Description
Situated 600km north of Cairns, Haggerstone Island is incredibly secluded, unspoilt and private. The interior of the island itself provides a plethora of adventures but it is its location on the Great Barrier Reef that makes it even more special. The largest protected marine park in the world with its lagoons and reefs stretches from its beach, with fantastic snorkelling and swimming.
The five private guest houses at Haggerstone are all completely unique, beautifully made with timber and driftwood, and are placed in different settings with uninterrupted views of the turquoise lagoon and uninhabited islands. The focus here is very much on barefoot luxury and the houses are open plan, airy and have large decked areas. The Tree House has 3 separate buildings with a rope bridge which you cross to reach the bedroom in the tree's canopy. The newly built House Mawu has three bedrooms and is a self contained home with thatched roofs and starlit bathrooms.
The food at Haggerstone Island is the freshest imaginable, with maybe fruit or home made muesli for breakfast, oysters or squid for lunch and lobster barbequed for dinner - all harvested from the island and its surrounds. Food here is fresh, simple and delicious and the sand cay is the ultimate dining area for a candlelit dinner with the waves lapping at your feet.
Days can be spent here enjoying the beach and the calm waters for swimming and snorkeling - two clear lagoons are located just off the shore's edge and have beautiful coral gardens to explore. Birdwatching and beachcombing are other popular activities and the adjacent mainland's beaches provide miles of beach for walking and even 'sandboarding'. Helicopter access is available for some spectacular inland sights, fishing locations, tropical waterfalls and it is an unforgettable opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air.
The hosts Roy and Anna have children of their own so families are more than welcome to this amazing hideaway.
Accommodation
Haggerstone has 4 private guest houses all with hot water, gas cooking facilities, a fridge, mosquito nets and lounge and deck areas. The Beach Hut is made from driftwood, is right on the beach and has a boardwalk leading to the open bathroom. The Kwila Hut & Lagoon Hut have polished teak floorboards, timber shutters and a sundeck with views through the coral trees to the reef. The Tree House is in three buildings joined by a bridge and the newly built 3 bedroom House Mawu is a designer's dream.
Childcare
Haggerstone Island is run by a family with two children and naturally children and families are more than welcome here. There is plenty for kids to do from safe swimming in the lagoons to beachcombing, sand boarding and spear fishing and as everything is so personalised, meals can be adjusted to suit their tastes.
Facilities
Haggerstone Island has little in the way of formal facilities - nature is all you need here. The two lagoons make wonderful natural swimming pools and your hosts are on hand to guide you in anything you need.
Activities
Activities at Haggerstone include snorkelling, skin diving, spear fishing and nature trails. For an additional cost helicopter tours and fishing trips can be organised.
When to travel
Far north Queensland is best visited in the summer months of March through to September. The months of November through to February can see high levels of humidity and tropical storms.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Haggerstone Island, Cape York Peninsula
