If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Garden Island is the perfect place. This stunning island paradise is filled with golden beaches, majestic sea cliffs, and mountain trails draped with tropical forests.
Situated on Careening Bay, Garden Island was first home to 450 soldiers and sailors who landed here in 1827 during their voyages to Western Australia. Today, the island is a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base.
History
One of the most enchanting islands in the world, garden island is a unique mix of native and introduced plants. Its landscape has sheltered the waters of Cockburn Sound for thousands of years.
Captain Ainsley Morthorpe, Commanding Officer at the naval base HMAS Stirling on Garden Island, admits that he thought the base was “a bit of a dump.” But after taking over in February 2019, he’s changed his mind and has discovered it’s more than just an industrial complex.
The base is home to five frigates and the entire submarine service. It also houses a clearance diving team and is Australia’s largest naval facility.
There’s a series of tunnels beneath Garden Island, which were once used by the Royal Australian Navy to transport guns and ammunition. These tunnels are now being used for electrical wiring and communications. There’s also a pit that was built in the 1800s which is now sealed off. The pit was once used as a storage facility for weapons in case the island was attacked.
Beaches
Garden Island is home to a Naval base and is popular for fishing, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, swimming and relaxing on the beaches. However, it is important to note that access to the beach is only allowed during daylight hours.
There are no land bridges to reach the island, so visitors must rely on boat or kayak access. Because of this, it is recommended that visitors secure their own watercraft in advance and plan accordingly.
In addition to its low, sandy beaches, Garden Island State Recreation Area is also a popular destination for those who love to hike in the wild. The dense, uncultivated forests in the Recreation Area offer ample opportunities for this type of exploration. Sturdy footwear is required for such treks, as are appropriate swimwear and swimming safety gear (such as life vests).
Wildlife
Garden Island (Noongar: Meandup or Meeandip) is a narrow island about 10 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, lying about 5 kilometres off the Western Australian coast, to which it is linked by an artificial causeway and bridge. Like Rottnest Island and Carnac Island, it is a limestone outcrop covered by a thin layer of sand accumulated during an era of lowered sea levels.
For the Noongar people, Garden Island and its neighbours are an integral part of their Dreamtime. At the end of the last glacial period, the sea level rose, cutting the islands off from the mainland.
The mature relatively undisturbed heath, scrub and low forest of Garden Island are an important reference site for natural history, especially in relation to its isolation from the Western Australian mainland for 6000-7000 years. The absence of feral predators means that many species have been able to remain isolated and thrive on the island.
As a result, garden island is home to numerous endangered and rare herbs and wetland plants. It is also an important research site in the Lake of the Woods region and offers a variety of recreational activities, including bird watching and fishing.
Accommodation
Garden Island Resort is a great option for travelers seeking a fun-filled vacation in Kauai. It offers a variety of recreational activities including a spa, massage and hot tub.
The hotel features 23 spacious rooms and a range of conveniences to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. These include air conditioning, TV, free toiletries and a hair dryer.
Located in Lihue, Hotel Garden Island Inn is within a 10-minute drive of Lihue Airport and offers a swimming pool. This charming inn also provides a tour desk and a BBQ/picnic area.
It is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a value-for-money stay in Kauai County. The property is also a good base for exploring the surrounding areas of Poipu and Kapaa. The hotel even offers airport transfers. Using Traveloka’s convenient booking engine, you can easily book a room at the hotel and make your trip to Kauai County affordable. Moreover, you can use the hotel’s other services to enhance your stay.