Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef - Australia 2004 - page 304

the rainforest with a balcony and sea views. All come with generous living areas,
king beds, CD players, bathrobes, and the important things in life, like double
hammocks on the veranda, big double bathtubs, and aromatherapy oil-burners.
Bathrooms offer divine pampering treats including signature Bedarra aro-
matherapy oils.
Two premium villas, The Pavilions at Bedarra, are set away from the main
resort, perched on cliff tops overlooking Wedgerock Bay, and offer superior facil-
ities including separate living and sleeping areas and large decks and outdoor
area with a private plunge pool. In 2003, one of the villas was converted into a
similarly exclusive retreat The Point, with many of the same features as the Pavil-
ions, and the additional luxury of a gorgeous outdoor living area.
The emphasis here is on relaxation. Walk along rainforest trails, fish off the
beach, snorkel, or take a catamaran, paddle-ski, or windsurf out on the water.
These activities are free; chartering a yacht or game-fishing boat costs extra. To
visit the Great Barrier Reef, you will need to transfer to Dunk Island to join the
Quick Cat catamaran (see earlier in this section). The Beachclub offers water-
sports facilities and a gym and massage therapy room as well as a lounge area
with Internet access. Many guests do nothing more strenuous than have the chef
pack a gourmet picnic with a bottle of bubbly and set off in search of a deserted
beach. Dress at night is smart casual.
Off Mission Beach (c/o P&O Australian Resorts, G.P.O. Box 478, Sydney, NSW 2001). & 1800/737 678 in
Australia, 800/225-9849 in the U.S. and Canada, 020/7805 3875 in the U.K., or 02/9277 5050 (Sydney reser-
vations office). Fax [phone] (Sydney reservations office). www.poresorts.com.au. 17 villas.
A$1,900-A$2,900 (US$1,235-US$1,885) double. Rates include all meals, 24-hr. open bar and transfers from
Dunk Island. Ask about packages; some combine stays at Dunk Island (see above), Silky Oaks Lodge, and
Lizard Island (both described in this chapter). AE, DC, MC, V. Air or coach/ferry transfer to Dunk Island from
Cairns (see above), then 15-min. boat transfer. Water transfers can be arranged from Mission Beach. No chil-
dren under 16. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; secluded outdoor pool with timber decking and private Jacuzzi
area; day/night tennis court; watersports (see above); gym; massage; laundry service. In room: A/C and ceil-
ing fan, TV/VCR, free minibar, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE IN MISSION BEACH
Friends HOME COOKING The cozy interior and a hearty menu favoring
local seafood make this place a long-standing favorite with locals. Appetizers
include mussels Normandy, oysters done three ways, and garlic prawns; main
courses feature lamb shanks; steak with mushrooms or green peppercorn sauce;
and chicken hot pot. Settle in with a homemade dessert and liqueur coffee after
dinner. Licensed and BYO.
Porters Promenade (opposite Campbell St.), Mission Beach. & 07/4068 7107. Reservations recommended.
Main courses A$15-A$25 (US$9.75-US$16). AE, MC, V. Mon-Sat 6:30-10:30pm or until the last diners leave.
Open Sun on long weekends. Closed for 1 month during Feb-Mar.
TOWNSVILLE & MAGNETIC ISLAND
346km (215 miles) S of Cairns; 1,371km (850 miles) N of Brisbane
With a population of 140,000, Townsville claims to be Australia's largest tropi-
cal city. Because of its size, and an economy based on mining, manufacturing,
education, and tourism, it is sometimes overlooked as a holiday destination.
Unjustly so, I think. The people are friendly, the city pleasant, and there's plenty
to do. The town is nestled by the sea below the pink face of Castle Rock, which
looms 300m (about 1,000 ft.) directly above, and the beachfront had a A$29
million (US$18.9 million) revamp a couple of years ago.
Townsville's major attraction is the world-class Museum of Tropical Queens-
land, where a full size replica of the HMS Pandora is the stunning centerpiece.