BRAMPTON ISLAND
Area: Queensland
Country: Australia


Location:
Just off Queensland coast, at entrance to Whitsunday Passage in Coral Sea. 20 mls NE of principal mainland town of Mackay, its national airport and harbour. 50 mls from Great Barrier Reef. 680 mls NW of Brisbane. 650 mls SE of Cairns and its international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
61 7

Website:
http://www.brampton.com.au

Position:
Although actually one of the Cumberland group of islands, it is often considered as belonging to the Whitsunday group just to the N. Linked by a ­-ml sand spit at low tide to neighbouring Carlisle Island, which dominates the view from the resort. In a strait between the two, just to the W, is pretty little Pelican Island, which can also be reached on foot at low tide.

Description:
Brampton is a small mountainous island no more than 3 mls long. The highest point is Brampton Peak at 718 ft, reached by a hiking track through the tropical forest which covers most of the island. The resort, however, has lots of elegant old coconut palms as it was formerly a palm nursery. Hemp also grows naturally. It is a national park and the waters around it, a marine national park. It has a variety of fauna including kangaroo, koala bears, bats, lizards, butterflies, turtles, humpback whales in winter and lots of birds. The original resort dates back to 1933 and has plenty of history. Currently owned by P&O Group.

Suitability:
Couples, honeymooners and some families (young children are not really catered for). Plenty of interest for animal and bird spotters. A good distance (nearly 2 hrs by boat) from the Great Barrier Reef so not ideal for serious scuba divers, but good for snorkelling locally on the fringing reef: uniquely, the reef in the strait has been signposted to create a self-guided snorkelling adventure trail.

Accommodation:
Only 1 hotel.

Shopping:
Only 1 shop at hotel selling souvenirs and the usual holiday necessities.

Beach:
The resort beach at Sandy Point is fine, light, golden coral sand. Some rocks emerge in places at low tide, but it is mainly shallow water with a sandy bottom. Sand spits are a feature. Seven other beaches are accessible via a forest track. Water sports are only available for about 4 hrs a day owing to low tide; care needs to be taken for all water activities, as tides and currents are strong at certain times of day; resort staff will advise when and where is safe.

Entertainments:
Daytime: archery, volleyball, golf, tennis, badminton, table tennis, beach cricket, bird feeding (11am daily), boules. Water sports include snorkelling (see also "Market/Suitability"), paddle skis, windsurfing, catamarans, water-skiing, speedboat tow rides, fishing, jet-ski tours of the island. Bush walks, guided history walks, frond-weaving lessons, sarong tying, wine tasting. Nightlife: resident band nightly; casino night; themed dinners.

Eating:
Only at hotel. Main restaurant has limited a la carte menu, themed buffets or table d'hote on different nights and operates sittings. Beach barbecue weekly. Cafe for fruit platters.

Public-transport:
Flights and launches from Mackay. Bus meets flights. A tiny narrow-gauge diesel engine pulling converted sugar-cane wagons transfers guests to or from jetty.

Local-excursions:
Cruises to or around other islands including the Whitsundays. Dive trips to the Great Barrier Reef. Fishing trips.