The Blowholes

The island's southern shore breathes on the swell's schedule: at the Blowholes, undercut limestone vents the ocean's compression in spray columns and haunted-organ exhalations along a stretch the national park boardwalks for the show - each surge sending white plumes through the rock's nostrils while frigatebirds ride the updrafts and the terraces' pandanus frames the compositions. Bigger seas escalate the theatre; the boardwalk keeps viewers in the safe stalls; and the southern loop pairs the stop with Dolly and Greta's beaches for the coast's full programme. A boardwalk runs along the shore terrace and reaches several of the openings in turn.

What you actually see

• The spray columns - swell vented through limestone nostrils.
• The organ exhalations - the coast's haunted breathing.
• The boardwalk stalls - the show from safe seats.
• The frigatebird updrafts - riders on the vented air.

When to go

April to November, the drier trades; bigger swell days stage the loudest matinees - the boardwalk's margin covers them.

Honest expectations

Beyond the boardwalk the shelf is undercut and lethal - the rails are the rule; spray reaches lenses further than expected.

Nearby

Dolly Beach's track, Greta Beach and the southern loop.