Our Beach House

The island and its natural surroundings were breathtaking. We enjoyed the excursions, and there’s so much to explore, from beaches and inland lakes to wildlife. The destination is absolutely worth visiting. The resort itself, though, felt neglected, especially the rooms. We stayed two nights and were shocked by the condition. Plaster hung from the bathroom ceiling, with pieces fallen in and around the bathtub. There was visible dirt across parts of the floor, as if it hadn’t been vacuumed properly for a long time. The linens looked old and worn, and the mattress sagged badly, giving us the impression it hadn’t been replaced in years. The facilities overall seemed worn and poorly maintained. I’d recommend visiting the island but staying at the resort for one night at most. Day trips or exploring in your own 4WD and camping are other options. The setting is remarkable, but the accommodation didn’t live up to it.

The staff were quick to help with both problems we had. When I reported a broken bed leg around 4pm on our first night, it was fixed the next day while we were out. The following night, people staying behind and to the left of us played loud music, screamed, yelled and dragged furniture around outside. They weren’t nearby, but the noise was an insane amount. I don’t usually mind Friday night noise, but this was too much. I messaged a duty manager on WhatsApp, who immediately sent another duty manager out to speak to the group. I really appreciated their help. Our two bedroom villa, number 615, was spotlessly clean and didn’t feel dated. We had three nights there and seemed to be in a good spot, with guests not all crowded together. I’d had high expectations and was excited to stay, and I did enjoy it, but it didn’t feel like anything special and I wouldn’t go out of my way to return. Food, drinks and coffee were extremely expensive. I suppose bringing supplies over by ferry costs more, but with no other options it felt a bit like a tourist trap. Next time we’d bring groceries and cook. That was poor planning on my part.

The island was my favourite part. The location is amazing, the resort is beautiful, and there were lots of animals to see and learn about. I also learned a bit about the Butchulla people and their lifestyle. During the day ranger walk, I tried a few safe berries and might plant some at home. The staff were very polite, and I liked being able to request room service from the door. The rooms were mostly nice and tidy, but I found a dirty knife under the bed by accident when moving it. A more thorough clean should have caught it. Someone had also left their YouTube Premium account logged in on the room’s Smart TV. I’m not sure if that was accidental. There was plenty to explore. Just know the night walk and the Illumina light show cost extra. Also, there was no cutlery or plates or bowls in the room, so you have to get those from a restaurant, which could mean a bit of a walk.

The Beauty Spots tour was one of the best parts of our stay, thanks in large part to Butcher. His knowledge, humour and love for the island made every stop come alive. The Illumina light show was another standout, a powerful, immersive experience that felt special and unique. It was my birthday, and the team made me feel celebrated with warm service and thoughtful touches. My husband is usually a committed camper and had never visited before, but he was blown away by the island and the resort. Being surrounded by the island’s raw beauty while still enjoying so much comfort made the trip unforgettable. Our room was spacious, comfortable and beautifully styled. The fine dining dinner was excellent, with fresh local food prepared with real care and full of flavour. The two-night package was great value and thoughtfully put together. If you’re visiting Queensland, I’d absolutely recommend it for a mix of adventure, indulgence and stunning nature.