your digital camera settings. Decide for a quick shutter velocity so your photographs don’t blur with the motion of the airplane! When photographing from the lookout you may get actually inventive with the composition of the sand patterns so make sure to get a large shot then hunt down alternate compositions throughout the panorama.

#2 Hardy Reef

Only a tiny spec within the grand panorama of the Nice Barrier Reef, Hardy Reef sits off the coast of Airlie Seaside and the Whitsunday Islands. It’s related compared to different reef lagoons apart from one particular little coral formation…Coronary heart Reef. This chunk of coral sits inside Hardy Reef lagoon within the good form of a love coronary heart, you’ll be able to’t actually get extra photogenic.

When flying over Hardy Reef you’ll additionally cross Bait Reef and Barb Reef providing you an opportunity to check your settings earlier than you arrive to the present stopper. Maintain an eye fixed out for the massive deep channel which gives a shocking distinction to the shallow turquoise colored reef sections.

Coronary heart Reef Tip:

Should you’re flying with Air Whitsunday seaplanes, the pilot will rely you down so that you’ve obtained time to prepare earlier than you’ll be able to take a photograph of Coronary heart Reef. Bear in mind to compose the shot with surrounding reef formations and in the event you’ve obtained time, zoom in, zoom out and attempt to seize as many angles of Coronary heart Reef and the lagoon round it as doable!

Getting Right here: Once more, the air is my tip for seeing this panorama in its full grandeur. Clearly a helicopter or seaplane is your only option but when they’re out of your finances, an alternate approach can be to take a day journey from Airlie Seaside or Hamilton Island with Cruise Whitsundays to the reef pontoon, have a snorkel after which take a 10minute scenic flight from the pontoon. The helicopters are on stand-by ready for guests who need to see the reef from the air so it’s an important alternative to see the spectacular surroundings each underwater and over water!

Images Tip: Make sure to test your white stability when photographing the reef from the air. If it’s worthwhile to add somewhat extra oomph to the vibrance, swap to ‘cloudy’ mode and see what the outcomes are. Should you discover it’s too heat nonetheless, keep on sunny or auto and snap away on the contrasts between the deep blue ocean and shallow reef pockets.

For extra ideas see Photographing Aerials of The Nice Barrier Reef.

 

---

#3 Airlie Seaside Shoreline

Don’t make the error of basing your self in Airlie Seaside and never exploring a number of the lovely spots the mainland has to supply. In downtown Airlie Seaside wander round to the foreshore to {photograph} yachts floating within the turquoise colored water or body your panorama photographs utilizing one of many many palms that line the trail.

Additional alongside there’s Boat Haven and the Port of Airlie, the marina right here is absolutely photogenic, to not point out the Boathouse constructing with its tropical white shutters and plush gardens. That is really an important place to remain, the Mantra Boathouse Flats supply views throughout the marina which means you’ll be able to get up and watch the solar rise over Mandalay to the east.

Should you’ve obtained a couple of hours to spare, the foreshore stroll from the Port of Airlie all the best way round to Cannonvale gives plenty of scenic photograph spots. There’s the Airlie Seaside Lagoon, Coral Sea Resort (simply beside is a beautiful little rocky bay), Abell Level Marina, Shingley Seaside after which a boardwalk which wraps across the rocks in direction of Cannonvale and makes for an important topic to {photograph}.

There are some new spots which have opened not too long ago, in the event you’ve obtained a automotive drive round to Northerlies Bar & Grill for superb views trying again in direction of Airlie Seaside. It’s additionally a really cool place to spend sundown with out of doors lounges scattered alongside the seashore, video games, scrumptious meals and dwell music.

Getting Right here: Should you’re staying in Airlie Seaside, most areas are accessible on foot. To have a bit extra of a glance across the space although, rent your self a automotive and take a drive out to Cedar Creek Falls, Conway Seaside (the place tides exit for miles!), Hideaway Bay and Dingo Seaside.

Images Tip: As a result of the solar units behind the mountains, in the event you’re planning on photographing golden hour simply bear in mind that you just’ll have to arrive somewhat earlier in the event you’re hoping to seize some glow. In any other case, {photograph} the anti-sunset and seize nightfall colors as the autumn over the islands within the distance.

#4 Hook Island

Because the second largest island within the Whitsunday group, Hook Island is dotted with coral coves, rocky outcrops that jut into the clear waters under and marine life, loads of it! Round Hook Island you’ll discover the peaceable Nara Inlet, residence to aboriginal rock artwork and in addition apparently an important place for hammerhead sharks to bear their infants.

On the northern facet of the island is Manta Ray Bay which is called top-of-the-line dive spots within the Whitsundays with underwater valleys and caves together with majestic Manta Rays and Maori Wrasse. Across the nook is Butterfly Bay which gives a relaxed cove for snorkelling and mooring your boat for a lunch cease.

Simply reverse Hayman Island is one among Hook Island’s most spectacular options, Stonehaven. An enormous rock face looms above a coral crammed bay that gives a secure haven when the southerly wind is blowing and an important little spot to remain the night time in the event you’re on a ship.

