Experience the mysterious allure of Willis Island, a remote coral cay in Australia's Coral Sea Territory where few travelers venture. This tiny outpost, home to only a weather station and abundant seabirds, offers a fascinating glimpse into isolated island life as your ship cruises by.
Sailing past Willis Island provides a rare opportunity to witness one of Australia's most isolated territories. This tiny coral cay, spanning just 1,600 feet long and 490 feet wide, sits approximately 280 nautical miles east of Cairns in the Coral Sea Marine Park, surrounded by pristine waters teeming with marine life.
The island's weather monitoring station, established in 1921, remains its only permanent structure and plays a crucial role in tracking tropical cyclones that might impact Australia's eastern coast. While passengers can't disembark, the cruise-by experience offers excellent opportunities for spotting the island's remarkable wildlife, including masked and brown boobies, sooty terns, and frigate birds that call this remote sanctuary home.
The surrounding azure waters showcase the spectacular biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Lucky observers might spot sea turtles, dolphins, and countless tropical fish species in the crystal clear waters. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate learning about the island's scientific significance while photographers will treasure capturing this rarely seen Australian outpost.