Peppers Palm Bay, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Mar 31st, 2003
There are 74 islands all within 50 kilometres of Shute Harbour and a short trip away is the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.
With the opening of an exclusive boutique resort on Long Island, there's now even more to choose from.
Until recently accommodation in the Whitsundays was limited to large resorts with hundreds of rooms, or small budget accommodation.
This changed in July 2002 when the Peppers group took over the Long Island resort. The project involved refurbishing its accommodation to reflect the quality style found in their other famous Peppers retreats - and the result is sheer indulgence.
Peppers Palm Bay is the ideal way to get away from the crowds and enjoy an intimate and unique getaway while still enjoying luxury and fine food. The resort is comprised of just 21 rooms, seven standard cabins, six bungalow suites and eight deluxe suites, all with the beach on the front doorstep.
Great emphasis on rest and relaxation and some of the most popular facilities include the natural swimming lagoon, heated spa and hammocks.
Guests can also explore the island's secluded beaches by canoe or take a walk along the 14 kilometre rainforest trail. You can try your luck at fishing, view the scenery at Long Island's lookout or head out to the Great Barrier Reef.
If you want to see the reef from a different perspective, take a Reef Adventure Tour. The tour involves a trip in a seaplane and snorkelling around the reef.
The largest seaplane operator in the Southern Hemisphere, Air Whitsunday, picks up passengers from Long Island and heads to an area of the reef away from the crowds. Once the seaplane splashes down, you have three hours to explore the underwater world. You can view the marine life from a purpose-built sub or grab a snorkel and explore on your own.
A great end to a day in the sun is a meal at the island's restaurant. La Riviera Restaurant and the Pandanus Bar are both located in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the reef.
The facts
Rooms at Peppers Palm Bay range from $380 to $620 per night twin share including breakfast. Minimum two night stay on weekends. Meals at La Riviera Restaurant cost from $35.
Peppers Palm Bay
Tel: 07 4946 9233
Whitsunday All Over Cruises will run you from Hamilton to Long Island. Return fare is $77 for adults and $38.50 for children.
Whitsunday All Over Cruises
Tel: 07 4946 6900
A Reef Adventure Tour runs for three hours and costs $265 for adults and $165 for children under 12.
Reef Adventure Tour
Tel: 07 4946 9111