Getting Right here: Hook Island is greatest explored by boat, you’ll be able to bounce on board the Thundercat with Crimson Cat Adventures to snorkel in a number of the spots talked about above, or rent a yacht and take a couple of days to cruise round your self. In case your arms are up for it take it a step additional and enterprise round on sea kayak with an organization like Salty Canine.

Images Tip: The rocky outcrops and large pine tree forests round Hook Island make for an important distinction towards the ocean. It’s additionally an important location to strive the half below/half over water pictures so you’ll be able to seize the superb reef and fish life in half and the gorgeous rocky island surroundings within the different.

#5 Langford Island

This single strip of sand is sort of the spectacular seashore, somewhat bit like how most individuals think about paradise minus the palm bushes. One facet is a shallow reef lagoon full of sting rays and crabs whereas the opposite facet of the sand financial institution is residence to turtles, vibrant reef fish (together with Nemo) and a string of coral that may have you ever fortunately snorkelling for hours. On low tide you’ll be able to really entry Langford Island which sits on the western finish of the sand financial institution however the spotlight of Langford is the sandy stretch that provides an exquisite distinction towards the waters of the Whitsundays.

Getting Right here: There are public moorings obtainable alongside the reef in entrance of Langford so take a day journey from Airlie Seaside, rent a yacht and drive your self to this little gem. You may skip the water all collectively and bounce in a seaplane or helicopter and fly over it to expertise the colors and contrasts of this final seashore vacation spot too. Really in the event you’re doing a scenic flight to the reef from Whitsunday Airport you’ll little question fly straight excessive!

Images Tip: The reef of Langford hugs carefully to the sand financial institution so it’s an important alternative to {photograph} the feel of the coral towards the sand and blue sky with a half/half underwater shot. In any other case, in the event you’ve obtained a couple of hours to discover Langford attempt to enhance on the everyday seashore photographs by mendacity on the bottom and getting a novel perspective of the fringing waters.

#6 Hamilton Island

Catseye Seaside is likely one of the most iconic scenes within the Whitsundays due to the recognition of Hamilton Island. You may fly direct to Hamilton Island from plenty of main cities alongside Australia’s east coast which means it’ll solely take a couple of minutes to get from airplane to deck chair.

You may decide to remain on Hamilton in vacation houses, residences or the luxurious qualia nonetheless in the event you desire to base your self in Airlie Seaside, it’s additionally doable to easily do a day journey with Cruise Whitsundays. Soar on board a ship round 8am and by 9am you’ll be arriving to the photogenic marina the place cafes and shops line the plush boardwalk.

Over the hill are the place the views await although and for photographers, make sure to rent a buggy so you’ll be able to cruise on as much as One Tree Hill lookout for unbelievable views over the Whitsunday Passage, Whitsunday Island and again in direction of Hamilton Island and Catseye Seaside.

Whereas on Hamilton you’ll be able to chill on the seashore or get adventurous with a hike as much as Passage Peak for views over in direction of Pentecost Island and past. It’s roughly 1.5hrs a method and in the event you’re like me, up is loads slower than down so permit for about 2.5-3hrs all up.

Getting Right here: Both fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia and land at Hamilton Island Airport. In any other case if travelling from Airlie Seaside you’ll be able to take a Cruise Whitsundays vessel which depart at numerous instances all through the day. Verify the Cruise Whitsundays web site for present departure instances for Island Escapes.

Images Tip: Nothing beats sundown from One Tree Hill and there’s additionally a brand new cocktail bar on the high. Don’t neglect to take your underwater digital camera too, the reef at Catseye Seaside is thought for it’s turtles so gives an important likelihood to {photograph} the marine lifetime of the Whitsundays.

Different photogenic spots within the Whitsundays embrace…

Maher Island – positioned throughout the Lindeman Island group which is discovered South of Hamilton Island, Maher is an untouched wilderness providing these crusing with one very particular function. There’s a piece of seashore which wraps round and a blowhole seems from beneath the headland…somewhat tough to clarify however one thing properly definitely worth the journey all the way down to see in good climate! Take a peek at The Crusing Yogi’s article for extra info and a video, you’ll see why it’s value visiting!

Mandalay Level – simply exterior of Airlie Seaside, Mandalay gives an important vantage level to {photograph} sundown because it falls behind Airlie and the encompassing mountains. There’s additionally somewhat forest chapel right here which could be a great place for portraits.

Shute Harbour – often known as a sailor’s haven, Shute Harbour is blessed with the encompassing surroundings of Conway Nationwide Park contrasting towards the colorful water which makes for a lovely spot to {photograph}. From Shute Harbour Lion’s Lookout you’ll be able to see throughout to Lengthy Island and there’s additionally Hamilton, Whitsunday and the Molle Islands within the distance.

The place to Keep in Airlie Seaside?

I’ve stayed in fairly plenty of resorts in Airlie Seaside and I can safely say these are my two favourites resulting from their location, consolation and unbelievable views!

