Pentecost Island Guide

A Brief History of Pentecost Island

Completely uninhabited, Pentecost Island was the first island in the Whitsunday group to be named and was named by Cook in June, 1770. Pentecost Island is one of the Cumberland Islands, with the Whitsunday passage and Pentecost Island deriving their names for this first voyage.

Formed by raging volcanoes and the adjustments of the planet’s tectonic plates, Pentecost Island is made up of centuries of debris fused into solid rock. Today, the rugged beauty of the island is undeniably jaw-dropping. With almost no flat surfaces, Pentecost Island is now a national park and will see visitors for hikes, bush walks, swims, and snorkelling.

Where Is Pentecost Island?

Pentecost Island is in the central section of the Whitsunday group, located North of Lindeman Island and South-east of Hamilton Island. When sailing through the region, Pentecost Island is unmistakable for its soaring natural mountain on the island's northern side. In the right light, the face of this mountain glows bright orange, adding another dimension to the kaleidoscope of colours present throughout the Whitsundays.

Pentecost was one of the first Islands named in the chain and is named after the Christian denomination from which we get the term ‘Whitsunday’.

How to Get to Pentecost Island

As the island is almost entirely rock or bushland, getting to Pentecost Island is only possible by boat. Surrounded by tropical reefs on practically all sides, mooring must take place a few hundred metres away from the island before visitors either swim in, or take a tender. It is important to keep your anchorage far away from the reefs, as dropping anchors is harmful to the natural ecosystems below.

What to Do on Pentecost Island

Pentecost island is surrounded on all sides by reefs teeming with aquatic life. Pentecost reef to the south is the most well-known, and makes for a fantastic spot for snorkelling or scuba diving right off the boat.

Another popular activity on the island is kayaking. The waters surrounding Pentecost are relatively sheltered, and with the right conditions, are a shimmering turquoise colour. A kayak is a perfect way to get close to the island's shores and bask in the sublime feeling of the mountain rising above you.

Many of the beachside towns across the Whitsundays offer kayak rentals for you to explore the surrounding islands.

Hiking on the Island

Pentecost island is covered with dense bushland, and its most prominent natural feature is a sheer mountain face that looks out over the Coral Sea. It is not the most hospitable island in the group, and prospective climbers are advised to pick a friendlier island for their bushwalk if they are worried about the climbing trail.

Thick shrubs make conquering the mountain tricky, but it is possible with the right equipment. There is no defined trail, and climbers are advised to avoid the area unless they are experienced navigators before attempting. If you plan to do any trekking on Pentecost, ensure you are well-equipped with water, snacks, and proper hiking clothes.

The view from the top offers completely unobstructed vision across the Whitsunday group far into the distance.

Visiting Pentecost Island with Wings

Even the most remote island in the Whitsundays chain can be explored with Wings. With a Wings private charter, you’ll be in control of where you want to go. Our guides will support you in crafting a dream itinerary for you and your friends or family, as you explore everything the Whitsunday group has to offer.

Our guides can show you all the places that are seldom visited, giving you the chance to enjoy this tropical wonderland at your own pace and without anyone else bothering you. Your guides will inform you about the best time to go, to beat the crowds and the tides.

Pentecost Island is a stunning landmark that stands out from the rest of the group. Taller and more imposing, it is a beautiful place to visit, and swim under the shadow of its mighty peak. Surrounded by reefs, there is lots to see and do around its shores, and it is a great place to moor for a day between islands in the region.

Wings are the Whitsunday’s leading provider of private sailing charters. With skippered bookings taking you across the region on your own time. From half-day to four-day tours, talk to Wings today about how you can incorporate a trip to Pentecost Island on your next adventure.