Whitsunday Islands, Australia: Thomas Island

Thomas Island belongs to the Lindeman group of islands, it is found beyond the Whitsunday Passage (South of Lindeman Island). The Island is National Park, and because of its location, it is not often visited by day trippers or charterers. It is however, easily accessible by boat, with safe anchorage on the northern side. Close by to this anchorage, is a sandy beach which leads to a walk across the island and on towards a more rocky beach (there are hundreds of native orchids blooming around November time), this is exposed to the south easterly winds and is fairly inhospitable. Here turtles can often be seen feeding in the ocean waters which are rich with fish.

Thomas Island was formed in a similar way to the other islands in the area. This happened when rising sea levels drowned a mountain range. Thomas Island is also known as Dead Dog Island. This name first appeared on survey charts in 1925, and one assumes that there is a story behind the name.

Camping is possible on Thomas Island, but campers must bring water, a stove (open fires and generators are not allowed) and a good supply of insect repellent. There are few facilities provided and visitors are expected to remove all of their rubbish when they leave.

Remote places in the world like Thomas Island, which still allow visitors, are indeed a precious resource.