Mantra Boathouse Flats

You’ll discover this magnificence positioned proper on the Port of Airlie, offering these island vibes earlier than you even depart the mainland! The residences are tremendous stylish and have an ethereal, tropical really feel to them with white picket shutters main out to views of palms and turquoise coral seas.

The residences are available 1, 2 and three bed room configurations making them good for households or in the event you’re travelling with mates. There’s absolutely outfitted with kitchens, a laundry and spacious balcony, good for a morning espresso whereas watching the colors change over the surroundings proper in entrance of your room.

On the Mantra Boathouse Flats there’s a really splash worthy swimming pool, full-sized tennis court docket and downstairs you’ll discover the Espresso Membership and Denman’s Cellars amongst different eating places. There’s additionally clothes boutiques and the inspirational Above and Beneath Images Gallery by native photographer Brooke Miles.

To test charges and e book a room on the Boathouse Flats click on right here.

Peninsula Airlie Seaside

Smack bang on the waterfront at Shingley Bay and Abel Level Marina, the Peninsula Airlie Seaside residences are a luxurious alternative that don’t disappoint in terms of consolation. Trendy interiors mix superbly with the colourful waters of Pioneer Bay that are seen from the kitchen, lounge, bedrooms and expansive balcony.

With a sense of full privateness, like your individual little residence away from residence, the Peninsula Flats supply an opportunity to be near all of the facilities of Airlie Seaside, however return to a quiet nook on the finish of the day.

You may go for a 1, 2 or 3 bed room house relying on how many individuals you’re travelling with or in the event you’re on the town for a special day, the penthouse would possibly take your fancy. There’s a landscaped pool in the event you’re eager for a dip and the residences are positioned proper beside the coastal pathway so that you’re capable of stroll into Airlie Seaside simply previous some lovely scenic spots.

To test charges and e book a room on the Peninsula Airlie Seaside click on right here.

When to Go to the Whitsundays?

Effectively, to be sincere you’ll be able to go to yr spherical and expertise lovely circumstances for images, all of it will depend on how properly you deal with humidity. The summer season months from November to March could be fairly humid which suggests the prospect of rain is somewhat increased. In any other case, winter within the Whitsundays is prime time for clear skies, calm seas and there’s additionally no nasty stingers within the water which means you’ll be able to swim stinger go well with free…hooray! It’s suggested to at all times take precautions simply incase the stingers are hanging round so it may be value popping on a stinger go well with for solar safety if nothing else.

Hamilton Island Race Week and Airlie Seaside Race Week happen in August making it a good time to {photograph} some mega yachts that compete in challenges across the islands and thru the Whitsunday Passage. Lodging throughout this era does e book out shortly although so make sure to plan upfront.

To {photograph} aerials of the Nice Barrier Reef and particularly Coronary heart Reef and Whitehaven Seaside, it’s greatest to time your go to for a mid-level tide round 11am so as to actually seize the robust patterns of the sand and reef formations. It’s greatest to keep away from low tide as coral could also be above the floor which doesn’t look nice from the air, whereas an enormous excessive tide would possibly put an excessive amount of water between the floor and the reef. You may ask any of the pilots and so they’ll little question shed somewhat gentle on what gentle shall be greatest primarily based on the circumstances however in any other case, for aerial imagery, late morning tends to work greatest to keep away from any nasty glare on the water floor.

My high picks for timings can be anyplace between Could – July, then September – November so as to benefit from secure circumstances earlier than summer season arrives.

Whitsunday Lookout, Hayman Island

For extra info on all there may be to see and do within the Whitsunday Islands and surrounding area, pop on over to the Tourism Whitsundays web site for some inspiration!

Need to be taught with The Wandering Lens? On-line self-study programs – Uncover your potential as a photographer!

Are you craving a inventive profession, battle to know the place to begin as a photographer and want somewhat steerage?

These inventive programs have been written for you and produce collectively over 17+years of expertise and classes from working within the business. I need to see others share their skills and get revealed, promote prints, discover shoppers – to have the arrogance to attain no matter it’s you need to throughout the subject of images.

My three complete images programs are actually obtainable for self-study enrolments and upon signing up, I’ll be in contact with immediate entry to get you arrange and logged into the educational portal! You’ll obtain entry to each workbook throughout the course program and might work your approach by in whichever order you selected.

Which of the next sounds such as you most?

#1 You need to discover work as a contract journey photographer? The Freelance Journey Photographer Course is open for enrolments! Be taught extra right here.

#2 You want a inventive increase and need to remodel your images? Begin with The three-Week Composition Reset and work by composition and inventive challenges.

#3 You’re eager to begin a enterprise promoting prints? The Print Retailer Launch Pad will information you thru all the course of from curation and logistics to advertising and marketing + gross sales.

Take a peek on the course choices under, in the event you’d like to debate which one will go well with you, ship me an electronic mail by way of good day@thewanderinglens.com and we are able to chat!

Howdy! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.

Loved studying? Share the article!