Hi!

As you are aware, both Dunk and Bedarra Island will be closed until April 2012 while we repair the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasi. This has given us the opportunity to reflect and really understand the essence of each island and what makes them such special destinations.

Part of the soul of the island is it’s amazing natural beauty which we will of-course look after and preserve. There is a wonderful diversity of plant and animal life on our National Park Rainforest Island and of course the spectacular Great Barrier Reef nearby.

Dunk has a rich and diverse heritage. It’s these memories and experiences that make Dunk unique. As we begin the rebuild process we’d love you to share with us, some of your fond memories of your time on Dunk Island. We also wanted to share with you our memories and history in this newsletter.

Thank you for your patience and kind understanding during this period of closure. We look forward to sharing the magic of Dunk Island and Bedarra when we re-open.

Regards,

Mark Campbell

CEO Hideaway Resorts

Bedarra and Dunk Island.

The above images were sent to us courtesy of the Steyn Family. They were taken between 1956 and 1960 when they owned Dunk Island. The first image is of guests relaxing on the beach at Dunk, the second image is of the spit – taken from Mt Kootaloo, and the third image is of the Dunk Jetty.

In this edition of Dunked:

• History of Dunk Island
• Win “Confessions of a Beachcomber”
• Historical Brochures from the 60′s
• Tropical Pineapple Pie Recipe
• Guest photo’s on facebook

The History of Dunk Island

The Aboriginal name for Dunk Island is Coonanglebah, meaning: “The Island of Peace and Plenty”. It received its European name from Captain Cook, who sailed past it on 8 June 1770, and remarked that it was a “tolerable high island” and named it after George Montague-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax.

In 1897, suffering from work anxiety and exhaustion, and advised by doctors that he had just six months to live, writer E J Banfield moved to Dunk Island with his wife Bertha – so becoming the island’s first white settlers. Previously a Journalist and Senior Editor with the Townsville Daily Bulletin for fifteen years, Banfield let the tranquillity of this unspoilt tropical paradise weave its magic and he lived on Dunk Island for the remaining 26 years of his life.

Portrait of Mr and Mrs Banfield 1910 National Library of Australia

First home of EJ Banfield 1936 State of Queensland Library

A small hut built with the assistance of an Aborigine called Tom was the Banfield’s first home. Over a period of time they cleared four acres of land for a plantation of fruit and vegetables. Combined with their chickens, cows and goats as well as the abundance of seafood and mangrove vegetation, they lived very self-sufficiently. Fascinated by Dunk Island’s flora and fauna Banfield meticulously recorded his observations and went on to write a series of articles about island life under the pseudonym Rob Krusoe. He was further inspired to write a full-length book entitled ‘Confessions of a Beachcomber’ which was published in 1908. The book became a celebrated text for romantics and escapists and established Dunk Island’s reputation as an exotic island paradise. In the ensuing years, Banfield wrote several other books about Dunk including ‘My Tropical Isle’ in 1911 and ‘Tropic Days’ in 1918. In these he shared the secrets of nature that he had uncovered and described the customs and legends of the Aboriginal people on the island. E J Banfield passed away on 2 June 1923 and his final book ‘Last Leaves from Dunk’ was published posthumously in 1925.

Banfield’s widow remained on the island for another year before moving to Brisbane where she died, ten years after her husband. Today both are buried on the trail to Mt Kootaloo. The tombstone of Banfield’s wife, Bertha, was added to the grave after her death in 1933.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears”.

Quote on grave by Henry David Thoreau who was a favourite of Banfield’s. The tombstone of Banfield’s wife, Bertha, was added to the grave after her death in 1933.

Gravestone of EJ Banfield & Bertha State of Queensland Library

Since Banfield’s time the island has passed through several hands beginning with Captain Robert Brassey, grandson of Lord Brassey, a former Governor of Victoria, who bought the island for 10,000 pounds in 1934. At the time, the Banfield bungalow provided the basis for the beginning of a resort. His son Hugo Brassey then capitalised on family connections with the rich and famous and ran a successful tourist resort until World War II when the island was annexed by the Royal Australian Air Force because of its small but valuable airfield. Secret radar equipment was installed near the island’s highest point, Mt Kootaloo, from where the Battle of the Coral Sea was waged.

