Iconic ’90s resort’s new must-see island spectacle
The hotel
Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari, Queensland
Check-in
From the white-bellied sea eagle we spot on the 45-minute ferry crossing from Hervey Bay to the whistling kite that heralds our arrival at the resort jetty, the welcoming committee at Kingfisher Bay Resort hints at (wild) things to come. Located on Butchulla Country on K’gari’s sheltered western side, the eco-resort was established in 1992, the same year the island received UNESCO World Heritage listing. From the jetty it’s a 400-metre walk or buggy ride to reception.
The check-in process, which was partially completed at the ferry terminal, is quick and seamless. My luggage beats me to my room (when does that ever happen?) and within minutes I’m on the beach at the Sunset Bar, toes in the sand, raising a glass of bubbles to the chillest start to an island getaway ever.
The look
If the exterior was designed to integrate with the environment, the interior of the lobby was engineered for impact. Cathedral-like ceilings, an abundance of light, and views across to the pool and greenery beyond create a stunning entrance. Like all good architecture, it has stood the test of time, where clever use of timber, stone and organic textures maintains the connection with nature while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The resort holds multiple Advanced Ecotourism Certifications from Ecotourism Australia for its accommodation and tours.
The room
There are 152 hotel rooms and more than 100 self-contained villas, so cleverly camouflaged they might as well have grown there. Connected by raised walkways, the Queenslander-style wooden buildings have wide, open verandahs and curved tin roofs. Mine is a King Bay resort room, with expansive views across the foliage to the azure waters of the Great Sandy Strait in the distance. I’m on the second level (no building is taller than two storeys) and from my verandah it feels like I’m perched in a treehouse – albeit one with a comfortable king-size bed, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and sitting area. A mural-sized photographic print adds mood and colour, but overall, the decor is minimal with standard furnishings. Families can choose from interconnecting rooms or self-contained one, two- or three-bedroom villas. Note, many of the villas are some distance from the main resort facilities.
Food + drink
All that fresh air builds an appetite, fortunately there are six food and beverage options to choose from.
I eat at Dune, the resort’s new Asian-fusion restaurant, on two of the three nights of my stay. From the crab bao buns to the Thai green chicken curry to the papaya salad, every dish zings with flavour and authenticity.
Sand and Wood restaurant overlooks the pool and is the place for a hearty breakfast buffet or light snacks and lunch. The Sand Bar and Bistro dishes up good pub grub (chilli prawn pizza for the win) in a bush setting.
Out + about
At 122 kilometres long, K’gari is the largest sand island in the world. After three visits, this is my strategy. Day one; sign up for a nature-based tour to one of the many attractions – Lake McKenzie, the Maheno shipwreck, Eli Creek, Pile Valley or 75 Mile Beach’s famous sand highway. Day two; make like a lounge lizard – swim in one of the four pools, relax on my deck, enjoy a treatment at the Island Day Spa. Day three; explore the marine environment and waterways by canoe or stand-up paddleboard, or go on a whale-watching cruise (July to October). Rinse and repeat.
Don’t miss Illumina, the resort’s all-new sound, light and laser show, which uses the surrounding native environment as a backdrop to illustrate the island’s journey of regeneration and growth. Created by Melbourne-based light artist Bruce Ramus, the five-act spectacle, Return to Sky, is on every night, exclusive to resort guests ($50 adults/$20 children).
The verdict
Kingfisher Bay Resort is a tranquil, eco-friendly base for exploring the beauty, landscapes, and wildlife of K’gari. Over its 32 years of operation, the resort has gathered a loyal following but continues to evolve and offer new experiences.
The essentials
An Illumina Bronze package including two nights in a standard hotel room, daily buffet breakfast, return ferry transfers and entry to the light show from $340 a person, twin share. Accessible rooms available. See kingfisherbay.com
Our rating out of five
★★★★
Highlight
The passion and knowledge of the resort rangers as they conduct eco walks, give lectures on marine life and run Junior Bushranger programs (some activities attract additional costs).
Lowlight
Hotel rooms will only be serviced if you put the appropriate sign on the door. It’s an “opt-in” situation; not a huge problem but can come as a surprise if you forget.
The writer travelled as a guest of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.