QUEENSLAND
ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND RETREAT

"Beyond the all but uninhabited coast near the tip of Cape York and over the aquatic moonscape of the Coral Sea, a deep darkness mottled by patches of the cooler blue surrounding hundreds of untouched reefs, sand cays and jungle islands." Marie Claire

The Island is an incredibly remote and unspoiled Robinson Crusoe retreat. Situated 600 kms north of Cairns it lies within the Northern Great Barrier Reef and alongside a wild stretch of Cape York Peninsula.

Within a 60 km radius are thousands of reefs, from singular coral bommies to immense plateaus of living coral. The largest protected marine park in the world stretches from the coastline to beyond the outer barrier. Northwest along the coast, the white sand hills of Shellbourne Bay plummet into the sea concealing a moonscape of white sand hills, black lakes and intermittent jungle patches.

To the northeast, sundrenched extrusions of granite rise out of the sea. Called the Charles Hardy's Islands, they are covered with intermittent patches of grass, shrubs and ancient palms. In the mid 1800's a major sailing route ran through this area. Shipwrecks were common and their survivors were drawn to the Hardy's where they waited and hoped for rescue. We have located an 1840's shipwreck complete with giant anchors, bronze keel bolts and other intriguing relics.

Nor-nor-west the waterways of Bird Island are sanctuary to rays, turtles, crocodiles, fish and innumerable sea and land birds. Its shallows, lined with tall mangrove forest, come to life with the rising tide. The underwater sea cliffs of the outer barrier reef east of the Island, drop 1000 to 2000 feet to the sea floor - they form an unforgettable sight.

The Island's wild life was first studied in the late 1800's. McGilvray found in excess of 50 bird species on and around the Island. The Island and its two sand cays have attracted a population of both sea and land birds. The lush tropical forest and lowland palm jungle have always stood out from its somewhat drier companion islands. The orchard is on the delta of a small creek that runs in the wet season. The rich loam, leaf compost and tropical climate make this area ideal for growing. The wet season from Xmas to March transforms the island into wetland jungle. As the rains ease the island retains its tropical appearance until August when the trees begin to shed their foliage. Two lagoons directly off the beach have prolific marine life.

As a British guest John Henry said "Your backyard's as big as the South of England".


top ^

FACILITIES
"With conical roof, shutters for walls, a big bed made up with cotton sheets that smell of the sun, a slate floored bathroom with one glass wall and a bleached deck with a view of the turquoise lagoon, the sea and uninhabited islands in the horizon." Vogue

The three hand crafted guest houses look out upon the sea. Each includes a bathroom, kitchenette and sundeck. Two of the huts are self contained and one is a more rustic hut with outside shower and toilet. Each guesthouse can accommodate up to four people. We cater for just 6-8 guests at any one time. There is daily room and laundry service.

The main building is a spacious, native style open house. Its design is raw but functional. Sunbleached poles and open sides take advantage of cooling island breezes. Drift wood, collected on nearby shores, is used to support heavy polished benches and an array of relics, from the husk of a canoe from Papua New Guinea to an ancient wooden dinner gong and Balinese bed, add to the atmosphere. There is a main kitchen, two bathrooms, dining area and open fire on the front decks. There is no television, just relaxation and the pleasure of reading in our library. The beach hut is a rustic driftwood construction with outside shower and toilet. The two round hand-crafted huts, similar in style to the main building feature a sundeck. All have a kitchenette equipped with a solar fridge.

"Ninety percent of their clientele are return guests, attesting to the romantic allure of this wild island home and the easy hospitality." Gourmet Traveller

ISLAND ACTIVITIES
Fishing and Spear Fishing are good at all levels - rod, reel, or fly fishing, reef, ocean or river.

Skin diving and snorkelling are at their best and safe all year round.

Bird watching

Beach combing

Helifishing

A 9 metre diesel jet boat allows access to shallow reef areas and mangrove rivers.

To enquire about this accommodation or have it included in a tailor made itinerary - Just ask!



Back to Accommodation

Cost
2 people 7 nights AUD$650.00 per person, per night
4 people 7 nights AUD$600.00 per person, per night
6 people 7 nights AUD$550.00 per person, per night
Single Supplement: AUD$POA
Prices Valid until 31 March 2004

Includes
All meals, fishing, snorkeling, and excursions. (Drinks are additional)

Charter Flights
Vary depending on how many people travelling. Start from AUD$420.00 per person one way

 


 
 



Email info@diversetravel.com.au
In the USA email anzlindsey@earthlink.net

Adelaide University Research Park
35-37 Stirling Street Thebarton South Australia 5031
Telephone 61 8 8234 8324