Cairns Islands Resorts

Accommodation Facilities

Reception Hours: 7.30am - 8.30pm

Dunk Island Room Features:

• Air-conditioning & Ceiling Fans
• Telephone
• TV, Satellite TV
• Fridge
• Tea and Coffee Facilities
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Clock Radio
• Hair dryer
• Extra Pillows and blankets
• Beach Towels
• Umbrellas
• Torches
• Balcony/ patio
• Mini bar

Dunk Island Style of Rooms

There are 160 five star hotel rooms on Dunk Island that have expansive Coral Sea or rainforest views. Choose from a private beachfront suite, beachfront room or beachfront family suite, garden suite or garden family suite. All rooms at Dunk Island are air conditioned with ceiling fans and have satellite televisions with movie channels, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bars, beach towels, torches and private balconies.

Dunk Island Beachfront Suites have uninterrupted ocean views, direct beach access to Brammo Bay and look back to the rainforest clad mountain ranges of Mission Beach. Set in only a small block of four units these premiere rooms are bright and spacious, with a king sized bed and a luxurious bathroom. Beachfront suites are laid out on two levels with the sleeping area upstairs and the living area downstairs. Double glass doors which lead to the balcony provide an abundance of natural light and dazzling ocean views. Your own private sun beds are directly in front of your suite

Dunk Island’s Beachfront Rooms have direct access and views of Brammo Bay. These rooms have a combined living and sleeping area with one king and one single bed while family rooms have two queen and one single bed.

Garden View Rooms are only a short stroll from the resort facilities and beach and are located in colourful exotic gardens. Garden View Rooms have a queen sized bed but family configurations are also available.

Dunk Island Activities and Facilities

Dunk Island is reportedly Australia’s most beautiful rainforest island with the best children’s programs and facilities. Dunk Island is the perfect holiday spot for families. Enjoy a huge range of activities on the island from peaceful massages and Spa treatments to heart pumping sky diving. Included in your island adventure are self guided nature walks throughout the unique rainforest eco-system, indoor and outdoor tennis courts (3), squash courts, archery, gymnasium (with modern equipment and cardio classes), beach and swimming pools, volleyball courts, aqua aerobics, snorkelling lessons, catamarans, paddle skis, sailboards, soft hockey, bocce ball, table tennis, karaoke, basketball, soccer and nightly entertainment!

There are two swimming pools; The Beachfront Butterfly Pool overlooks Brammo Bay and The Cascade Pool is a great place to sip cocktails and catch up on your tanning (don’t forget lots of sunscreen). If this doesn’t give you enough to do then for a small fee you can play 9 holes of golf, explore the rainforest and beach on the back of a horse or mountain bike, visit the island’s art colony, tandem sky dive, explore the area via a scenic flight on a helicopter or sea plane, go parasailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tube riding, or join a jet ski, kayak, fishing or snorkelling tour of the region. How’s that for action!

For the novice hacker or weekend warrior the 9 Hole Golf Course on Dunk Island has been sensitively designed in strict accordance to National Park and Great Barrier Marine Park Guidelines. Designed by Scott Dowdle, The Dunk Island Golf Course is one of Queensland’s leading 9 hole golf courses where boardwalks weave through natural rainforest, imported grasses and tricky water features. Take the opportunity to teach the whole family to enjoy a game of golf in the great outdoors.

The Artist Colony on Dunk Island is a small community of artists who permanently live on the island to create, showcase and sell their art. Established in 1974 this eclectic colony located on the southern side of Dunk Island is a fabulous spot to view and purchase authentic Australian arts and crafts.

Visit Coolanglegah, Dunk Island’s own petting farm for children. The kids will love visiting the cute and cuddly farm animals that include chickens, goats, pigs and other farm critters.

The circuit trail on Dunk Island is a picturesque walking track that runs the circumference of the island. Starting behind Dunk Islands Main building at E.J. Banfield’s grave (previous island owner) the hike crosses a suspension bridge and climbs to the top of Mt. Kootaloo where amazing views can be observed. This easy walking trail can be done in an hour or so and encapsulates stunning Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea views with outlooks to the Family of Islands (Bedarra Island, Wheeler Island, Coombe Island, Smith Island, Bowden Island and Hudson Island) and luscious rainforest views. Take a picnic hamper and enjoy a tropical picnic lunch with your loved ones.

