Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dunk by the
water taxi
(
&
07/4068 8310
), which runs five times a day from
Wongaling Beach. The round-trip fare is A$29 (US$19) for adults and A$15
(US$9.75) for kids 4 to 14. Ask at your accommodations about transfers
between Clump Point and South Mission Beach.
Once on Dunk, you pay as you go for activities and equipment rental on the
island. Everything from water-skiing to catamaran sailing is available, and Dunk
has lovely beaches and half a dozen rainforest walking trails, ranging in duration
from 15 minutes to 4 hours. On Monday and Thursday mornings, you can visit
an artist's gallery reached via a 40-minute trail through the rainforest; admission
is A$4 (US$2.60).
Ingrid Marker of Sunbird Adventures (see above) runs full-day guided
sea-
kayak expeditions
to Dunk Island. Ingrid says if you can pedal a bike for an
hour, you can sea kayak for the hour it takes to get to the island. You glide over
reefs, looking for sea turtles; spend the morning snorkeling in Coconut Bay; have
a picnic lunch of oysters, mussels, and fresh produce (all organic) in Hidden Palm
Valley; then hike the rainforest. At morning and afternoon tea you get a choice
of nine organic teas and coffees. The trip costs A$95 (US$62) per person.
WHERE TO STAY IN MISSION BEACH
The Horizon
With its beguiling views across the pool to Dunk Island, its
rainforest setting, and its impressive rooms, this resort perched on a steep hill-
side is one of the most comfortable and beautiful you will find. Even the least
expensive rooms are spacious and have luxurious bathrooms. All but a handful
of rooms have some kind of sea view; a half dozen retain the older-style bath-
rooms from a previous resort development, but the sea views from these rooms
are the best. It's just a minute or two down the rainforest track to the beach.
Explorer Dr., South Mission Beach, QLD 4852.
&
1800/079 090
in Australia, or 07/4068 8154. Fax 07/4068
8596. www.thehorizon.com.au. 55 units. A$220-A$420 (US$143-US$273) double. Children A$20 (US$13)
extra. Ask about packages and specials. Rates are higher Dec 22-Jan 2. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restau-
rants; bar; large saltwater pool; day/night tennis courts; tour desk. In room: A/C, TV w/cable, minibar, coffee-
maker, hair dryer, iron.
Mackays
This delightfully well-kept motel is one of the best-value
places to stay in town. It's just 80m (262 ft.) from the beach and 400m (
1
⁄
4
mile)
from the heart of Mission Beach. The friendly Mackay family repaints the rooms
annually, so the place always looks brand new. All the rooms are pleasant and
spacious with white-tiled floors, cane sofas, colorful bedcovers, and very clean
bathrooms. Those in the newer section are air-conditioned, and some have views
of the attractive granite-lined pool and gardens. Rooms in the older painted-
brick wing have garden views from a communal patio and no air-conditioning.
Ask about special packages; they can be extremely good deals and may include
extras like rafting on the Tully River and day trips to the Reef and Dunk Island.
7 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach, QLD 4852.
&
07/4068 7212.
Fax 07/4068 7095. www.mackaysmission
beach.com. 22 units, 12 with bathroom (10 with shower only). A$85-A$110 (US$55-US$72) double; A$110
(US$72) 1- and 2-bedroom apt. Higher rates apply at Easter. Additional person A$17 (US$11) extra; children
under 14 A$6.50 (US$4.20) extra. Crib A$6.50 (US$4.20) extra. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Free cov-
ered off-street parking.
Amenities:
Outdoor pool; access to nearby tennis courts; access to bike rental; tour
desk; car-rental desk; room service at breakfast; in-room massage; babysitting; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking
rooms. In room: A/C (in 12 units only), TV, fax, kitchenettes (4 units only), fridge, safe.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE ISLAND
Dunk Island
Families love Dunk Island because there's so much to
do, but that doesn't mean it's not just as appealing for honeymooners or retired
Value
Kids
