Wilson Island Review: Is This Luxury Island Worth It?

Celebrating a 50th birthday is a big deal, I reckon, and when Simon turned 50, I knew I had to organise something special. Unlike me, who already knows exactly where I want to spend my 50th (hello, Antarctica, better start saving!), Simon had absolutely no idea. I asked him several times, but he genuinely had no preference. I don’t understand that, but there was no chance we’d be doing nothing. Not on my watch!

We both love snorkelling, so when my boss mentioned Wilson Island, I immediately put my investigation cap on. A tiny island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, just a short boat ride from Heron Island, with only a handful of guests and an all-inclusive experience? It sounded perfect.

We’d already visited Heron Island and loved its marine life, so I ran the idea past the birthday boy. He seemed happy enough, and before he could change his mind, I booked it! Since you travel via Heron Island to reach Wilson, we spent a few days there first, saving Wilson for Simon’s actual birthday. And what a brilliant decision that turned out to be.

Arriving on Wilson Island

Our adventure began with a 30-minute boat ride from Heron Island, with around 12 guests on board. I’d seen photos of dolphins accompanying the boat and kept looking for them, but sadly none appeared. The crossing was a little bumpy, though thankfully not enough to make me seasick. Perhaps I was too excited to feel sick for once!

As we approached, the water was so clear we could see the reef below, including the famous bommie we’d later snorkel around. Beyond it was a tiny island fringed by pale sand and blue water. It felt as though we were arriving at our own little slice of paradise. I hadn’t even stepped ashore and was already pretty pleased with my birthday planning.

Staying in a Safari Tent on Wilson Island

Don’t picture a basic camping tent. I’m not sure Simon would have been impressed if I’d booked him a week of roughing it for his 50th! The island’s nine safari-style eco-tents are tucked among vegetation, and ours had lovely ocean glimpses, nesting birds nearby, a comfortable hammock and thoughtful touches such as a bowl for rinsing sandy feet. It was peaceful and beautifully appointed.

There is one catch, though: no ensuite bathrooms. The shared toilets and showers are in a separate amenities building, an arrangement intended to reduce the island’s environmental impact. They were perfectly adequate, but at this price I would have loved a bathroom in our tent. And if you need to pee ten times a night, you might find the walk less charming! For us, it was a compromise worth making.

The All-Inclusive Food and Drinks

One of Wilson Island’s biggest pleasures was not having to think about meals, drinks or bills. There was a proper chef on the island, and the food was delicious, beautifully presented and prepared with our dietary requirements in mind — a noticeable step up from some of our meals on Heron Island.

Breakfast was served in the main dining area, where you could join the communal table or sit separately. Dinner was a lovely three-course meal shared with the other guests. But lunch was our favourite: you could eat in the restaurant, at your tent or wherever you liked on the beach.

Guess which we chose? The beach, of course. Both days! Staff arrived by buggy with our lunch, a picnic blanket, a small table and cushions, then set everything up on the sand. Most guests escaped the midday heat, although two Australian couples had the same idea as us. There was plenty of room, so it still felt almost private.

Sunset canapés could also be enjoyed wherever we wanted. Naturally, we returned to the beach, bubbles in hand. Wine and beer were included, drinks could be brought to our picnic, and there was a fridge where we could help ourselves. Snacks were available all day too, although we were never hungry enough to need them!

The staff also made Simon’s birthday special. Another guest happened to share his birthday, so they decorated the dining area and the daily information blackboard for both of them. We were treated to proper Champagne at sunset, which made our beach celebration even lovelier. Sitting there together, I knew I’d chosen the right place.

Snorkelling on Wilson Island

Snorkelling was one of the main reasons we came, and we certainly enjoyed it. You can walk straight off the beach into the reef, with lovely coral formations, colourful fish and reef sharks. I also saw a turtle on almost every snorkel — which was funny because some other guests, and even a staff member who snorkelled regularly, said they hadn’t seen one. Apparently the turtles liked me!