Three men silhouetted against the open window of the bar of the Dunk Island Hotel which is now a RAAF workshop. Note the equipment stacked beside the building. Australian War memorial

Sailors come ashore from two local boats while on liberty. The sailors are probably from HMAS Hobart. Australian War Memorial

At the end of the war, the Brassey family returned to run the resort for a period. The island then went through a succession of owners. In 1956, Gordon & Kathleen Stynes purchased the island and relocated their family from Victoria to Dunk Island. The Stynes Family then set about to redevelop and upgrade the resort’s facilities to establish the island as a tourist destination. As a result, Dunk Island became a popular destination for celebrities including Sean Connery, Henry Ford II and former Australian Prime Ministers Harold Holt and Gough Whitlam. The Stynes Family owned and operated the island and resort until 1964 when it was sold to Eric McIlree, founder of Avis Rent-A-Car. In 1969, the movie ‘The Age of Consent’ starring James Mason and Helen Mirren was shot on location on Dunk and neighbouring Bedarra Island, adding to its international appeal.

In 1977, P&O Australia purchased Dunk Island Resort along with TAA (which later became Australian Airlines). The resort at that time was small and had a mere 36 rooms. But P&O and TAA had a vision for the future of Dunk, developing the resort and re-launching it in July 1978 with a series of festivals, including the Bill Fish Tournament and a concert performed by the Supremes, led by Mary Wilson.

A girl in the water at Dunk Island Resort 1984 National Archives of Australia – A6135, K3/1/84/24

Bar and entertainment area, Dunk Island Resort, 1980 National Archives of Australia – A8746, KN10/6/80/44

Dunk Island swimming pool 1980 National Archives of Australia – A8746, KN10/6/80/58

Bar and entertainment area, Dunk Island Resort,1980 National Archives of Australia – A8746, KN10/6/80/46

Modern bungalow-style accommodation on Dunk Island,1984 National Archives of Australia – A8746, KN10/6/80/46

Accommodation (interior view) at Dunk Island, 1980 National Archives of Australia – A8746, KN10/6/80/49

Dunk Island suspension bridge National Archives of Australia – A8746, KN10/6/80/49

Dunk Island Activities board, 1984 National Archives of Australia – A6135, K3/1/84/39

Tapestry and weaving – Weavers at work on Dunk Island National Archives of Australia – A6135, K3/1/84/36

Great Barrier Reef (2 people with Purtaboi in background) National Archives of Australia – A6135, K15/1/87/10

In 1980 P&O sold their share of Dunk Island to TAA, and in 1992 ownership was passed to Qantas Airways following its merger with Australian Airlines. In December 1997 P&O once again purchased the resort and, taking up where they left off, completely refurbished the guest and staff accommodation, Kids Club, airport, reception and resort facilities. The Plantation Lounge and Beachcomber Restaurant also underwent a major transformation, whilst the General Manager’s residence emerged from the refurbishment as the breathtaking ‘Spa of Peace & Plenty’.

In 2003, refurbishment of guest accommodation continued and Dunk’s dream of having a 9 hole golf course (offering spectacular views of the local region) came to fruition. The Spa of Peace & Plenty was also extended, to better meet the needs of resort guests seeking to nurture their mind, body, and spirits. In 2004 there were significant changes, including the addition of Bayview Suites at the far eastern end of Brammo Bay, and the re-invention of the Cascade Pool and ‘The Terrace Restaurant’. In July 2004, Voyages Hotels & Resorts took over Dunk Island and centralized the island management in Sydney along with a range of other tourism properties in their portfolio.

On 21st September 2009, an affiliate of the McCall MacBain Foundation became the proud new owners of Dunk Island and the exclusive 5 star neighboring resort of Bedarra. Plans are to continue revitalizing both island resorts bringing them up to their quintessential best, so that the magic of Dunk is never lost.

