GREAT WAY TO ESCAPE COVID BLUES
TOWNSVILLE is blessed with plenty of Covid escapes. Places where you can go to escape the daily news cycle of Covid, Covid and more Covid. And even better, places where the QR check in app has never been heard of; places like Camp Island off the mouth of the Elliot River at Guthalungra, north of Bowen. At Camp Island there are no QR check-ins when you enter the water to snorkel over the coral gardens or at the water’s edge when you cast out your line to catch a red emperor for dinner. This is freedom at its best at the northern end of the Whitsunday archipelago. Townsville woman Alison Ferry and a group of friends have just returned from a week-long stay at this little-known holiday destination on our doorstep.
SITTING around a fire on a coral crusted beach, sundowner in hand, the sky turning a brilliant red before sinking down completely, this is how we spent each evening of our stay on Camp Island – a private island located off the coastline at Guthalungra, halfway between Townsville and Airlie Beach.
This 17.5ha island, part of Cape Upstart National Park, is the most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands and comprises 2.4ha of leasehold property which is where we are staying. Accommodation is in four modern bungalows (pictured right and below right) linked to a main area comprising a huge loungedining room and a well equipped kitchen.
We opted to self-cater, but some parties choose to be looked after by a chef.
Access to the island is by helicopter or small barge from Guthalungra. This was the start of our adventure. We arrived at the boat ramp with provisions, personal gear and fishing rods plus plenty of liquid refreshments and met Pete (pictured left). The barge, aptly named “Little Upstart” took us on a half-hour trip through the Elliott River and into Abbott Bay, which brought us to the island. With a maximum number of guests at eight, the island caters only for private groups and is surrounded by beautifu beautiful fringing reefs, coral shores and a sandy beach. There are lots of shady sh walks, numerous scenic spots sp and a large fire pit, which is where w we congregated late each afternoon af to watch magnificent sunsets su with sundowners in hand.
Our hosts, Lizzie and Pete are very ve welcoming and happy to take e guests gu fishing, snorkelling, paddle boarding bo or kayaking. Personally I found fo swaying gently in the hammock ha with a good book was usually us my preference but there is also al a pool and tennis court if one wishes w to use more energy.
There is something Robinson Crusoe about this place, along with untamed flora and fauna and lots of birds, b the sense of isolation is sublime. su
WHERE IS IT? Access is via the Elliott River at Guthalungra or by helicopter. Guthalungra G is 142km south of Townsville. To The island, which is 3km offshore, of accommodates eight people in four villas, but extra sleeping space can ca be organised for children. There is a six night minimum stay during school sc holidays for a total price of $2000 $2 a night. Outside school holidays ho it is a three night minimum stay st for $1800 a night.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? Nothing. You can just lie in a hammock ha and read a book. If it’s action ac you are looking for, there are kayaks, ka stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling sn gear provided free of charge. ch Snorkelling around the coral gardens ga is a favourite activity. There is a small boat available for use around the th island. On-site managers Pete and Lizzie Li will also take you fishing or crabbing cr in the barge if you’d like to see se mud crab or barra on the menu. Keen K anglers can catch reef fish and trevally from the beach and oysters can be shucked straight from the rocks at low tide.
FOOD. You can bring your own or a chef can be brought in for another $2000 a night.
Camp Island is owned by Brisbane couple Catherine and Cambell Ball, along with two other couples.