Long Island Resorts
Long Island is a quiet, mostly national park island just across the water from the mainland, and an easy first or last stop on a Whitsunday Escape charter. It is home to two small adults-only resorts. Palm Bay Resort welcomes visiting boats, so you can pick up a mooring, then head ashore for dinner, a drink at sunset and a swim in the pool. Further north, Happy Bay is a sheltered overnight anchorage.
The resorts on Long Island
- Palm Bay Resort: a relaxed boutique resort in its own palm-fringed cove, for guests aged 16 and over. Charter guests who book a mooring can use the restaurant, bar and pool.
- Elysian Retreat: a small luxury eco retreat for guests aged 18 and over. It is for in-house guests only and does not take visiting boats or day visitors.
- Happy Bay: the former Long Island Resort here is closed. The bay itself remains a popular anchorage.
Long Island is not a family resort island. If you are sailing with children, plan to anchor rather than visit the resorts.
Mooring at Palm Bay Resort
Palm Bay Resort has moorings for visiting boats. Book directly with the resort before you arrive.
- Moorings: use one of the two outer moorings only. The inner moorings are not available to charter boats.
- Fees: about $100 a night for 2 people, plus $15 per extra person.
- Facilities: restaurant, bar, pool, tennis court, BBQ, guest kitchen and a lounge with games and books.
- How to book: phone the resort on 1300 655 126.
Fees are an indication only and can change. Check with the resort when you book.
Things to do on Long Island
- Dinner at Palm Bay: book a table at the resort restaurant and watch the sunset from the beachfront bar.
- Walk the national park trails: tracks lead from Palm Bay through rainforest to lookouts and quiet beaches.
- Spot the wildlife: look for cockatoos, wallabies and curlews around the resort grounds.
- Paddle board in Happy Bay: calm water makes it a good spot to SUP.
Anchorages on Long Island
- Happy Bay, north-west Long Island: a sheltered overnight anchorage in south-east winds.
- Palm Bay: resort moorings only, booked through Palm Bay Resort.
Best time to visit Long Island
Long Island is warm all year. April to October is the drier season, and Happy Bay and Palm Bay both sit on the sheltered side of the island in the steady south-east trade winds. Long Island’s position close to the mainland makes it a handy first night after your briefing, or a last night before returning to Coral Sea Marina. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit in the water. For more detail, see:
- Phone Palm Bay Resort to book a mooring before you arrive
- Use the outer moorings only at Palm Bay
- Book dinner at the resort restaurant
- Check everyone in your group is 16 or over for Palm Bay
- Pack walking shoes for the national park trails
Frequently Asked Questions
Which resorts are on Long Island? Palm Bay Resort and Elysian Retreat are both open and both adults-only. The former Long Island Resort at Happy Bay is closed.
Can I visit Palm Bay Resort on my charter boat? Yes. Book one of the two outer moorings with the resort, and you can use the restaurant, bar and pool. All guests must be 16 or over.
Can I visit Elysian Retreat by boat? No. Elysian Retreat is for in-house guests aged 18 and over, and does not accept visiting boats or day visitors.
Can I bring children to Long Island? Children are welcome to anchor at Long Island on your charter, but both resorts are adults-only. Palm Bay is 16+ and Elysian is 18+.
Where can I anchor overnight at Long Island? Happy Bay, on the north-west side of the island, is a sheltered anchorage in south-east winds. Your briefing covers the best spots for the forecast.
How much is a mooring at Palm Bay? About $100 a night for 2 people, plus $15 per extra person. Fees can change, so confirm with the resort.
Long Island Resorts
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