A trip to South Molle Island delivers adventures above and below sea level, and if you’re lucky like Taylor, you might find you’re the only person there! Hello desert island dreams!

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Ngaro people who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spion Kop lookout
  • Mount Jeffery
  • Beachcombing on Sandy Bay

Solo on South Molle Island

At initial glance, the thought of camping on a secluded island is daunting and might even seem impossible. Despite my hesitations, I decided I wanted to start the year with a new adventure, an island getaway with a difference. I wanted wide open spaces and beautiful blue seas.

 

South Molle Island is Where Deserted Island Fantasies Come to Life, Taylor del ponte

 

South Molle Island is part of the Whitsunday Island group off the coast of Queensland. It’s covered in grassy hills, lush forests, and coral reefs. It’s also the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts, with 16km of walking trails, endless snorkelling, and plenty of bays and coves to discover by kayak.

The adventure begins the moment you step foot on the coral sand. I was pleased to see I was the only one camping at Sandy Bay and after a few hikes across the island, I realized I had the whole of South Molle to myself – what a dream!

Summiting Mt Jefferys

The walk up Mt Jefferys is an 8km return track from Sandy Bay. You can find the trailhead in the middle of the bay and follow it up and over the grassy plains to the highest point of the island.

 

South Molle Island is Where Deserted Island Fantasies Come to Life, Taylor del ponte

Hiking trailhead

 

As the track climbs out of the tree line, the view of the surrounding turquoise water is the perfect contrast to the iridescent green of the island.

 

South Molle Island is Where Deserted Island Fantasies Come to Life, Taylor del ponte

Mount Jeffery Summit

 

After returning to camp and making some lunch, I decided to explore below sea level. As the tide went out, I spent a few hours snorkelling in Sandy Bay.

Spion Kop Lookout and Bauer Bay

I spent the next morning enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean. I laid in the sun and read my book on my very own private beach. Today’s hike was over to another part of the island. Using the same trailhead as yesterday, I started my walk to Spion Kop lookout.

The vegetation on this trail is diverse. The track moves across the grassy plains and into a lush rainforest canopy. The view from the lookout is stunning! You can even see the jetty and the dilapidated resort that was destroyed in 2017 Cyclone Debbie.

 

South Molle Island is Where Deserted Island Fantasies Come to Life, Taylor del ponte

Bauer Bay

Snorkelling in Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is a coral haven at low tide, with lots of marine life making their home in the bay. A relaxing paddle or snorkel on the fringe reef was the perfect contrast to the hilly hikes I’d been tramping. It’s best to always snorkel in a way that’s gentle on our oceans by wearing marine shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and never stepping on coral reefs.

 

South Molle Island is Where Deserted Island Fantasies Come to Life, Taylor del ponte

Sandy Bay, my own private beach

Basecamp

There are camping options all over South Molle Island that range from 1-4 tent sites. I chose to stay at Sandy Bay as it was well connected with plenty of hiking routes.

Finding the perfect spot in Sandy Bay is easy with plenty of grass and trees. There are even picnic tables sprinkled across the bay to make your island home more comfortable.

 

South Molle Island is Where Deserted Island Fantasies Come to Life, Taylor del ponte

Sandy Bay Camp

 

There are drop toilets, and one small shelter, but you’ll have to bath in the ocean. Bookings are available online.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Essential Gear

  • Camping gear
  • Water (Scamper Island Transfers can supply)
  • Food
  • Rubbish bag
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Snorkelling gear
  • Runners/hiking boots
  • First aid kit

How To Get There

South Molle is a short 10 minute boat journey off the coast. Don’t have your own vessel? Not to worry, Scamper Island Transfers have you covered. They’ll take you from the mainland and drop you off at your chosen camp spot. They’ll even set you up with enough water for your trip and you can rent camping gear if needed.