Dunk Island

Dunk Island has become known as perhaps Australia's most beautiful rainforest island. With a careful blend of resort developments and national parkland, the island certainly does its best to live up to its reputation with its golden pristine beaches, lush rainforests and scenic tropical gardens.

See our detailed Dunk Island map.

History

Legendary explorer Captain Cook sailed through the group of islands during the mid-18th century. The island was named after Lord Mantague Dunk who, at the time, was the First Lord of the Admiralty.

In 1898, a Townsville journalist named Edmund Banfield stumbled onto Dunk Island and, after being captivated by the island's natural beauty, spent the rest of his life there. He would become Dunk Island's most famous resident while writing a series of books on the land.

Things to See and Do

The Dunk Island resort provides a full range of services and facilities to keep guests entertained. These range from tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, a golf course as well as a spa where visitors can indulge in exotic therapies, treatments and baths.

There's plenty of opportunities for watersports too with the beach and calm waters ideal for activities such as snorkeling, water-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking amongst others. Brammo Bay, located at the front of the resort, is a favourite along with the nearby Pallon Beach.

Ferries depart regularly for trips to the nearby Great Barrier Reef while outdoor activities such as horseriding and scenic flights can also be arranged.

Dunk Island's rainforest and parklands also feature walking trails for those who don't mind a hike. The trail leads up to the summit of Mount Kootaloo where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands and mainland.

The island circuit trail runs through the wildlife rich rainforest in Palm Valley to the peaceful and relaxing Coconut Beach which lies in a secluded cove surrounded by forest.

Further along the trail is the Bruce Arthur's artist colony where visitors can peruse through the various tapestries, jewellery, ceramics and pottery for sale. The gallery is opened from 10am to 1pm between Monday and Thursday.

Dunk Island Hotels and Accommodation

The Dunk Island Resort lies on the northern end of the island providing comfortable accommodation in the form of beachside rooms with nice views over Brammo Bay or rooms set in tropical gardens. The resort also sells day passes for day trips from the mainland which include lunch and use of facilities.

Getting to Dunk Island

The Cairns International Airport services flights from all Australian capital cities. From the airport's main terminal, arrange for a transfer via Sunpalm Coach to the Hinterland Aviation terminal where 45-minute flights to Dunk Island depart three times daily.

To travel by boat, from Clump Point Jetty in Mission Beach, contact Mission Beach Dunk Island Connections to arrange for coach transfers from Cairns Airport to Mission Beach followed by a 20-minute catamaran trip operated by Quick Cat Cruises to Dunk Island.

Alternatively, catch a Queensland Rail train to the Tully Railway Station followed by a taxi to Clump Point Jetty or to the beach a little further south near Banfield Pde in Wongaling where a water taxi departs regularly to Dunk.

Tourist Information

For more information on Dunk Island, including booking of accommodation, flights and transfers, contact Voyages Hotels and Resorts.