The Wilson Island Experience Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Newly opened island experience located on a spectacular Great Barrier Reef Island.

Wilson Island
P&O Australian Resorts New Great Barrier Reef Experience

February 2002 Great Barrier Reef, Australia The opportunity to camp out in style and enjoy spectacular Great Barrier Reef adventures is the once in a lifetime experience provided by P&O Australian Resorts new Holidays with a Difference package -- The Wilson Island Experience launched late 2002.

The remote coral cay, located 8 nautical miles north of Heron Island (a 40 minute boat ride), is both part of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by it, its pristine waters host to unimaginable variety of marine life.

The new Wilson Island Experience will be packaged with pre and post accommodation at Heron Island as a complete 5-night escape that offers seclusion in a setting of unrivalled natural beauty.

Wilson Island will provide a maximum of 12 guests (no children under 16yrs) with access to the pristine reef and beach environments, including turtle and rare bird breeding grounds. Guests on Wilson Island will be able to enjoy exceptional snorkelling, bird watching, island and reef walks, or simply relax within the peaceful natural setting. In season (November -- March) Wilson will offer unparalleled opportunities to view turtle nesting activity and later the emergence of the tiny turtle hatchlings.

Only through extensive liaison with both National and Marine Park authorities and a strong commitment to creating a unique Great Barrier Reef experience has Wilson Island become available to the public --the underlying philosophy to ensure that the Island remains as natural as possible.

Facilities on Wilson Island reflect the unique nature of the coral cay as a National Park within a Marine Park and are designed to exist within a pristine natural environment.

In establishing Wilson Island, the design brief was to create an ecologically-sound facility that would ensure the castaway experience was as equal in the comfort and style stakes as it was in the unique opportunities that Wilson Island provided in terms of nature-based island and reef adventures.

Adhering to the strict requirements of ecological sustainability and falling within the parameters of minimal-impact, Pike Withers (the interior specialists responsible for the chic transformation of the exclusive Bedarra Island) have developed a concept for Wilson Island that allows a limited number of people to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended whilst protecting the unique value of this fragile environment.

Six designer-inspired permanent tent sites have been established on Wilson Island. A separate amenities building houses six shower and dressing areas (one designated for each tent) in addition to toilet and vanity areas. Other features on the island include The Longhouse, a spacious open-sided central complex with dining, lounge and bar facilities.

Wilson facilities are designed to environmental standards and incorporate high-end designer details, with all services and materials meeting the requirements of being non-polluting and self-contained. Solar power and rainwater collection systems are used on the Island with batteries providing lighting in guest accommodation areas. Strict waste management policies also apply.

Guest tents are based on a modern beachcombing theme with interior elements creating a stylish living space that combines simplicity of design with comfort. Each tent has raised timber floors; king-sized beds and a private deck that offers reef views.

The Longhouse - the central guest lounge and dining area - has a spacious open-sided design that features large sun bleached timber poles and an interior in keeping with a relaxed sand and sea theme. The Longhouse will be the social center of Wilson Island, the informal bar and lounge with its library of books, games and CDs inviting guests to interact and unwind, the large dining table creating a casual dinner party atmosphere.

Meals on the island will be dinner party or gourmet picnic in style -- a commitment to freshness, simplicity and variety guiding the menu. A buffet breakfast will be provided with hot breakfasts cooked to order.

Lunch can be enjoyed in The Longhouse with guests choosing from a variety of deli platters or alternatively a picnic basket can be taken to a sandy beach.
The Longhouse becomes the focus for the evening with a three-course meal, fine wine and cheerful conversation enjoyed around a central dining table.

Sunset pre-dinner drinks and canapés are enjoyed on the beach and returning to The Longhouse guests will find the table set for a gathering of friends, music playing, candles lit and the Island Hosts making final preparations for a dinner party. The menu changes daily with the relaxed and leisurely dinner party enjoying a different theme each evening.

A true communion with nature is at the core of the Wilson Island Experience -- to live and enjoy life as a beachcomber. Days can be filled snorkeling and exploring the Island, in-season watching turtles and birds nesting along with the birth of hatchlings, or simply lazing in a hammock and enjoying the views. Diving the local reefs is another option by way of boat charters.

Those that are drawn to the Wilson Island Experience will see the pristine nature of the island, its seclusion and the freedom from modern-day living part of its appeal. Wilson Island is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended.

The Wilson Island Experience is priced at AUD$1,690 per person twin share (no children under 16yrs). The Wilson Island Experience will not be available in February when National Parks closes Wilson Island for the seabird nesting season.

The package commences on Thursdays only and includes 2-nights accommodation on Heron Island (Thursday night and the following Monday night) with all meals and selected activities, 3-nights accommodation on Wilson Island with all meals, selected premium Australian wines, beer and soft drinks. Transfers between Heron and Wilson Island also included. Additional nights on Heron Island can be booked pre and post Wilson Island -- rates from $210 per person twin share. Transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island, via catamaran or helicopter, additional.

For bookings and further information on Heron Island and the Wilson Island Experience, contact P&O Australian Resorts North American reservations office
at 1 800 225 9849. Via the web www.poresorts.com.

All package prices in Australian dollars and valid until 31 March 2003
Media Contact:
Fox Global Communication:
Timothy Fox / Janina Czarnecki 949/851 3144
Foxglobal@earthlink.net

Selected images of Wilson Island are available for download from the media section of the www.poresorts.com website. Image discs provided on request. Media release can also be downloaded from the site.

P&O Australian Resorts offer premium nature-based holiday experiences in some of Australias most spectacular locations. Each property within the Australias Natural Treasures portfolio is a unique window to one of Australias World Heritage Listed areas. P&O Australian Resorts include: Bedarra Island, Lizard Island, Cradle Mountain Lodge, Dunk Island, Heron Island, Wilson Island and Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Spa.

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