We didn’t encounter quite the same variety of larger marine life we’d seen around Heron Island. There were no lemon sharks or stingrays during our Wilson snorkels, although we may have seen an eagle ray passing by. I wouldn’t call it the best snorkelling we’ve ever done, but we’re ridiculously spoiled by the places we’ve visited. It’s still wonderful to have such a healthy-looking reef right off the beach.

During our stay, sunrise snorkelling was offered each morning, apart from our last, when the wind picked up. Some mornings getting out of bed was a challenge after the previous night’s all-inclusive drinks. But there’s nothing like an early swim on the Great Barrier Reef to sort out a slightly fuzzy head!

Snorkelling the Famous Wilson Island Bommie

The standout underwater experience was the island’s famous bommie, a huge isolated coral formation that we could already see from the arriving boat. A bommie is essentially a coral outcrop rising from the seabed, creating shelter for fish and other marine life.

From below, it was spectacular. Fish surrounded the formation, and on one visit we even spotted a turtle. Looking up at its sheer size, with life swirling around it, was easily my favourite Wilson Island snorkelling moment.

But please don’t underestimate the swim to reach it. We swam from the beach, following directions given by the staff. At the time, they told us to line up with the paddleboard rack, but that was a few years ago, so don’t rely on our route. Ask staff for current advice about the location, tides and conditions.

Most days the swim was manageable, but once I was swept farther out by a current and we had to kick hard to make it back to shore. It was frightening and a reminder that clear, inviting water doesn’t mean easy conditions. You need to be a confident swimmer, wear fins, stay with a buddy and turn back if conditions aren’t suitable. The bommie is incredible, but no snorkel is worth taking unnecessary risks.

Love snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef? Another of our favourite destinations is Lady Elliot Island, where we’ve enjoyed incredible encounters with manta rays, turtles and reef sharks. It’s another island we’d happily return to again and again!

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards were complimentary during our stay, so naturally we tried both. We each took a paddleboard out above the bommie, and the water was so clear we could see the whole formation beneath us. I have photos that show it beautifully.

We also shared a double clear kayak and paddled around the island. The water clarity was truly out of this world. Check conditions with the staff before setting off, particularly if the wind or current is picking up.

Island Life: Birds, Beaches and No Phone Signal

Wilson Island is even smaller than Heron. We walked around it in about 30 minutes, and that included me stopping for photos every couple of minutes. So you’ll probably be faster!

There were birds nesting in the vegetation and hanging around on the ground. We weren’t there during the busiest nesting period, but they certainly made themselves heard at sunrise.

Our tent looked towards the ocean, and one night we slept with the door open to enjoy the sea breeze. We spent our sunsets on the beach, and with no Wi-Fi or mobile signal, there was no temptation to check messages. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about being completely disconnected, but it was actually wonderful. We snorkelled, paddled, ate, read and simply enjoyed being there. No rush, no crowds, no plans.

How Many Nights Should You Stay?

We stayed three nights. Was that enough? Yes and no! You could walk around the whole island and try its activities in a day, but that’s missing the point. Wilson Island is for slowing down, and I recommend three nights to enjoy the snorkelling, food and relaxation without rushing. I’d happily have stayed longer, although my bank account might have objected!

The weather is another reason to keep your plans flexible. On our departure day the wind picked up and all guests were returned to Heron Island for safety. Luckily, we were due to leave anyway. On a remote coral cay, Mother Nature has the final say, so avoid tight onward connections if you can.

Wilson Island vs Heron Island: Why Not Both?

Which island would I choose? Both! You have to travel via Heron Island to reach Wilson anyway, so if time and budget allow, it makes sense to experience them together.

Heron Island wins for us on larger marine life: turtles, rays and sharks are a big reason we keep going back. Its accommodation, however, has felt rather tired on our visits. Wilson is smaller, more intimate and much more indulgent, with better food, beautiful safari tents and personalised service. The snorkelling is lovely, but for us Heron had more of the big underwater encounters.

