Lizard Island: Jewel of the reef. Australia's most northern island resort, and one of the world's most exclusive, most of Lizard Island, which covers about 1012 hectares (2500 acres). is national park.It's the perfect spot to learn scuba diving, too. The Cod Hole on the outer reef is considered one of the world's most spectacular diving sites. Game fishermen come to Lizard from all over the world, especially from August to November, in search of the biggest game fish of all - the Black Marlin. How to get to Lizard Island:270 km (150 miles) north of Cairns, Lizard Island lies in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The connecting flight is a spectacular scenic trip over the coastline and reef. Private and chartered aircraft may land at the island.

Magnetic Island: With 23 spectacular beaches a dramatic coastline studded with magnificent hoop pines, Magnetic Island is the "natural destination" with a wide variety of environmental experiences and attractions.Two thirds of the island is protected National Park that contains over 100 species of prolific birdlife including Bluewing Kookaburras, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and Black Cockatoos. Views from the winding roads or 25km of well designed walking tracks are among the most spectacular in the world. How to get to Magnetic Island Twenty minutes by high speed catamaran, Magnetic Island Ferries leave from Townsville.

Dunk Island:one of the most tropical on the Barrier Reef in terms of its lush vegetation, Dunk Island is about 160 km (100 miles) north of Townsville and 120 km (75 miles) south of Cairns. A birdwatcher's paradise, Dunk Island is also the home of the stunning Ulysser Butterfly, which is the island's symbol. A catamaran operates daily to the outer reef just 50 minutes away. At Beaver Cay you can snorkel or view coral gardens and marine life from a glass bottomed boat or semi-submersible craft. The scuba diving is fantastic. The fishing around the island is great or charter a boat for the big ones. Spanish Mackerel and Barracuda are plentiful as are Coral Trout, Sweet Lip and Trevally. How to get to Dunk Island. You have a choice of options. There are daily flights from Townsville and Cairns or travel by launch operating from Mission Beach. A regular ferry operates from Clump Point Jetty and water taxis operate from South Mission Beach and Wongalina Beach.

Bedarra Island: Most of the time you'll think you have the whole island to Yourself because there's only thirty-two guests in each of the two resorts tucked away at either end of the island. There's a fantastic variety of plant and animal life. Walking from one end of the island to the other, a good stroll of about 1.6 km (a mile) is particularly rewarding. Especially since no matter which resort you're staying in, you're always welcome to drop in at the other for drinks or lunch. How to get to Bedarra Island. Access to Bedarra is via a 45 minute flight to Dunk Island and then by motor launch. If you're travelling by road, head for Mission Beach and then take a water taxi or small hovercraft to Dunk Island.

Hayman Island: At Hayman you get the best of both worlds, magnificent luxury and the natural beauty of a tropical paradise. A quite mountainous continental island mainly covered with eucalypt and Hoop Pine, Hayman offers you a feast for your eyes on any one of many bushwalks. These include idyllic deserted beaches. Hayman is close to the outer reef which is easily accessed by cruiser or helicopter for coral viewing and diving. Keen fishermen and divers will appreciate the many yachts and charters. One trip that shouldn't be missed is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Big game fishermen come to Hayman in the months of September, October and November in search of Black Marlin. How to get to Hayman Island. Departures daily from Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns , Melbourne or Sydney to nearby Hamilton island airport, then a one hour trip in the very luxurious Sun Goddess cruiser.

Hamilton Island:Located in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, about 900 km (560 miles) north of Brisbane, Hamilton Island is a haven for Australians and a host of overseas visitors. Hamilton is the only Queensland island with a modern jet airport. The whole island is a world class resort and includes a village of boutique shops, eight swimming pools and nine restaurants from light snacks to fine dining at the Outrigger. Hamilton Island has fringing coral reef, with the best snorkelling and diving at Catseye Beach. You can also visit the Outer Reef by high speed catamaran or helicopter. Hardy Reef is a particularly popular spot for diving or reef viewing. How to get to Hamilton lsland. Fly direct to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns Townsville, Melbourne, Sydney, or Ayres Rock. The island's own catamaran departs twice daily from Shute Harbour.

Average Monthly Rainfall & Maximum and Minimum Temperatures Climate:Casual lightweight clothing is suitable for climate in this area with something a little more dressy for the evening. The region is blessed with warm weather most of the year, so a swimsuit, sunscreen and hat are an essential addition to the holiday wardrobe. Pack comfortable shoes for walking, and a light sweater for winter evenings.