While picturesque Peel Island is an ideal day trip for families and couples, with sandy white beaches to relax on and relatively calm water to swim and snorkel in, St Helena Island offers a more dark and grim experience. From 1867, St Helena Island was Queensland's colonial maximum-security prison for men, and was home to the colony’s worst criminals for 65 years. The house has gone, but glimpses of his opulent lifestyle remain. A B Sea Cruises conducts educational historic tours of St Helena, and more daring types can enjoy the night ‘Ghost Tour” when visitors can watch live, moonlit vignettes re-enacting the Island’s history.