Bedarra Island: Reefs, Rainforest and Island History

Bedarra Island is part of the Family Group of Islands. Unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches define the landscape. The reef area, activities for guests of Bedarra Island Resort and the island’s history are also of interest when planning a trip. Each of these topics has its own conditions: some activities are restricted to resort guests, while specific rules apply to certain marine areas.

Landscape and reef area

Bedarra Island Reef is designated as Conservation Park Zone CP-17-4045 and falls within an area classified as a Public Appreciation Special Management Area. In this area, which includes the reef, spearfishing, commercial collection of aquarium fish, coral harvesting, collecting beachworms and aquaculture are not permitted. These rules apply to this designated marine area.

The following information from the Reef Authority about local usage rules was updated on 23 July 2026. Requirements for tourist operations also vary by location. Bedarra Island Location 1 is in a high-use area, where there is no group-size limit. Bedarra Island Location 3 is in a low-use area; tourist operations there are limited to a maximum of 15 people, including crew. The distinction between these two locations is therefore relevant to group size. Motorised water sports are permitted in the high-use areas of the Bedarra and Pee Rahm Ah Islands and Reefs area. Vessels up to 35 metres in length may access and anchor in this area.

Transfers and activities for resort guests

The launch transfer to Bedarra travels through the Family Islands Group and takes 20 to 30 minutes. As this is current operating information, it is best to confirm the transfer time before your trip.

Bedarra Island Resort provides sea kayaks for guests to explore the bays and reefs around the resort. The resort also has rainforest walking trails on the island that lead to lookouts or private beaches. Guests can charter yachts for sailing trips in the surrounding waters and visit the neighbouring islands of Dunk and Timana. These activities are restricted to resort guests. If you plan to take part in any of them, check current availability with the resort; for the walking trails, you should also confirm trail conditions.

Homes and traces of the island’s history

Noel Woods House of Singing Bamboo was a hut on Bedarra Island, built largely from bamboo. Noel Woods’ house still stands on the island and features a famous wall of gin bottles. Druitts Cottage also remains on Bedarra Island.

The old studio is in a secluded valley among old fruit trees. Local artist couple Steve and Helen Wiltshire rebuilt it in 1986; the studio was also renovated. Remains of Huret’s garden can still be found in the rainforest. The former Hideaway Resort has been abandoned since 1991. Together, these places offer different architectural and landscape reference points in the island’s history, from bamboo construction to the traces of a former resort.

Sea Country partnership

The ongoing care of Sea Country is also part of Bedarra Island’s present-day context. Great Barrier Reef Safaris continues to work closely with First Nations People to implement its Site Stewardship Plan. This partnership enables several Sea Country visits by the Traditional Owners of Biagurra (Bedarra Island).

Discover more destinations: Bundaberg North, Wynnum, Ashgrove, Dysart, Yungaburra, Boyne Island, Babinda, Noosa North Shore

For the main travel overview: Queensland.