South Molle Island Guide
Right in the heart of the Whitsundays, visitors will find the dreamy South Molle Island - an underrated gem bursting with natural beauty, bushwalks, and breathtaking views. Part of the protected Molle Islands National Park, South Molle offers a more peaceful alternative to the busier island resorts. Think quiet beaches, impressive fringing coral reefs, and epic lookouts without the crowds. Here’s everything you need to know about this secluded island paradise - plus the best tours that’ll get you there.
Where is South Molle Island?
South Molle Island is one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands off the central coast of Queensland. It is the largest of the Molle Group of islands and can be found nestled between Daydream Island and the mainland, making it the perfect scenic stop on many sailing adventures. Even if you’re not stopping at South Molle on your tour, you’re likely to spot it from your boat as it glides along the Whitsunday passage.
How to get to South Molle Island
Unlike its neighbour Daydream Island, South Molle Island isn’t serviced by a public ferry. The only way to reach this secluded island is by boat - either on a private charter, a sailing adventure, or an island camping excursion.
Most overnight sailing tours pass by the Molle Islands, and some even anchor nearby for snorkelling and sightseeing. But if you’re interested in exploring the island itself, your best bet is to book a private boat charter from Airlie Beach, which can be customised to your liking. Enjoy the island, its hidden bays, and its spectacular lookouts at your leisure!
Alternatively, book an island camping experience and spend a night on South Molle, granting you even more time to explore at your own pace. If South Molle Island is a priority for you, be sure to chat with one of our friendly travel experts before booking a tour.
Things to do on South Molle Island
If you do book a Whitsundays tour that grants you access to and ample time on South Molle Island, here are just a few activities we would recommend adding to your itinerary.
Hike to Spion Kop Lookout
One of the island’s best attractiongs is the hike to Spion Kop, a scenic lookout that rewards visitors with sweeping views over the surrounding Whitsunday islands, as well as the gorgeous turquoise waters. Winding through native bushland and towering trees, this easy-to-moderate walk is a comfortable 4km return. Get this walk in early in the morning or save it for the late afternoon to avoid the peak Whitsunday heat.
Snorkel and swim in the calm waters
South Molle Island is surrounded by spectacular coral reefs and calm, comfortable waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and swimming. Access to nearby snorkel spots typically depends on conditions and tides, some sailing tours tend to stop nearby for some reef exploration. Look out for vibrant coral gardens, colourful reef fish, and the occasional sea turtle or stingray gliding through the shallows. It's worth noting thagt there are no rental facilities on South Molle Island, so if you wish to explore the fringing reef, you'll need to bring your own snorkel or join a guided tour that includes the right equipment.
Explore the island's history
Did you know that South Molle Island was once home to a popular resort? Today, the island is quiet and mostly uninhabited, and its former resort buildings sit abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Amongst the untouched natural beauty of the walking trails and beaches, why not spend some time wandering through the old resort to get a fascinating, albeit slightly eerie, feel for this island's history.
Enjoy tranquil beach time
If you’re in the mood for some quiet time on the beach, South Molle delivers. Paddle Bay, Balancing Rock Bay, and Bauer Bay are some of the island's peaceful stretches of sand where you can swim, sunbake, or enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch surrounded by nothing but nature and sea breeze. As the island is mostly uninhabited, it's unusual to share the beaches here with anyone else - making it the perfect spot for anyone seeking solitude or a romantic escape.
Can you stay on South Molle Island?
As mentioned above, the only resort that was ever built on South Molle Island has been closed for years. This means that the only way to stay on this particular island is by camping, which is allowed in designated areas - as long as you have the right permit!
The easiest way to do this is by booking a South Molle Island Camping Transfer. This convenient transfer service includes return boat transport from Airlie Beach to South Molle, and even camping gear if you don't have your own. As mentioned earlier, there are no facilities on South Molle Island, so campers will need to bring everything they might need, including water, food, and waste bags. In exchange, these visitors get to enjoy a pristine, crowd-free island with starlit skies, tranquil waters, and a private morning in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
What happened to the resort on South Molle Island?
The South Molle Island Resort was a popular Aussie holiday destination for decades before it was sadly damaged by Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Since then, it has remained closed and has fallen into ruin. There have been talks of redevelopment over the years, but as of 2025, the resort remains abandoned.
Which tours go to South Molle Island?
While not many Whitsundays tour stop at South Molle Island itself, many pass nearby or anchor close enough for a scenic view. Many day and overnight sailing tours will frequent South Molle's fringing reef for a snorkel spot depending on the tide and current that day. Here are some Whitsunday tours that sail by the island:
Sail by South Molle Island on these Whitsunday Tours
South Molle Island Camping Transfers | Scamper
Spend the night on South Molle with a wild island camping excursion. Book a transfer from Airlie Beach to South Molle Island, add on any camping or cooking equipment you might need for your stay, organise your camping permit, and soon you'll be on your way to this secluded tropical island for a private paradise experience.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours: Two Island Safari
If you're on a tighter schedule, book a day tour to the island with Whitsunday Jetski Tours' Two Island Safari. This two-hour tour takes guests on a thrilling adventure to the waterways surrounding both South Molle Island and Daydream Island, with plenty of stops for photos, power snacks, and turtle-spotting along the way. Due to its length, this tour does not give guests time to disembark their jetskis and explore the island itself, but it's a great activity for visitors who want to take a good look at South Molle from the azure Whitsunday waters.
MiLady Half Day South Molle Island Sail
Especially designed for those curious about South Molle Island, this private day charter takes a maximum of 12 guests on a 5-hour expedition from Airlie Beach to South Molle and back - allowing ample time to explore the island. Not only does this charter include morning and afternoon tea, but there is a licensed bar on board the elegant French yacht so guests can indulge in a glass of bubbly after hiking and snorkelling around the island.
The best way to see South Molle Island is via a private day charter. Create your own island adventure with a private sailing boat, with all the hiking, sunbaking, and snorkelling your heart desires. Complete with a knowledgeable crew who know all about the Whitsunday Islands, this option will ensure you get the most out of this stunning island.
Is South Molle Island worth visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re after a secluded, tropical getaway, complete with hiking trails, beautiful local wildlife, and untouched fringing reefs, South Molle Island ticks all the boxes. Whether you stay the night on a camping trip or simply visit during a private sailing charter, it’s a delight to uncover one of the Whitsundays' best-kept secrets without the tourist crowds.
Ready to book your Whitsunday Islands tour? Get in touch with our team of friendly travel experts today to get started!
For more information, check out our full guide to the stunning Whitsunday Islands!
