Consisting of a national park set in 690ha of pristine natural beauty, Lindeman Island offers a unique setting that is ideal for nature lovers.
The Lindeman Islands National Park protects 14 islands and features a variety of vegetation types including rainforest in sheltered pockets, open forest in drier areas, grasslands and wetlands.
It's easy to explore the island’s diverse flora and fauna and enjoy panoramic hilltop views from the more than 20km (12mi) of bushwalking trails. Stroll through Butterfly Valley or climb Mount Oldfield for 360° views of Pentecost and Hamilton islands.
While seldom visited – since the destruction of the Club Med Resort – Lindeman Island offers safe anchorages in differing wind conditions and good fishing spots. The island's protected bays are excellent for kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, snorkelling and swimming.
Choose from seven gorgeous beaches such as Gap Beach – the perfect spot for snorkelling, with colourful reefs and abundant marine life near the shore.
Watch dolphins from the shore throughout the year and whales from July to November, and try to identify any of the more than 90 species of birds that dart through the trees.
A network of shared walking and mountain bike tracks criss-cross the island passing through rolling grasslands and pockets of rainforest to scenic outlooks. Most walks start from the airfield that once serviced the resort, including…
Mount Oldfield – This moderately graded 7.2km (4.5mi) return walk involves a steady climb through diverse vegetation to Mount Oldfield, with panoramic views from the peak, which sits at 240m (800ft) above sea level.
The return hike should take around three hours 30 minutes to complete.
Coconut Beach – This moderate 5.4km (3.3mi) return track takes you through eucalypt forest to the old resort dam, a great place for bird spotting. The trail then descends to a sandy beach through fringing scrub. Allow two hours to complete.
Coconut Beach – Boat Port Circuit – This moderate 6.5km (4mi) return walk can be taken as a circuit or in separate sections to either Coconut Beach or Boat Port. Allow three hours to complete.
Boat Port – This moderate 5.4km (3.3mi) return trail to Boat Port Beach passes through rainforest, grassland and open forest and offers scenic views, with some steep sections.
Allow three hours to complete this walk, located on the north-west side of Lindeman Island
Gap Beach – This moderate 5.4km (3.3mi) return walk winds through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to emerge at a pebble beach on the northern edge of the island, where you can enjoy scenic views of nearby Pentecost Island. Allow two to three hours to complete the return walk.
Plantation Beach – This easy 4.2km (2.6mi) return walk across mainly grassland winds through some rainforest, emerging at a rocky foreshore and sandy beach on the southern side of the island.
Check tide times before setting out or be prepared to cross a small creek at high tide. Allow two hours 30 minutes to complete the walk.
Severely damaged by Cyclone Yasi in 2011, the resort on Lindeman Island remains closed to visitors.
The only opportunity to stay longer and experience the island at your own pace is to make use of the island's only campsite located at Boat Port, near the north-west point of Lindeman Island.
Camping fees apply and bookings are essential. The quiet campsite, complete with sandy beach is backed by rainforest. Facilities include a picnic table and toilet. The camping area can be reached by boat only at mid to high tides.
Apart from private yacht charter, a ferry to Lindeman Island takes about one hour from either Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island. Scenic seaplanes or helicopter rides can also be arranged.
Latest update: Lindeman Island: 22 November, 2023
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