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Name: Wilson Island Experience
City, State: Gladstone, Queensland Australia
What's it like?
Robinson Crusoe never had it this good. In 1659, bedraggled and nearly dying of thirst, he dragged himself ashore on a tropical island to an uncertain fate.
Time frame forward to the 21st Century, and there on the beach with a tray of drinks is a resort hostess with a friendly smile awaiting a select group of adventurous castaways to Wilson Island; shimmering like an auditors ink spot in the indigo waters of the Great Barrier Reef, 80km east of Gladstone.
Catering for just 12 guests in designer tents with alluring names such as Serenity, Tranquillity, Isolation and Solitude and with all meals, premium wines, beer and soft drinks included in the package price, all that remains for guests to do is enjoy! From beachcombing (photos only) and tanning on the golden sands to really getting down to understanding the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef by snorkelling over its colourful coral including a huge monolith of porites (boulder) coral, growing in clear water, just 50m offshore.
Dubbed the Uluru of the Pacific Ocean, the boulder is six metres high by eight metres in circumstance, and what is most amazing of all is that, according marine biologists, porites coral grows at just one to three centimetres a year!
The resort is managed and resourced�by Heron Island, about eight nautical miles away by comfortable launch.�The philosophy underlining the Wilson Island Experience was to create an ecologically-sound facility that would ensure the castaway experience was as equal in the comfort and style stakes as it was in the unique opportunities that Wilson Island provided in terms of nature-based island and reef adventures.�
The Wilson Island Experience has parallels with the promotion and publicity of the luxury safari experiences in South Africa.�Wilson Island�has always been a very popular day trip from Heron Island, but managers stressed that�the idea was not intended to expand on the Heron Island business, but more�to add something that was totally different; with a very small number of guests and very intimate atmosphere.
Robinson Crusoe would have had to be dreaming to see the reality of the furnishings that are in place for modern-day castaways. Each high-roofed tent sits on a raised timber floor and is complete with a chief-size bed, and white linen sheets. A timber deck leads down to a secluded beach.�
A separate building houses six shower and dressing areas in addition to toilet and vanity areas.
Central to all is the Longhouse where the two on-site staff prepare gourmet meals, and social discourse is exchanged or the option available to undertake private reading from the library or simple relaxation while listening to a CD from the extensive collection.
A morning buffet is provided with hot breakfasts also cooked to order. Each evening begins with sunset pre-dinner drinks and canapes on the beach. Returning to The Longhouse, guests find the table set for a gathering of friends, music playing, candles lit and the island hosts making final preparations for the evening's dinner party. There is a different theme each evening.
For some guests, little Wilson Island is really big about doing nothing at all!
It offers the ultimate opportunity and location to live the life of 21st century castaway in an environment that is safe and secure.
Robinson Crusoe -�you should have been so lucky!
Travel Access
The Wilson Island Experience is availalbe twice a week, commencing either on a�Thursday or Monday.� It includes two nights' accommodation on Heron Island with all meals and selected activities, three nights' accommodation on Wilson Island with all meals, selected premium Australian wines, beer and soft drinks. Transfers between Heron and Wilson Island are also included. Additional nights on Heron Island can be booked pre and post Wilson Island. Transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island, via catamaran or helicopter for additional cost.
For more information:
Heron Island
Tel +61 7 4972 9055
Wilson Island Experience
- By Tony Walsh
If you know of a great destination we're missing,
review it for us!!
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