Whitsunday Islands, Australia: Lindeman Island
Lindeman Island is the most southerly Island of the Whitsunday group; it is 20 miles from the coast. It can be reached by air or boat from Shute Harbour or from Mackay. It can also be reached by Helicopter, air taxi or fast launch (30 minute ride) from Hamilton.Lindeman Island is 690 hectares of beautiful National Park. Almost 20 kilometres of maintained tracks allow bushwalkers to climb Mt Oldfield (212 mitres above sea level), for magnificent views, or stroll through Butterfly Valley. A Queensland Department of the Environment and Heritage brochure (available on the Island) has details of all walks which can take visitors through the golden orchids growing in the mangroves, or through tree covered hills which are home to over 90 species of birds. Many small Islands are dotted around Lindeman, this can make exploring in a dinghy great fun; and good Camping facilities are available on the Island.
The Island was named in 1870 by Captain Bedwell; he named it after his sub-lieutenant, George Lindeman. The Island had remained unsettled by white men until about this time because local Aborigines regarded it as a vital part of their fishing regime and fought battles to protect it. It does however, have the oldest resort of the Whitsunday group, on it. In 1923 Angus Nicholson established a camp for visitors, this has since been up-graded a number of times. It is now Australia’s only Club Med resort, with excellent dining facilities, a 9 hole golf course, Club Med Circus School, many water sports and activities and adult and children’s entertainment.
Lindeman is a wonderful place to stay, the beaches are delightful offering opportunities to snorkel or go oystering. Often dolphins can be seen close by in the clear blue waters, and Humpback Whales can sometimes be spotted from the shore, passing by. Lindeman is the ideal place to relax, and have some fun.