We struck it lucky when our long weekend break at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef became a free upgrade to Wilson Island.
Where? .......... you probably say. And that was also my reaction.
Wilson Island is the exclusive smaller island that is that is connected by a small boat from Heron Island. It seems that they had overbooked as had a function at Heron, therefore offered to move us to Wilson for the evening.
Heron Island is a beautiful island paradise; just an hour and a bit from Gladstone by a fast ferry. It is on the reef and you can snorkel just off the island. There is bird life, turtles and all the marine species that you expect. The food is all included and you have the conflict of eating and then you can't go into the water.
When we transfer to Wilson Island you leave behind all your wallets, iPhones and iPads. They supply a 'wet bag' and ask you to repack a smaller bag - a shirt or two, swimming costumes, wetsuit, sun screen and then you are ready to go.
On boarding our boat we soon understand why the 'wet bag' as there is quite the chop from the waves and the 'splash' effect is evident. It is a 'wet' landing and now I realise that the water shoes we bought, will come into great use. Also the notion of 'exclusive', becomes apparent as there are 4 guests in total.
As we land onto Wilson there is a beautiful white coral beach, with just amazing formations of coral. We are greeted by our chef (Lindsay) and Liaison Manager (Geri). Yes there are 2 staff and 4 guests.
Our beachside hut is named 'rapture'; interesting name.....my first thought is Jurassic Park? Actually rapture means being 'caught up', which is quite the misnomer as at Wilson Island you just drift away.
Each of these beachside huts is facing a private beach and have a great hammock. They are luxurious without being luxury, you soon have a smile on your face that really doesn't go away. There are no phones, TV or power points and the bathroom is centralised.
Lindsay works his magic at a common (longhouse); the first question that I will always remember asking him is 'what time is lunch?'. To which he answers: whenever you like. Lindsay recommends a swim and perhaps lunch at 2pm. They explain the safety aspects of swimming in the front (unpatrolled) beach and that there will be cocktails at sunset at 6:30pm.
Exciting, I trudge onto the white beach -- carefully avoiding the large sharp coral. It is a crystal clear day and the water is a surreal aqua blue. There is no-one else on the beach and it is somewhat erie, as I correct my goggles and have my first look underwater. It is amazing the water is only 1 metre deep and the reef is 2 metres offshore and there are thousands of fish of every colour that you can imagine.
Hint: They don't care that I'm there....it is just intimidating being in such a beautiful world and all alone. Looking underwater to see the teaming life and then above to see a peaceful desolate dry world.
The marine aspects are the highlight of Wilson Island; but a short word about the food. Lindsay has been professionally trained and he takes high quality ingredients and does amazing food. It would not look out of place a fine dining establishments, except you are wearing shorts and flipflops with premium wines.
What is incredible is that there is no technology and you are removed from cell phone and wireless data. Funny I didn't miss this at all and time just passed so slowly.
One day at Wilson feels like 3 days -- it's that good !
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