Dunk Island Day Spa - The Spa of Peace and Plenty

If none of these island activities meet your needs then why not take it a bit slower by spending your day at the radiant Destination Spa of Peace and Plenty on Dunk Island. This luxuriant Day Spa is set amongst the rainforest and combines signature therapies, exotic treatments and special packages combining ancient arts. Premium Elemis products are used to pamper the body and awaken the senses. Whether it is a one off treatment you are after or five day wellness program the professional and highly trained spa therapists at The Spa of Peace and Plenty on Dunk Island can design something to suit your needs. We suggest you make your Spa treatment bookings when you arrange your accommodation booking with our reservations department. Why not book yourself in for a massage every day?

Dunk Island - For The Children

The Kids Club Ranger Program is a fun-filled holiday program for kids aged 3-12 years. While mom and dad are off playing the kids can enjoy a range of vacation activities such as: Treasure Hunts, Nature Art and Crafts, Discovery Walks, Turtle Spotting and Petting Farm Visits. Night activities such as Star Gazing, Movie Nights and Night Games are available year round too. There are even activities during dinner time so mom and dad can take some time out for themselves whilst enjoying a sumptuous meal at one of Dunk Island’s fabulous restaurants.

Dunk Island Dining

Choose from over six restaurant options while staying on Dunk Island on the Great Barrier Reef!

The Beachcomber Restaurant is Dunk Island’s main restaurant. Expect fresh tropical cuisines, breakfast and lunch buffets and a la carte dinners. One night of the week there is a special themed night and kids are catered for all the time.

The Plantation Bar Deck which overlooks the butterfly swimming pool and beach serves gourmet snacks, pastries, smoothies, milk shakes and alcoholic beverages from 11:00am until late, there is also nightly entertainment.

The Terrace which overlooks the cascade pool features a tapas menu and antipasto bar. Enjoy an Italian dinner menu with wood fire pizzas and a lunch menu that features a salad and pasta bar.

The Jetty Café, located not surprisingly overlooking the jetty on Brammo Bay, features casual and quick meals throughout the day and is just the best location for watching all the resorts water activities.

Poolside dining which is seasonal features romantic tables set around the beachfront butterfly swimming pool where Asian inspired meals are served underneath the stars.

The Cascade Pool Bar serves light snacks and drinks daily. Beachside dining is available for couples and groups wishing to enjoy a five course meal beachfront; great for special occasions.

Finally picnic lunches are available where you and your family or partner can enjoy leisurely beach or rainforest picnics. Just advise the Resort at least 24 hours prior to the requested day to ensure the chef can provide you with any special items you may desire.

Dunk Island - For Business Travellers

Dunk Island off Mission Beach Australia is a wonderful island for incentives and business functions. The Ulysses Conference Room can hold up to 180 delegates theatre style, and there are additional spaces that are great for break out areas and functions. Any of Dunk Island’s restaurants are great venues for functions, themed events and group dining. Group activities such as Spa treatments, golf packages, sailing trips, fishing charters and much more are available for groups of all sizes. Business facilities on the island include internet access, photo copying, fax services and all secretarial services. What a great destination to keep your best staff members motivated. Ask us for more conference and team building ideas and we will be able to design an event just for your particular company’s requirements.

