The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Having access to a private jet will certainly help you to see more of what the reef has to offer. Did you know? There are 900 islands and 2,900 reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef! It is the largest living organism on Earth and can even be seen from space. That means there are a lot of vacation places within the reef to cover. Whether you want to stay at one of more of the mainland port cities for access to the Great Barrier Reef, or get up close and personal to the reef and the Coral Sea by staying on one of the many island resorts, chartering a private jet to your destinations help you get there faster and spend more time with one of the 8 natural wonders of the world.
SCUBA Diving the Great Barrier Reef Photo Credit: ReefCounter.com.au
Great Barrier Reef Photo Credit: Google Maps
5 Main Port Cities on the Barrier Reef
Cape Tribulation Photo Credit: Daintree-rec-com.au
Platypus Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/eungella
Kuranda Scenic Railway Photo Credit: ThingsToDoinCairns.com
There are five main cities on Australia’s east coast of Queensland that are best for accessing the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton each have much to offer on their own in addition to excursions and charters to points of interest on the reef. Each city offers quite a different experience in itself. Port Douglas is in the tropical north and nearby is the Daintree Rainforest, the largest contiguous and oldest rainforest in the world. It is also the only place on the planet where you can see the ocean from a rainforest. Cairns is just south of Port Douglas, and still considered the tropical north. The Kuranda Rainforest is near Cairns and the amazing Skyrail and Scenic Railway should not be missed. Townsville is a metropolitan city, which means there is plenty to do and see. Mackay is home to Eungella National Park, which is one of the best places in the world to see the Platypus. It is also the closest mainland city to the Whitsunday Islands. Rockhampton is close to some very popular dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef and on the mainland Mount Archer National Park, Capricorn Caves, and the Fitzroy River are all waiting to be explored. A private jet charter can take you to any city large or small and you can have the opportunity to see more on your vacation.
Best Destinations on Great Barrier Reef Islands
There are so many options available to you as far as where to stay right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. We will highlight a few of our favorites here. Of course, when you have access to a private jet charter, you can find your own ocean paradise. Enjoy highlights on the Whitsunday Islands, Heron Island, Wilson Island, Lizard Island, Orpheus Island,
Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Island Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Main Lagoon of Daydream Island’s Living Reef Photo Credit: DaydreamIsland.com
Hamilton Island Photo Credit: tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Not too far off the coast of the mainland and in the southern section of the reef is the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsundays are a chain of 74 islands. Some of these islands are worth mentioning because of the sheer beauty and luxurious accommodations available. The combination makes them pretty irresistible. Daydream Island is most well-known for the natural Living Reef that flows through the resort on the island. It allows guests to get up close and personal with the reef’s marine life without being exposed to the great ocean. Hamilton Island has a well-known luxury resort with all the amenities needed for island living in style. Many of the beaches of the Whitsunday Islands are consistently voted the whitest sand beaches in the world.
Heron Island
Sea Turtle Photo Credit: HeronIsland.com
Heron Island Resort Photo Credit: HeronIsland.com
If you are planning to vacation on the Great Barrier Reef, you probably already are a nature lover. However, Heron Island will make you fall even more in love with marine life and the ocean. Heron Island is about 90 km off the coast of Rockhampton. Even though it is a small island, it boasts a beautiful luxury resort that also focuses on extending the beauty of the island the marine animals. Time your visit between September and March so that you can see the Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles lay their eggs on shore or hatching and making their way back to the ocean.
Wilson Island
Wilson Island Photo Credit: WilsonIsland.com
Wilson Island Luxury Tent Accommodations Photo Credit: WilsonIsland.com
If a remote island getaway is your idea of vacation, Wilson Island is the place for you. The accommodations on the island include just 6 luxury tents and a staff of two. Forget about the real world completely because this island is devoid of electronics, television, or telephones. It is safe to say that there will be more birds than people on the island. The waters surrounding Wilson Island are an unspoiled treasure. Friendly turtles will happily swim right alongside you in what is sure to be an unforgettable adventure vacation. Call ahead for reservations as Wilson Island is not open all year round; however, we thought it was still important to mention in our luxury escapes because when it is open, you can book the entire island to yourself and up to 11 guests.
Lizard Island
Lizard Island Photo Credit: LizardIsland.com.au
Lizard Island Aerial View of Blue Lagoon Photo Credit: GreatBarrierReef.org
Lizard Island Resort Photo Credit: LizardIsland.com.au
Lizard Island is the Great Barrier Reef’s northernmost island with a resort. It also has its own airstrip for private jet charters. The island is 150 miles north of the port of Cairns. The island is a protected national park that covers 1,000 hectares. It is names Lizard Island because goannas are found everywhere on the island. The island offers a tropical holiday with excursions on the inner reef and outer reef. You can also snorkel off of a secluded beach, bask in the powdery white sand beaches, and swim in the famous Blue Lagoon.
Orpheus Island
Orpheus Island Coral Sea Infinity Pool Photo Credit: Orpheus.com.au
Orpheus Island Ocean Front Accommodations Photo Credit: Orpheus.com.au
Orpheus Island High End Service Photo Credit: Orpheus.com.au
Orpheus Island is a tropical jungle island paradise about 80 km north of the port of Townsville. The resort is designed for discerning guests who seek a private and secluded getaway. There is a strict policy aimed to reduce the noise levels and foot traffic: no telephones, no television, no day-trippers, and no guests under 15 years old are allowed. The 21 beachfront rooms accommodate a maximum of 42 guests at any given time. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving are popular expeditions on the island; so is exploring the wildlife in the dry sclerophyll forest.
