Best things to do: South Molle Island Whitsundays

South Molle Island is part of the Whitsunday Island Group and is an island that should be on everyone’s must-visit list in Australia and Queensland! It is the closest island reachable from Shute Harbour, close to Airlie Beach, and by far the most under-rated holiday destination in the Great Barrier reef. This guide to what to do on South Molle Island is here to tell you why you should visit this place on your next trip!

South Molle Island was once a famous resort island but is now deserted after a cyclone destroyed the resort. Since cyclone Debbie tore through the Whitsundays in 2017, the once-thriving resort on South Molle Island has been lying dormant. However, the island’s natural glory is still intact and is waiting to be explored. If adventuring and relaxing in nature excite you, this is a perfect place to visit! It is not the only resort to be abandoned in the region; however, about half of the 30 resorts off or on Queensland shores are closed or abandoned.

How to get to South Molle Island:

Most people think the islands in the Whitsundays are impossible to reach if you don’t have a boat or don’t take a day trip. However, that is far from reality. Check out our complete guide to camping on the Whitsundays here to find everything you need to know about all the islands and how to prepare for a camping trip! Getting to South Molle Island and the other islands is easy with Scamper.

Scamper boat pulls up on Whitehaven Beach — A scamper boat pulls up on Whitehaven Beach.

Where to stay on South Molle Island:

Since the cyclone in 2017, there isn’t actual accommodation on South Molle Island. The only way for people to stay on the island is to camp! There are two great campsites on South Molle Island: Paddle Bay and Sandy Bay. Both are a great choice and allow access to the entire island.

Things to do on South Molle Island:

Snorkel and swim:

Since South Molle Island is situated in the greater Great Barrier Reef area, snorkelling around South Molle Island is incredible! The best time to snorkel is at high tide, allowing you to get right about the reef. In late spring, you can even see the annual spawning of coral in the reefs! Snorkel or swimming is best in South Molle’s Sandy and Paddle bays.

Avalon snorkeling on Kepple Islands with a Turtle

Hiking Trails on South Molle Island:

The hiking trails on the island are incredible. The trails are well-maintained and take you all over the island. They are not just hiking trails, though; some of them are also mountain biking trails. Since there are plenty of choices when it comes to hiking, I’ll give more information about the best tracks below:

Yentl on South Molle Island under rainbow — South Molle Island

Paddle Bay to Bauer Bay:

Duration and distance: 2.2km, 30-minute easy walk.

The main campsite on South Molle Island is Paddle Bay. However, Bauer bay is the starting point for the island’s hikes. The abandoned resort surrounds the entire Bauer Bay; usually, a few sailboats will be anchored here for the day. The Paddle bay to Bauer Bay track is essential for most of the day hikes. The trail is easy to access and well-maintained.

Mid Molle Island:

From Paddle Bay campground, Mid Molle Island is 200 meters away but can only be accessed at low tide. Access to and from the island is restricted to the two hours before and after low tide, so you must check the tides if you plan to stay for long over on Mid Molle Island. The island has no tracks, but you can walk around it on the beach—a beautiful quick walk for when the tides are right.

The Balancing Rock track:

Duration and distance: 2km from Bauer Bay, 45 minutes walk.

The Balancing Rock track has a stunning lookout over South Molle’s diverse landscape. For the most part, this is an easy walk, well-signed and maintained. However, take care when climbing the rocks at the end of the hike, as they can be slippery and dangerous. The views are well worth the effort.

View from Balancing Rock, South Molle Island

Hiking and biking trails on South Molle Island:

Spion Kop Trail:

Duration and distance: 2.4km from Bauer Bay; 45 minutes one way (4.8km return).

As the Spion Kop track winds through the northeast of the island and finishes at a stunning lookout, it was probably our personal favourite. With views overlooking Planton Island and plenty of other Whitsunday Islands, you don’t get a much better position than this to view the Whitsunday islands.

South Molle Island - Spion Kop — South Molle Island – Spion Kop

Mount Jeffreys Trail:

Duration and distance: 6km return from Bauer Bay; allow 2 hours return.

Another great walk if you want sensational views over the Whitsunday Islands, South Molle Island and the mainland. It is a gradual climb to the top of South Molle’s highest point, but the 360-degree views at the top make it well worth the effort.

Sandy Bay:

Duration and distance: 8.4km return from Bauer Bay; allow 3.5-4 hours return.

Sandy Bay is the location of the other campground on South Molle Island and is a moderate 4.2km walk from Bauer Bay one way. You will walk through the rainforest and open eucalypt forest on this trail. If you are lucky, you will find some campers at the other campground. If not, you know that you are the only people on South Molle Island.

Lamon Hill:

Duration and distance: 6.6km return from Bauer Bay; allow 2 hours return.

Another walk for good views. This trail emphasises the resort and distant mainland. While it is relatively easy, some moderate climbs are involved, but nothing too hard.

Spion Kop view from Paddle Bay camp site — Spion Kop view from Paddle Bay campsite

Explore the old resort:

Since cyclone Debbie tore through the Whitsundays in 2017, the once-thriving resort on South Molle Island has been lying dormant. While most of the resort has been demolished, you can still see most of the main buildings, pools and villas on the hill! Be careful while exploring around it, as there is some glass around. Furthermore, you can still see some of the furniture from the guest rooms, making it feels almost like a haunted island…

Go fishing and boating.

Boating and fishing in the area are incredible. Again, being in the Great Barrier Reef, South Molle Island is one of the perfect places to enjoy a leisurely fish or boating trip.