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Win “Confessions of a Beachcomber”

“Confessions of a Beachcomber” is perhaps E.J. Banfields best known novel written on Dunk Island.

To go into the draw to win, all you need to do is update your details here.

Good luck.

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Historical Brochures from the 60′s

Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to have a holiday on Dunk Island back in the 60′s? Click on the attached images to enlarge the brochure and read all about it…
Brochure supplied from the Steyn Family archive.

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Tropical Pineapple Pie Recipe

Feel like you need a tropical fix? Why not make a delicious home-made pineapple pie, just like they did back in the old days. Click on the image to see the recipe – notice Dunk Island in the background. This recipe was supplied from the Steyn family archives.

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Guest photo’s on facebook

Every day or two we will be posting one of our past guest pics (that were shortlisted in the Guest Photo Competition) to share some of the happy memories that were made on Dunk and get you excited for some of the many more happy memories to be made on the ‘new’ Dunk.

The above sunrise photo was submitted by Steven Bird.

If you are not already a part of the Dunk facebook community, click “like” on this page: www.facebook.com/dunkisland

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Parting Comments

Guest feedback is so valuable to us and now we have the opportunity to re-look the entire guest experience, so please take the time to let us know what you enjoyed and where you think we can improve. The current rectification process gives us a great opportunity to implement your suggestions.

Here are some of the reviews from past guests…

“Great” – 26 Jan 2011

“Relax & Enjoy – Perfect accommodation and facilities and fantastic staff” – Nov 2010

“A Paradise named Dunk” – 17 November 2010

To post a review on TripAdvisor, please click here

Please note: they will send you a confirmation email so check your junk filter to confirm your post, if you haven’t received this!

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Contact reservations: reservations@dunk-island.com or +61 3 9854 5747

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Hi!

We are excited to start the new year, and hope you had an enjoyable festive season.

Whilst we have been up here living the island dream, some of our team’s families and friends have been affected by the devastating floods in South Queensland that will be remembered for years to come. Our hearts and thoughts go out to anyone who has been touched by this tragedy.

Fortunately for us, access to Dunk via Cairns and the resort itself have been unaffected by this unprecedented weather.

Dunk is undergoing a large scale refurbishment programme which will be substantially completed by Easter this year – more details below.

Mark Campbell will be joining Hideaway Resorts (which is the management company of Bedarra Island and Dunk Island Resorts) as Chief Executive Officer. Mark brings a wealth of experience to the role, both with his prior knowledge of Dunk and Bedarra having worked as Managing Director of P&O Australian Resorts, as well as Managing Director of Contiki Resorts and AOT Holidays.

I would like to wish you the very best for 2011 and look forward to welcoming you on the island soon.

Cheers,

David Henry

General Manager, Dunk Island

In this edition of Dunked:

• Guest Photo Competition
• Australia Day Celebration
• Refurbished resorts
• Valentine’s Day Special
• Dunk Island Activity Challenge
• Best of Both Worlds Package
• Other News
• From Bedarra
• Parting comments

Guest Photo Competition

Guests on Dunk Island have been taking loads of fun, interesting and original photos and posting them to the Dunk Island facebook page in the hopes of winning a return holiday – 3 nights for two people in a Beachfront Suite, all meals included, all return flights from Cairns
and a $50 Dunk Dollars voucher.

Please vote for your favourite pics in the gallery of shortlisted images.

Voting closes at 5pm on 31 January 2011.

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Australia Day Celebration

Picture the perfect Australia Day celebration at Australasia’s Leading Family Resort as named in the 2010 World Travel Awards…

A traditional Aussie barbeque by the butterfly pool, a game or two of beach cricket on a palm fringed beach, some croquet on the lawn and complimentary use of kayaks, stand up paddle
boards and other non-motorised water sports.

The ‘True Blue Aussie Day Pass’ includes all of the above, for only $30.00 per adult and
$15.00 per child.

If you would like to stay overnight, give us a call on +61 3 9854 5747 to find out about our
current specials.

We look forward to seeing you on 26 January.

