Molle Islands Guide
The Molle Islands — The Whitsundays' Quiet SideSouth Molle, Mid Molle and North Molle: national-park walks, secluded coves and anchorages the tour boats skip.
The Anti-Crowd Play
Twenty minutes south of Airlie Beach sits the Whitsundays the crowds skip — national-park islands with bays to yourselves.
Real bushwalks
South Molle's tracks climb to Spion Kop and Lamond Hill: passage panoramas without the queues.
Secluded coves
Paddle Bay, Sandy Bay and Bauer Bay: quiet water, decent holding, and often just your mast on the horizon.
Easy access
The shortest hop from Airlie of any worthwhile destination — perfect first or last night.
| Spot | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle Bay (South Molle) | Sheltered west-facing cove | Overnight in SE trades, sunsets |
| Sandy Bay (South Molle) | Long beach, southern side | Beach walks, northerly shelter |
| Bauer Bay (Mid Molle) | Tiny, quiet, shallow | Day stop, lunch, paddle |
| North Molle | Uninhabited, wild | True seclusion, dinghy exploring |
National park rules apply ashore: no fires, stay on tracks, carry out everything.
Your Own Island (Almost)
Anchor at South Molle mid-week and there's a fair chance the only other humans you'll see are in your own cockpit.
When to GoMolle Practicalities
- National park camping — Shore camps exist — you may share a beach with a tent or two
- Walks — Spion Kop and Lamond Hill tracks: 1–2 hours return, signed from the bays
- Snorkelling — Modest fringing patches; the world-class reef is at Hook Island
- Holding — Sand and weed mix — set the anchor well and back down
- Facilities — None — fully self-sufficient stop
- Position — Perfect Day-8 stop in the 10-day tour, between Tongue Bay and Daydream
The Molles, briefly
The Molle Islands sit just off Airlie Beach — close enough for a lazy first afternoon, far enough to feel away. They're national park: walks, wildlife and quiet bays, no facilities. They shine as the quiet counterweight in longer routes — Day 8 of the 10-day grand tour — or as a first-night stop for boats leaving Airlie late. Icons first? Whitehaven and Hook Island. Pricing: cost guide.
Your Questions, Answered
Are the Molle Islands worth visiting?
For quiet-seekers and walkers, absolutely — they're the least-visited worthwhile islands in the group. Reef-priority crews may skip them for Hook Island.
Can we overnight at South Molle?
Yes — Paddle Bay in SE trades, Sandy Bay with northerlies. Set the anchor well; holding is mixed sand and weed.
Are the walking tracks maintained?
Reasonably — national park tracks are signed and passable, though occasionally overgrown. Proper shoes.
How far are they from Airlie Beach?
About 8–10nm — under two hours for most charter boats.
Any shops or facilities?
None. Everything you need comes with you.
Do they fit a 7-day route?
Rarely — the classic circuit fills a week with the icons. They feature in the 10-day and as first/last-night stops.
The Quiet Islands Are Closer Than You Think
Routes that reach them — priced for your dates.
Check Charter Prices