They’re different, not competitors. Spend a few days exploring Heron’s reef, then head to Wilson for a special-occasion escape. That’s exactly what we did, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Planning to visit Heron Island too? Read our complete Heron Island guide for more about the accommodation, wildlife and snorkelling.

Is Wilson Island Worth the Money?

Let’s talk about the price. Wilson Island is expensive. Very expensive! From memory, we paid around AUD $1,200 a night, possibly more than we’d spent on our Bora Bora overwater bungalow during our honeymoon. And Wilson doesn’t even have ensuite bathrooms!

So was it worth it? For us, absolutely. You’re not paying for marble bathrooms or fancy resort facilities. You’re paying for an intimate island experience: a handful of guests, excellent food, beach picnics, sunset drinks, reef adventures and the feeling of being far away from everyday life.

We went for Simon’s 50th, and as we left we were already talking about coming back. Then we remembered the price! I’d love to return for another special occasion. Until then, we have three wonderful nights to remember and absolutely no regrets.

How to Get to Wilson Island

Getting to Wilson Island is part of the adventure! This tiny paradise is located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, approximately 80 km off the coast of Gladstone, Queensland.

You can only reach Wilson Island via Heron Island, which is accessible from Gladstone in two ways:

• By boat: The Heron Islander departs Gladstone Marina and takes approximately 2–2.5 hours to reach Heron Island.
• By helicopter: For a more scenic (and expensive!) option, you can take a 30-minute helicopter flight from Gladstone Airport to Heron Island.

Once on Heron Island, it’s another 25–30-minute boat ride to Wilson Island.

Transfers to Wilson Island depend on tides and weather conditions, so it’s important to confirm arrangements when booking.

My recommendation? Since you have to travel via Heron Island anyway, why not spend a few nights there too? That’s exactly what we did, and combining the two islands made our trip even more special!

Best Time to Visit Wilson Island

Wilson Island is a wonderful destination for snorkelling and relaxing, but I’d recommend visiting between May and October, when temperatures are generally more comfortable and conditions are often drier.

If you’re interested in wildlife, November to January is particularly special, as green and loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest, with hatchlings beginning to emerge in January. Of course, sightings are never guaranteed!

One important thing to know is that Wilson Island closes annually from 1 February to 1 April to protect its nesting seabirds and turtles.

Whatever time you visit, remember that boat transfers and water activities are weather-dependent, so a little flexibility is always a good idea.

What to Pack for Wilson Island

Packing for Wilson Island couldn’t be easier. All you really need is your bathers, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and reef shoes.

Bring a few lightweight, comfortable clothes, something casual for dinner and a camera to capture all that incredible marine life.

I’d also recommend seasickness tablets for the boat transfers, especially if you’re anything like me!

There’s absolutely no need to dress up here. Wilson Island is all about barefoot luxury, so pack light, relax and leave the fancy outfits at home!

FAQs About Wilson Island

Is Wilson Island adults-only?

Yes, Wilson Island is an adults-only island retreat, making it ideal for couples looking for a peaceful, romantic escape.

Can you visit Wilson Island on a day trip?

No, Wilson Island is an exclusive overnight experience rather than a day-trip destination. You’ll need to book accommodation to visit.

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile reception on Wilson Island?

No, there’s no Wi-Fi or reliable mobile reception on Wilson Island. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy some peace and quiet!

Do you need to be a good swimmer to enjoy Wilson Island?

Not necessarily. You can enjoy the beaches, wildlife, delicious food and relaxed atmosphere without snorkelling. However, confident swimming ability is important for exploring the reef, particularly the offshore bommie, where currents can be strong.

Read More

Best Things to Do in Cairns and Beyond

Gili Meno Travel Guide: Snorkelling, Turtles & Things to Do