South Molle Island is a small 4.5 sq. kilometer island situated just some hours from Airlie Seashore and Shute Harbour.
The island was a preferred vacationer attraction within the 50s and 60s as a result of now deserted Bauer Bay Resort
Molle Island Group
The Molle group of islands are conveniently situated within the coronary heart of the Whitsundays. South Molle is the most important of the 4, with North Molle and Mid Molle simply to the north.
Throughout low tide, the water drops and you’ll be able to stroll throughout to Mid Molle Island.
Daydream Island is situated simply to the West, and was in truth as soon as named West Molle Island. I assume the title did the trick. Daydream continues to be a bustling luxurious hotspot, whereas the remainder are virtually deserted.
Nonetheless, I’ll hopefully persuade you that when you have the means to get there, this island is a a lot better different near Airlie Seashore.
Crusing and Anchorage Data
South Molle Island gives the very best anchorage location for folks crusing or cruising the Whitsunday Island. The most effective anchorage throughout developed South-East commerce winds is on the North finish of South Molle Island, often known as Bauer Bay.
There are a number of buoys on the East facet of this bay. These buoys had been beforehand used for boats wanting entry to the resort.
The most effective anchorage location within the bay is simply beside these buoys. The stretching cliffs of Spion Kop present good safety however can generate some highly effective bullets in excessive winds.
READ THE SAILING LOG OF THE WHITSUNDAYS: SAILING LOG WEEK 3 – SAILING TO SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND
South Molle Island
South Molle Island has three tall factors and is surrounded by hilly grasslands. There are a number of secluded bays with fringing reefs to discover.
Most vacationers and backpackers have a tendency to go straight for Whitsunday and Hamilton Islands. Nonetheless, when you have the time and need a whole tropical island to yourselves, then be sure to stop-by at South Molle Island.
South Molle Island Deserted Resort
The as soon as bustling resort in Bauer Bay is now fully deserted. The South Molle Island resort was destroyed throughout Cyclone Debbie in 2016.
Just a few months prior, throughout the identical yr, the resort was bought to new Chinese language house owners for a complete of $25 million. This included the resort and a land lease.
I’m certain they weren’t too completely happy after being compelled to close down and abandon it. Nonetheless, whereas we had been on South Molle Island, the house owners landed through chopper. We had been instructed that they had been already planning the reconstruction.
Hikes and Bushwalks on South Molle
The resort takes up a big portion of Bauer Bay seaside, nevertheless, the remainder of the Island is Nationwide Park.
There are a number of hikes to take a look at on the island, some stretching to the perspective peaks and others to small, secluded bays.
The terrain is usually grassy hills with pockets of dense rainforest. The QLD Nationwide Parks authority do an awesome job of retaining the tracks open. There are even some previous indicators for mountain bike trails, that are extensive and upkept.
All tracks on the island begin on the Western finish of Bauer Bay Seashore. There are Nationwide Park indicators and weathered hike info boards initially.
Spion Kop Lookout
By far, the spotlight of viewpoints and hikes on South Molle Island is Spion Kop Lookout. It can take you roughly 1-2 hours every method from the seaside to the lookout.
This massive, vertical cliff face stands out from the North-Japanese tip of the island. The rock face is topped with native shrubs and a few lonely pines.
The monitor winds up the again of the deserted resort, by way of dense rainforest and up and over some rolling, grassy hills. The top of the hike has a boardwalk, however you can be rewarded with the very best views on the prime of the rock.
From the highest, you’ll be able to see over Bauer Bay, Center, and North Molle Islands and even over to the mainland. On the opposite facet, you might have sweeping views of Hook Island and Whitsunday Islands.
Balancing Rock Lookout
Balancing rock lookout is one other epic viewpoint situated on South Molle Island. This stroll is far nearer to the resort seaside, taking solely 30-40 minutes to succeed in.
Observe the indicators up and across the bay till you attain a rocky outcrop which you’ll scramble to the highest of. Preserve strolling and climbing across the nook to have views of each Bauer Bay, the resort and Daydream Island on the opposite facet.
Tenting on South Molle Island
Whereas we didn’t camp on the island as we had our boat, there are tenting places on Paddle Bay and Saddle Bay. Nonetheless, take into account that it’s a Nationwide Park and tenting permits and charges do apply.
Try the maps and particulars right here for up-to-date details about tenting on South Molle Island.
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