Brampton Island

Twelve coral-and-white-sand beaches encircle Brampton Island; kangaroos, rainbow lorikeets, and butterflies populate the rain forests of its hilly interior. This 1,137-acre island at the southern end of the Whitsunday Passage, 32 km (20 mi) northeast of Mackay and 50 km (31 mi) southeast of Hamilton Island, is one of the prettiest in the area. Most of the island is a designated national park, with seven secluded beaches accessible via walking trails and fringing hard and soft coral reefs sheltering countless marine creatures. Though the resort is lively after dark, the biggest attractions are on and under the water: the snorkeling over the reef between Brampton and the adjoining Carlisle islands is world-class.