Bride And Joy

Sun Herald

Sunday June 17, 2001

Debbie Neilson

Brampton Island is laid-back and casual with a staff almost as warm as the climate, writes Debbie Neilson.

``WHAT are you doing here on your own. Nobody comes to this island alone," says one guest making a detour from the salad bar to my table-for-one.

He's right. Everywhere you look couples wrapped in sarongs (and each other) stroll along the deserted beaches or paddle in the shallows of Brampton Island.

Just to drive the point home, an autumn bride bravely sinks into a swaying hammock underneath the shady fronds of two coconut palms while her heavily perspiring new husband stands by and smiles for the photographer.

The warm climate and natural bush and beach surrounds are a magical combination for twosomes looking for a holiday destination that will keep both happy.

But whether you're with someone or are just happy to have a good book for company, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone leaving Brampton in the same condition as when they arrived.

Accommodation

One reason Brampton is an ideal retreat for couples is because the numbers are kept to a minimum. There are about 108 rooms catering for 220 guests and they are spread out across the small resort in three levels of accommodation size, views and price determining what you'll get. The Carlisle rooms are the smallest and in a garden setting; the Palm rooms are larger and closer to the beach, but don't have quite the spectacular water aspect and double balcony that comes with the Ocean View room.

All are very comfortable and equipped with decor and furnishings (which need a lift) to match the tropical environment. There's a queen size bed and single bed, air conditioning, ensuite bathroom with shower, phone, TV, tea and coffee facilities, mini-bar (items on request) and iron and ironing board. The only thing I felt was lacking, especially for a beach resort, was a hair dryer.

The staff

Even though I was travelling solo I didn't feel alone. The young staff are some of the friendliest I've met, always keen to ask how your day is going and if they can do anything to help, but they are never intrusive. When my weight needed balancing out on the water tube ride, there was no shortage of volunteers.

The food

One of the biggest drawcards of a Brampton holiday is that it's practically all-inclusive. That includes three meals a day in Bluewater restaurant (except drinks). The quality and variety of dishes was a pleasant surprise. Breakfasts included hot and cold buffet, and lunch offered a salad and antipasto bar and hot choices. The largest queues could always be found in front of the ice cream trolley. In the evenings, guests chose from an a la carte menu offering up to four courses or went buffet style.

Younger couples unsure about choosing a wine to complement each course will appreciate the recommendations listed beside each dish.

The much anticipated Saturday seafood buffet wasn't disappointing and Monday night beachside barbecues break up the routine. To snag the best seats on the veranda under the stars be sure to get in early.

Out and about

It's not every day you get to lick the swollen behind of a green ant to find out whether it really tastes like vitamin C. Sean Webster, our bush food and medicine expert, wasn't pulling my leg. The bush cherry tasted like an unripened banana, just as he promised. Don't miss this informative nature walk through the national park to Turtle Bay or the climb up the Peak for some awesome views (and the only place to get a signal on your mobile).

The two-hour jet-skiing safari around the island is a buzz and if you arrived by boat, it's a good way to see the entire island.

The minimal number of guests means more chance of having the sand to yourself and proximity to a couple of smaller islands means romantics can arrange to be dropped off for a specially prepared private picnic.

A snorkelling safari to the island's coral gardens is a fun way to cool down. But experienced snorkellers and divers will be disappointed by the lack of colour and fish life you'll have to organise a day trip if you want to see the best the Great Barrier Reef has to offer.

Some activities, such as the safari fishing trips and sunset cruises, cost extra but many do not: archery, basketball, catamarans, sail-boarding, tennis and golf with the kangaroos are all free. Or you can just do nothing. Some guests lounge around the pools with a cocktail. After dinner, guests mingle in the Aqua bar for some casino fun or to catch a live band.

Children are welcome, but the kids' club has long disappeared as the island has found new appeal with the couples market. Child minding services are available at $15 an hour.

Getting there

Arriving by air is a treat. The views of the Whitsundays inspire you to pull on your shorts the moment your bags reach your room.

Mostly covered by national parkland, the resort is basically a speck on the north-eastern corner of the island, which is one of 70 in the Cumberland Group at the southern end of the Whitsundays. It takes just 15 minutes to get there from Mackay with Macair, while the boat from Mackay Mariner takes just over an hour.

Qantas and Ansett operate daily flights to Mackay from all major capital cities.

Packages

A seven-night Brampton Beat package costs $1,236pp twin share in a Carlisle room, $1,286pp in a Palm room and $1,494 for an Ocean View room. This includes buffet breakfast, lunch and either a set four-course or buffet dinner daily (including Saturday night seafood buffet and occasional beach barbecue), return economy airfares ex Sydney to Mackay and return launch transfer to Brampton Island.

Inquiries

To book a Brampton holiday, phone P&O Australian Resorts on 1800737678 or visit the websiteat www.poresorts.com.

THE VERDICT

What the brochure said

Brampton is a blue-water, white-sand, tropical island haven.

What we found

The remoteness of being on an island is instantly relaxing. A warm, sunny climate year-round means the colour of the water rarely shifts from its deep blue hue. But the sand is nowhere near the fine white powder that's made Whitehaven famous. It's made up of finely crushed shells and coral and is a little rough on the feet.

Who should go

Brampton offers all the fun and relaxation to suit young couples just starting out and others looking for a quick getaway with plenty of value-added inclusions.

Who shouldn't

If you want luxurious spa baths and like to dress up for dinner, forget Brampton. Brampton is laid-back and much more casual. But that doesn't mean good service has been compromised. There is no kids' club.

© 2001 Sun Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home