One Year After
PEARL ISLAND DECLARED HOLIBOB ’S MOST CHARMING ISLAND IN THE WORLD
W ith just 400-odd residents, a distinct lack of cars and a seemingly endless supply of exquisite beaches, this tiny island, less than half an hour’s boat ride from the mainland, is the very definition of a hidden gem.
You might recognise it as the island that tragically lost its thriving oyster industry in a biological disaster around four years ago, devastating its tourism offerings in the process. But to say it’s bounced back is an understatement. A trip to Pearl Island not only defies expectations, it exceeds them.
Your trip begins aboard the quaint river boat captained by oversized Popeye-doppelganger Charlie Farley, whose banter will have you slipping straight into holiday mode.
The moment Charlie slides his beloved boat into the wharf, Pearl Island’s pristine coastline beckons. With fine-grained sands flecked with delicate seashells and coves flanked by Instagrammable palm trees, the beaches here should be swarming with influencers and their loyal followers. Happily, it’s not overcrowded like some of the better-known islands in this estuary, so you’ll always find a stretch of sand with your name on it. Keep an eye out for Arthur, a local hero and inventor who sports a red bandana and nineties sunnies – and if that’s not enough to catch your eye, you certainly won’t miss him attempting to walk across the river in his electro-hydro shoes. If you shower him with enough praise, he might even let you try them on for yourself.
Toast your morning in the sun with a cappuccino and a bacon-and-egg bap from Charlie Farleys, the beach-shack kiosk owned by boat captain Charlie, and frequently staffed by his cute-as-a-button children. The brioche bun and homemade aioli elevates this humble breakfast staple into a heavenly indulgence. Walk it off with a wander along one of the island’s fern-lined pathways and pay a visit to Hazel’s House for a tour of her garden and eclectic artists’ sanctuary. For a gold-coin donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Research Institute, she’ll provide an oral history of the island, complete with entertaining anecdotes about each piece of furniture she’s sourced from the river and restored. You’ll likely leave with a bounty of the garden’s seasonal specials.
With a lack of motor vehicles, life is unavoidably slow here, but that’s all part of Pearl Island’s charm. Turning right from Hazel’s place will take you to the locals’ favourite swim spot – a quiet, unnamed strip of sand that rolls into sparkling green water – or keep walking around the corner to the beach with the floating pontoon. It’s not the most picturesque beach on the island, but secluded and with a perfect view of the sunrise, this one is for the lovers. Keep an eye out for the hidden rock nestled in the corner of the cove with the heartfelt inscription, ‘I told the sunrise about you’, etched into the sandstone. It’s worth visiting just to imagine who and what inspired the romantic message.
Next, it’s time to live out your foodie dreams and board a private boat tour run by former oyster farmer Jack Cooper, who has teamed up with The Oyster House, the renowned eatery on neighbouring Crescent Island, to create a luxury gourmet experience. Jack will ferry you to the island’s best-kept secret, Pearl Cove, where he’ll teach you how to shuck oysters and follow up with an essential lesson on how best to savour them. You’ll feast at tables draped in elegant white linens and set in ankle-deep water, and sip crisp white wine or bubbles as you slurp. Though you’ll wish this magical moment could last, Jack has a sweet memento for you to take home – a cosy sweatshirt embroidered with the words, ‘Made from oysters and wine’.
When night falls, you’ll be treated to another gasp-worthy sight – Pearl Island’s very own cinema under the stars. The screen looms large on the soaring cliff face framing the cove, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Despite what the name of Jack’s motor boat, The Codfather , might suggest, the line-up at this open-air theatre offers a romantic menu of films to complement the dreamy surroundings. We were treated to a screening of the classic Dirty Dancing , which culminated in a spirited group singalong of ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’.
Cap off your evening by carving up the dance floor to the nostalgic tunes belted out by an old-school cover band at the family-run bowling club. With lights out by 10 p.m., you’ll be well rested and ready to relive the magic all over again the next day.
With its quirky character, gentle pace and utterly gorgeous scenery, Pearl Island offers an idyllic escape, no passport required. It’s no wonder it’s earned the title of Holibob ’s Most Charming Island in the World for 2025.
For the ultimate experience, we highly recommend forgoing the sterile confines of the island resort and embracing the locally run offerings – this is where the true beauty of Pearl Island resides.