Langford Island

Small uninhabited island with famous disappearing sand spit, perfect for snorkelling and beach picnics

About Langford Island

Langford Island is a small uninhabited island located near Hayman Island in the northern Whitsundays, within the Whitsunday Islands National Park. As the 11th smallest island in the Whitsundays, Langford Island is renowned for its distinctive long sand cay that stretches over a kilometre at low tide and almost completely disappears at high tide, earning it the nickname "One Foot Island."

The island sits opposite Hayman Island, just seven minutes away by speedboat, and features a continental island section with tropical vegetation at one end and the spectacular sand spit extending into crystal-clear waters at the other. This unique geographical feature creates the illusion of walking on water when the tide is between low and mid-level, making it one of the most photographed locations in the Whitsundays.

Despite its small size, Langford Island offers exceptional fringing reef snorkelling, a 300-metre bushwalk to a scenic lookout completed in 2018, and is home to two impressive underwater sculptures - Turtle Dream (a 6.5m steel hawksbill turtle) and Anthozoa (a 6m coral polyp sculpture). The island is a Marine National Park Green Zone, providing excellent protection for marine life including green sea turtles that frequently visit the area. The island is uninhabited and remains largely unspoilt, making it a favourite anchorage for sailors and a popular day-trip destination for those seeking a quieter Whitsundays experience.

What to Expect at Langford Island

Langford Island offers a dramatically different experience depending on the tide. At low tide, the sand cay reveals itself as an expansive stretch of pristine white sand perfect for beach picnics, sunbathing, and wading through shallow turquoise waters. As the tide rises, the sand spit gradually becomes submerged, creating the iconic "walking on water" effect that draws visitors from around the world. At high tide, only a small area of sand remains visible, truly living up to its "One Foot Island" nickname.

The fringing reef surrounding Langford Island provides excellent snorkelling opportunities right off the beach. Scattered bommies (coral formations) create an intriguing maze to explore, particularly at the north-western end of the beach where the best diving and snorkelling is found. The shallow waters make this an ideal spot for first-time snorkellers, while the abundant marine life including tropical fish, coral gardens, and frequent green turtle sightings keeps experienced snorkellers engaged.

The island's continental section features native bushland with distinctive Whitsunday Bottle Trees - a near-threatened species found only in this region, which burst into blossom during October and November. A short 300-metre walking track leads to a lookout with stone steps winding through the native vegetation, offering stunning views over the sand spit, Hayman Island, and Hook Island. Visitors should note there are no facilities on the island - no jetties, toilets, or fresh water - making it essential to come prepared with everything needed for the day.

How to Get to Langford Island

By Day Tour

Several day tours from Airlie Beach visit Langford Island, including sailing tours and power boat charters. Most tours departing from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie can include Langford Island as part of a northern Whitsundays itinerary. The island is less commonly visited than Whitehaven Beach, offering a more secluded alternative for travellers who have already experienced the region's most famous attractions.

By Sailing Charter

Langford Island is a favourite anchorage for bareboat charters and crewed sailing vessels exploring the northern Whitsundays. The island offers free moorings and reasonable protection in calm conditions, making it an ideal overnight stop. The position north-east of Airlie Beach provides excellent sailing conditions with typical south-easterly winds. Many overnight sailing tours include Langford Island as part of multi-day itineraries.

By Private Boat

Private vessels can access Langford Island via the sheltered moorings available on a first-come, first-served basis. The island has no jetty construction due to its small size, so visitors must anchor offshore and swim or dinghy to the beach. Overnight mooring is permitted in calm conditions on the approved free moorings, though moderate tidal currents should be expected.

From Hayman Island

Guests staying at Hayman Island Resort can reach Langford Island via speedboat in approximately seven minutes. The resort offers Island Escapade experiences and sunset picnic transfers to Langford Island as part of their activities program.

Things to Do at Langford Island

Nearby Attractions

Essential Information

Best Time to Visit

Langford Island can be visited year-round, though dry season (April-October) offers the most comfortable conditions with calm seas and minimal rain. The sand spit is most impressive at low to mid-tide - check tide times before planning your visit. For photographers seeking the "walking on water" effect, arrive when the tide is rising between low and mid-level. Whitsunday Bottle Trees blossom during October and November, adding extra colour to the island's vegetation.

What to Bring

There are no facilities on Langford Island, so come fully prepared. Essential items include plenty of water (no fresh water available), food and snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, rashie), snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), stinger suit during marine stinger season (November-May), camera for photos, beach towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. For the lookout walk, wear closed shoes with grip as the stone steps can be slippery. Bring all rubbish back with you to maintain the island's pristine condition.

Important Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the Whitsundays

Discover Langford Island and other stunning Whitsundays destinations on sailing tours, day trips, and snorkelling adventures from Airlie Beach.

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