Haggerstone Island, Northern Great Barrier Reef

Location

Haggerstone Island is accessible only by charter flight with the happy by-product of fantastic views of the Reef. Largely uninhabited, the island’s interior is covered mainly by virgin forest, ripe for exploration, while the coastal areas are dominated by untouched beaches.

Accommodation

A real project of love, the resort’s Main House was built over five years when the island was first settled on in 1985. Its timber pole construction and rustic interior set the tone for the retreat’s beach chic style. Accommodation takes the form of three boutique huts and the luxuriant House Mawu. Think timber cladding and thatched or tiled roofs that belie polished, castaway-style interiors. The house is a particular treat with a colossal driftwood centre pole, starlit bathrooms and an open plan living area.

Dining

The resort’s eco-friendly credentials shine through in its excellent cuisine. Seafood is sustainably caught on the day while herbs, fruit and vegetables are handpicked from the resort’s garden. For breakfast, seasonal fruits from the orchard are served with free-range eggs from the resort’s chickens. Even the homemade muesli is flavoured by island coconuts. Lunch consists of the catch of the day, which can be anything from steamed oysters to a squid salad sharpened by citrus flavours. The seafood theme extends into the evening with a range of dishes served to your tastes. All meals are included in the price of the accommodation.

Facilities

Take full advantage of the resort’s access to The Great Barrier Reef with a range of activities to suit all. Haggerstone’s 40 foot boat departs daily for deep sea, river and even spear fishing. Everything from coral trout to giant dogtooth tuna is available to catch, cook and eat. For non-fishers, excellent snorkelling and skin diving can be had both off the beach and off the day yacht, with an 1840s shipwreck a highlight. Alternatively, simply make the most of the islands idyllic beaches and listen to the dawn soundscape of the indigenous birds. Best of all, all activities are complimentary.