History of Dunk Island on the Great Barrier Reef Australia

Dunk Island was said to be first inhabited by Australian Aboriginals, over 10,000 years ago who called the island Coolanglegah meaning ‘The Island of Peace and Plenty’ as it provided a peaceful shelter and plenty of sustenance for them. The supposed first European discovery was in 1770 when Captain James Cook sailed past, naming the island after one of his crew members George Montagu Dunk. After that the HMS Rattlesnake anchored at the island in 1848 and John MacGillivray studied the rich flora and fauna on Dunk Island; these findings were later published in 1852 in the dairies of The HMS Rattlesnake’s Voyages. Probably the most significant resident of Dunk Island would be Edmond James Banfield (nicknamed ‘Beach Comber’). EJ Banfield lived on the island from 1897 until 1923 when he passed away. EJ Banfield’s life on Dunk Island was documented in a series of books called The Confessions of a Beachcomber. Banfield’s passion in life was the outdoors and more specifically wildlife; Banfield strived to protect the environment and his efforts helped create Dunk Island National Park which exists today. Dunk Island was purchased by Captain Brassey in 1934 and was operated as a small resort from Banfield’s original cottage. After being used as a military base for a few years during WWII, Captain Brassey sold the island to Eric McElree of Avis-Rent-a-car who injected substantial money into the island upgrading the facilities to international standards. Trans Australian Airline purchased the island in 1967 where an environmentally sustainable philosophy was adopted and most of the restaurant and lounges were built. In 1968 Dunk Island had a taste of Hollywood as the film The Age of Consent starring Helen Mirren and James Mason was filmed. Qantas Airlines bought Dunk Island in 1992 after merging with Australian Airlines and in 1997 Dunk Island was purchased by P&O Australian Resorts. After suffering damage from cyclone Larry in 2004, Dunk Island has been re-built to its former glory.

Ecology of Dunk Island on the Great Barrier Reef Australia

Dunk Island is coated with dense Tropical rainforest with gullies, slopes; fringed by Eucalypt Forests and swaying Palm Trees. Dunk Island is home to many species of reptiles, over 100 species of birds, interesting insects and rare mammals. The famous Ulysses Butterfly- the island’s symbol- is found throughout the island. These beautiful butterflies are an electic blue colour and some have wingspans up to 10 centimetres. Dunk Island has several walking tracks which are sensitively placed throughout the National Park. Walking tracks on Dunk Island include: The Muggy Muggy Beach Walk, Banfield’s Grave Walk, Mount Kootaloo Walk, The Island Circuit and Coconut Beach Trail; both guided tours and talks about Dunk Island’s unique habitats are available. Dunk Island’s marine environment is the reason many people come and stay at Dunk Island. From the beaches that border calm aqua marine waters you will be able to see glistening corals underneath. The fringing Coral Reefs that surround Dunk Island are home to some rare and protected marine environments. Strap on some fins and a snorkel and discover sea nymphs, dugongs, turtles, and lots of colourful fish. During whale season, between June and September and depending on the water temperatures even October, view migrating humpback whales, minke whales and the elusive white humpback whale ‘Migaloo’ as they frolic and play in the waters around Dunk Island. Dolphins, stingrays and huge ancient green turtles are a very common sight in these waters.

Why visit Dunk Island?

Dunk Island is the perfect family island retreat where both parents and children will find activities to suit themselves. With a plethora of activities, great restaurants and stunning natural environment you will never want to leave this idyllic island retreat of “Peace and Plenty”. Whether you are seeking an active holiday exploring the extensive trail networks, using the tennis court or gym facilities, horseback riding in the rainforest and on the beach or snorkelling in the coral reefs or whether you intend a more peaceful holiday, playing games of golf, pampering yourself with a massage at the Day Spa or soaking up the sun on the beach; there is plenty to do for everyone in all age groups.

Dunk Island is located 4 kilometres off the coast of Mission Beach and 120 kilometres south of Cairns City’s International Airport. Dunk Island is 6 kilometres in length and 2 kilometres in width and features 730 hectares of thriving National Parklands with the island’s peak exceeding 270 meters. Dunk Island has plenty of complimentary activities and facilities for travellers of all types and there are additional activities available for a small fee. Dunk Island is a part of The Family Group of Islands which extends 14 kilometres along the Great Barrier Reef’s Coral Sea. The Family Group of Islands are managed by National Parks & Wildlife (a government department) and feature pristine beaches and dense tropical rainforests. Members of the group consist of Dunk Island, Bedarra Island, Wheeler Island, Coombe Island, Smith Island, Bowden Island and Hudson Island. Views of all these picturesque islands can be seen from the peak of Dunk Island; an incredible sight to be seen!

Location

Dunk Island on the Great Barrier Reef is 4 kilometres off the coast of Mission Beach. From Cairns International Airport follow the Bruce Highway south for about 1.5 hours. Scenic transfer flights are available from Cairns, Dunk Island boat transfers depart from Clump Point Mission Beach and take approximately 20 minutes. When making your reservation please ask us to book your flight transfers or your seat in coach or private hire car to Mission Beach and Dunk Island and also your boat transfer .