Pricing And Reviews
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Accommodation Options
Beachfront Bures & Villas
Wake up steps from the sand in these Balinese-inspired villas with hammocks, outdoor decks, and sweeping views across the Whitsunday Passage. Perfect for couples wanting absolute privacy and that toes-in-the-sand feeling.
Garden & Serenity Bures
Set back among tropical gardens and rainforest, these peaceful villas offer natural privacy and cooling shade. Still just a short stroll to the beach. Great for those who love being surrounded by nature and birdlife.
Hillside Suites
Elevated villas with stunning elevated views over Palm Bay and the Coral Sea. Watch sunsets from your wraparound deck. Ideal for guests wanting panoramic water views and extra privacy.
Luxury Houses
Two-bedroom houses with full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and expansive outdoor areas. Perfect for groups, special celebrations, or those wanting exclusive house-style accommodation on a private island.
Property Information
Distance to Key Locations
Airlie Beach Lagoon
12.1 km by boat (30 min water taxi from Shute Harbour)
Coral Sea Marina
Accessible via Shute Harbour (30 min water taxi + short drive)
Port of Airlie
Accessible via Shute Harbour (30 min water taxi + 10 min drive)
Shute Harbour
1 km by boat (30 min water taxi)
Hamilton Island
Water taxi available (check with resort for timing)
Whitehaven Beach
23.2 km (tour bookings available through resort)
About Palm Bay Resort
Palm Bay Resort sits in a secluded cove on Long Island, the closest island to the mainland in the Whitsundays group. This isn't your typical resort - it's an adults-only escape where you'll actually disconnect (no TVs or WiFi in rooms) and properly unwind. The 25 Balinese-style villas are scattered along a horseshoe bay that's protected from wind, with rainforest rising behind and the Coral Sea stretching out in front.
What makes Palm Bay special is its commitment to simplicity and nature. You'll wake to cockatoos on your deck, kayak in crystal-clear water, and watch wallabies hop past at sunset. The resort has Curlews Restaurant open daily, a beachfront sunset bar, saltwater pool, and a day spa. Most of Long Island is national park with 20 kilometers of bushwalking tracks starting right from the resort. Popular with honeymooners and couples, this is where you come when you want to feel like you've got your own private island.
The resort was featured in the movie Ticket to Paradise with Julia Roberts and George Clooney because of its stunning Bali-like setting. Access is via water taxi from Shute Harbour (30 minutes) or Hamilton Island, which adds to the sense of escaping the everyday. Day tours to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef can be arranged through the resort.
What Guests Are Saying
"This resort is absolutely beautiful, set amongst the tropical plants and animals - you will regularly see wallabies about and friendly cockatoos coming up to you. Our room was a little beach hut set in the sand on the beachfront with the most spectacular view. The horseshoe shape of Palm Bay blocks out the wind so it's just beautiful and still."
- Booking.com
"There is no shortage of things to do with activities like trail walking, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, beach cricket, and an onsite spa. The beachfront bar with a gorgeous view of a Whitsunday sunset was something to remember forever. The swimming pool is fantastic, if not surprising at first with it being salt water!"
- TripAdvisor
"Amazing location on Long Island, felt like we were in Bali or Thailand. Lots of activities to do and mostly helpful and great staff. The views were so stunning from the room and from the main sitting areas. This place is a hidden gem."
- Booking.com
Good to Know
Island Access: You'll need to arrange water taxi transfers at least 48 hours before arrival. There's no regular ferry service - only scheduled water taxi pickups at 10:30am and 4:30pm from Shute Harbour. Factor in extra transfer costs when budgeting.
No WiFi or TV: This is intentional for the digital detox experience. Phone reception works for emergencies, but expect to truly unplug during your stay.
Bring Supplies: The onsite shop has basics and snacks, but stock is limited. Many guests bring extra snacks, water bottles, and any specific items they'll need.
Restaurant Pricing: Meals are around $30 and cocktails about $20. Some guests find this pricey for an island resort, so budget accordingly or bring picnic supplies.
What's Included
The Location
Long Island is the closest Whitsunday island to the mainland - just 1 kilometer off the coast and accessible via a 30-minute water taxi from Shute Harbour. This makes Palm Bay easy to reach while still feeling completely remote and secluded. The island is 9 kilometers long but only 400 meters at its widest point, with most of it protected as national park.
What's Nearby
Palm Bay sits in a sheltered cove with a coral reef just 150 meters offshore - perfect for snorkeling right from the beach. The resort has free use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear, so you can explore the bay at your own pace. Long Island has about 20 kilometers of bushwalking trails through rainforest, including a popular 30-minute walk to Sandy Bay on the island's northwestern side.
