Bedarra Island: Rainforest, Beaches and Island History

Bedarra Island is part of the Family Group of Islands. Untouched rainforest and palm-fringed beaches give the island its distinctive character. Bays and reefs also shape the experiences described here: Bedarra Island Resort provides guests with sea kayaks to explore the bays and reefs around the resort. The resort’s rainforest walking trails lead to lookouts or private beaches. Those looking to combine nature on land with experiences on the water can take these different options into account when planning their trip.

Island Nature and Water Experiences

The launch transfer to Bedarra through the Family Islands Group takes 20 to 30 minutes. Sailing is another option for guests of Bedarra Island Resort: they can charter yachts for trips in the surrounding waters and visit the neighbouring islands of Dunk and Timana. Sea kayaking and yacht charters are tied to a stay at the resort; the island therefore offers different ways to experience its bays, reefs and surrounding waters.

Access and anchoring are permitted in the Bedarra and Pee Rahm Ah Islands and Reefs area for vessels no more than 35 metres long. Motorised water sports are permitted in its Intensive Use Areas. Bedarra Island Location 1 is in an Intensive Use Area, where there is no limit on group size. The rules differ at Bedarra Island Location 3: this site is in a Low Use Area, where tourist operations are limited to a maximum of 15 people, including crew. Anyone planning a tourist activity should take these differences between the designated use areas into account.

There are also specific rules to protect the reef. Bedarra Island Reef is listed as Conservation Park Zone CP-17-4045 in an area designated as a Public Appreciation Special Management Area. Spearfishing, commercial collection of aquarium fish, coral harvesting, collecting beachworms and aquaculture are not permitted in this area. The rules therefore differ depending on the use area: motorised water sports are permitted in Intensive Use Areas, while the prohibitions listed above apply in the area that includes the reef.

Traces of Island History

Bedarra Island preserves several distinctive architectural and landscape features. Noel Woods House of Singing Bamboo was a hut built mostly from bamboo. Noel Woods’ house on the island still stands today and has a famous wall of gin bottles. Druitts Cottage also still stands on Bedarra Island. Alongside its rainforest, beaches and reefs, these tangible traces give the island another dimension shaped by people.

Remains of Hurets Garden also survive in the rainforest. The former Hideaway Resort has been abandoned since 1991. The old studio on Bedarra Island lies in a secluded valley among old fruit trees. Local artists Steve and Helen Wiltshire rebuilt it in 1986; the studio has been renovated. The gardens, abandoned resort and studio each tell a different chapter of the island’s history, without needing to be combined into a single itinerary.

Sea Country and Choosing Your Island Experience

The island’s present-day story also includes Great Barrier Reef Safaris’ collaboration with First Nations People. The company continues to work closely with them to implement its Site Stewardship Plan and facilitates several Sea Country visits by the traditional owners of Biagurra (Bedarra Island). The island’s experiences range from rainforest trails and beaches to water activities and a connection with Sea Country and the history of the place. When planning your trip, you might consider whether you want to focus on nature and activity, sailing, or the island’s cultural and historical connections. The best way to find a holiday rental on Bedarra Island is to choose one that suits the aspect that interests you most.

If you’d like to explore other destinations: Somerset, Julatten, Clare, Yeppoon, Colosseum, Byfield, Caravonica and Robina.

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.