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Refurbished Resorts

Hideaway Resorts, operators of Dunk Island Resort and Bedarra Island Resort, have
revealed details of a $10 million upgrade and enhancement program designed to return the
two popular Queensland island properties to the top position in their respective markets.

Rupert Greenhough, chairman of Hideaway Resorts, said that the extensive upgrade
program at Dunk would be largely completed by Easter 2011.

At Dunk Island Resort, around $6.5 million of structural and interior design changes are underway. “Liveability and comfort across the board are the key factors of the refurbishment, as well as offering more accommodation options for groups and families in the Garden Cabanas and Lower Banfields,” says Rupert Greenhough. “For couples, the newly romantic Upper Banfield spa rooms with daybeds overlooking the gardens will provide a lower price point alternative to the Beachfront Rooms and premium Beachfront Suites.” Updates to common areas include a soft refurbishment of restaurant and bar areas and new lighting, air conditioning and extra seating.

In response to feedback received, Dunk Island will be changing its tariff to full board from 1st
April 2011, with rates including lunch/dinner as well as bed/breakfast.

“Travel industry and guest feedback received during the past year we have owned the resort
have lead us to this full board concept, which we believe will enhance the guest experience
in tandem with the resort’s full refurbishment,” said Rupert Greenhough.

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Valentine’s Day Special

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not treat someone special to a wonderful surprise holiday on our beautiful tropical island?

We’ve put together a great special offer…

2 nights in a Garden Room, all meals included plus a romantic beachside dinner for two. We’ll also upgrade you and your partner to a Beachfront Room, ubject to availability.

Only *$468 per person.

To book, simply email reservations@dunk-island.com or call +61 3 9854 5747.

You can also give a loved one a Dunk Island Gift Voucher.

The gift vouchers are available for any amount and can be used towards accommodation,
activities, spa treatments, bottles of Champagne… just about anything you would like to spoil
your loved one with.

Download the gift voucher request form. *Conditions apply.

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Dunk Island Activity Challenge

As you know, there are loads of activities to do on Dunk Island, from horse riding on the beach, archery, golf, stand up paddle boarding, water trampoline, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, mountain biking… there are over 40 different activities to do on Dunk.

We’ve created an activity challenge card to keep track of every activity guests complete – if they are able to do 20 or more activities during their stay, we’ll add their name to the honour
board on our website…

More information on the Dunk Activity Challenge

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Best of Both Worlds Package

We recently asked one of Australia’s top bloggers (Mamamia.com.au) to review our Best of Both Worlds package.

This innovative package delivers a fantastic Dunk Island Resort holiday with your friends or family with the added bonus of a couples’ night away at beautiful Bedarra Island Resort. We also held a competition on the Mamamia website where a lucky reader could win the above package – there were many deserving submissions but Marrianne’s entry was chosen as the overall winner. Congratulations Marrianne.

Read the review of the Best of Both Worlds package and Marrianne’s winning motivation.

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Other News.

If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind after a fun-filled day of activities – why not relax in
one of our 20 new hammocks. We recommend accompanying this with a cocktail of the day.

From Bedarra Island Resort.

Bedarra has just started a dedicated menu for rare and museum release Bollinger Champagnes and still wines. This collection will grow over time and we will be watching auctions and liaising with select suppliers to make this one of the best selections in Australia.
Bedarra offers more than 50 wines included in the cost of the accommodation. There’s also a reserve list of wines by the bottle, which are offered for sale to guests at minimal mark up.

More info on the Bedarra wines.

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Parting comments.

Here’s what some of our past guests have been saying about us…

• “Relax & Enjoy – Perfect Accommodation, and facilities with fantastic staff!” – 30 November 2010
• “A Paradise named Dunk” – 17 November 2010
• “Utter relaxation on such an idyllic island. Couldn’t fault anything.” – 12 November 2010

We value your feedback and would love you to share your experience of Dunk Island on TripAdvisor. Please note: they will send you a confirmation email so check your junk filter to confirm your post, if you haven’t received this!

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Isn’t it time you had your next Dunk Island holiday?