From Palm Bay, you're perfectly positioned to take day trips to Whitehaven Beach (bookable through the resort) or the Great Barrier Reef via seaplane or helicopter. Shute Harbour on the mainland is your jumping-off point, which is about 15 minutes' drive from Airlie Beach where you'll find the Airlie Beach Lagoon, Port of Airlie precinct, and all the town's restaurants and cafes.
What You'll See from Your Villa
Beachfront villas look directly across Palm Bay to the Whitsunday Passage, with Hamilton Island visible in the distance. You'll watch boats sailing past, spectacular sunsets, and might spot dolphins or sea turtles from your deck. Expect daily visits from rainbow lorikeets and sulphur-crested cockatoos (they're cheeky but entertaining). Wallabies emerge around sunset and can be spotted throughout the resort grounds. The bay is horseshoe-shaped which blocks wind and keeps the water calm - perfect for kayaking and swimming.
Check-in, Access & Policies
Getting to the Island
Palm Bay is accessible only by boat. You'll need to arrange transfers at least 48 hours in advance. Water taxi from Shute Harbour departs at 10:30am or 4:30pm (30 minutes, $55 per person one way). You can also arrange transfers from Hamilton Island. If these times don't work, private water taxi charters are available for $200 total. Seaplane and helicopter transfers can also be arranged for a premium experience.
If flying into Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), book a shuttle to Shute Harbour - allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. If flying to Hamilton Island Airport, water taxi transfers can be arranged directly to Palm Bay. The resort will help coordinate all transfers when you book.
Important Information
Check-in: 2:00 PM (allow time for water taxi schedule)
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Age Restriction: Adults only - guests must be 16 years or older
No Outside Alcohol: The resort has a fully licensed bar, but outside alcohol is not permitted
Deposit & Policies
A $1 damage deposit is required on arrival by credit card, refunded within 7 days of checkout subject to property inspection. Photo ID and credit card required at check-in. The property charges 1.5% for credit card payments. Cancellation policies vary by room type - check when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there WiFi or phone reception at Palm Bay Resort?
There's no WiFi in the rooms and no TVs - this is by design to help you disconnect and relax. Phone reception does work for calls and basic internet if needed for emergencies. Many guests find this digital detox refreshing, but if you need constant connectivity, this might not be the resort for you.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to the island?
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and many guests do to save on costs. The resort has a small shop with basics, frozen meals, and snacks, but selection is limited. Outside alcohol is not permitted as the resort has a fully licensed bar. Some villas have kitchenettes while others share communal kitchen facilities.
What activities are included?
Free activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling (gear provided including stinger suits), swimming in the pool or beach, and bushwalking on the island's trails. The tennis court is currently not in use. The day spa offers massages and treatments at an additional cost. Tours to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef can be booked through the resort.
How do I get around the Whitsundays from Palm Bay?
Water taxis back to Shute Harbour depart at 8:00am or 11:00am - you'll need to coordinate return trips with your arrival time. From Shute Harbour, you can access Airlie Beach (15 minutes), the Coral Sea Marina, and tour departure points. Day tours to attractions like Whitehaven Beach are best booked through the resort before arrival to avoid disappointment.
Is Palm Bay Resort good value for money?
Beachfront villas cost around $300 per night, which many guests find reasonable for a private island experience. Meals are about $30 and cocktails $20. Add water taxi transfers ($110 return per person) to your budget. While some find restaurant prices high, others appreciate the quality and the fact that everything is on-site. Overall, guests rate it as great value compared to other Whitsunday island resorts, especially for the level of privacy and natural beauty you get.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals since 2001, living and working in the Whitsundays. We know these properties inside out because this is our backyard - we've visited them, talked to guests, and kept up with what's really happening beyond the glossy marketing photos.
Palm Bay Resort is a genuine island escape that delivers on its promise of seclusion and natural beauty. While it's not for everyone (especially if you need WiFi and constant connectivity), it's perfect for couples wanting to properly disconnect. The adults-only policy, Balinese-inspired design, and commitment to keeping things simple make it a standout in the Whitsundays. Just remember to book your water taxi early, bring extra snacks, and embrace the digital detox.
Our goal is to give you honest, practical information so you can make the right choice for your Whitsundays holiday. We cover the good and the not-so-good because you deserve to know what you're really getting. We earn a small commission on bookings at no extra cost to you, which helps keep these guides free and independent.
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