Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE NORTH COAST 299
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, but Dunk
has such nice beaches and rainforest walking trails (half a dozen, ranging in
duration from 15 min. to 4 hr.), that you won’t need to shell out a chunk of
change for watersports to enjoy the day. 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 seakayak
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 no less than nine organic teas and coffees. The trip costs A$95
(US$62) per person.
WHERE TO STAY
Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village This caravan park, across the
road from the beach (and, more important in summer, the stinger net), wins the
local garden award every year. Its neat lawns and abundant palms are lovely, as
are the deluxe cabins, which are almost as roomy and as well appointed as an
apartment. “Villa” cabins have en suite bathrooms with a hair dryer and fluffy
white towels, a separate living and dining area, a good-size kitchen, a master
bedroom, bunkroom for the kids, and a Jacuzzi! The regular cabins have older
decor and less room, but they’re fine enough. Campers have a communal
kitchen, a fridge, and barbecues. Pitch your tent at the jungle’s edge, and keep
an eye out for the cassowaries that stroll in now and then. There’s a take-out
shop that also sells basic groceries.
Kennedy Esplanade, South Mission Beach, QLD 4852. & 1800/008 129 in Australia, or 07/4068 8129. Fax
07/4068 8671. www.big4.com.au. 27 cabins, 15 with bathroom (shower only), 4 with spa baths; 80 powered
sites, approximately 20 tent sites. A$21–A$23 (US$14–US$15) double unpowered campsite; A$23–A$27
(US$15–US$18) double powered campsite; A$45–A$80 (US$29–US$52) double cabins; A$99–A$125
(US$64–US$81) 2-bedroom villas; A$110–A$135 (US$72–US$88) spa villas. Extra person A$8 (US$5.20) in
campsite, A$14 (US$9.10) in cabin. Half price for children 2–15. Linen and towel hire A$7 (US$4.55), A$4
(US$2.60) blanket in regular cabins (free in deluxe cabins). MC, V. Amenities: Outdoor pool; half-court tennis;
tour desk; TV and game room; children’s playground. In room: kitchen, hair dryer (villas only).
Mackays Value 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 paintedbrick
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.mackays
missionbeach.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. Extra person A$17 (US$11). Children
under 14 A$6.50 (US$4.20). Crib A$6.50 (US$4.20) extra. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Free undercover
off-street parking. Amenities: Outdoor pool; access to nearby tennis courts; access to bike rental; tour desk;
car-rental desk; room service (breakfast 7:30–8:30am); in-room massage; babysitting; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking
rooms. In room: A/C (in 12 units only), TV, fax, kitchenettes (in 4 units only), fridge, safe.