Whitsunday Island Update
2019 is an exciting time for the Whitsundays. With revamped resorts opening throughout the year, and an extensive government works program, the islands are going to offer a raft of new activities, accommodation and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
If you haven’t been to the Whitsundays in a while, or ever, make 2019 your year!
Daydream Island
Currently undergoing a major refurbishment valued at over $100m, Daydream Island is set to reopen in April 2019. With new rooms, new pools, new restaurants, new Living Reef facilities, and so much to enjoy, Daydream Island should be on your list to visit in 2019-2020. Marina/boat access facilities for bareboaters are yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned.
Long Island
Palm Bay Resort continues to grow and add new facilities. Bareboat visitors are welcome on moorings (for a fee) and you can now grab a wood-fired pizza, or a cocktail from the beach bar at certain times. Check with the resort (contact details are in your boat manuals) for details.
Elysian Retreat opened its doors in January on the southern edge of Long Island. This boutique retreat features just 10 rooms, with a small team of dedicated staff including private chef. Exclusively for guests aged 16 years and over. No boat access, but we can arrange to meet or drop you off at Elysian Retreat if you wish to combine a bareboat charter with an island stay.
Government funding
The Queensland Government has committed up to $25 million to deliver the Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Rejuvenation Program, which includes a contestable Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Rejuvenation Fund available to eligible resort owners and operators (including leaseholders) to assist in rejuvenating the resorts on Great Barrier Reef Islands.
Four Whitsunday island resort projects have been awarded funding for a range of initiatives focusing on objectives of growing, greening and cleaning.
South Molle Island
The jetty that was severely damaged by ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie is to be reconstructed. Rebuilding the jetty and site remediation works will allow day trippers better access to the island’s walking trails and assist the new resort to be developed.
The old resort is very damaged and access is not permitted. The walking trails and mountain bike trails, however, are superb, and well worth a visit.
Hamilton Island
New facilities for day-trippers and resort guests are being constructed including a new marina terminal, enhanced walking trails and new viewing platforms on Passage Peak, plus new water, sewerage and waste facilities for island guests.
Hayman Island
Funding for infrastructure to support growth and resilience and greener technologies to improve water, energy and waste management. Hayman Island resort is due to reopen in July 2019 under the Intercontinental brand. Boat access for bareboat customers is still to be confirmed. Stay tuned!
And the one we are most excited about:
Hook Island
Plans to reactivate the old resort site are afoot, which has not operated since February 2013. Funding will be used to clean up the site, remove damaged buildings and install a range of day trip facilities including a jetty, moorings, amenities block and walkways for public use.
This is a great spot to go snorkelling, we can’t wait to use these new moorings and site facilities to spend more time here!
Want to charter a Whitsunday Escape bareboat for a holiday?
Our friendly, helpful reservations staff can recommend which boats to look at, help you choose dates to charter, and give you advice on everything from where to shop, to how to get some experience before you arrive.