We got in on the QFF offer and spent 5 days/4 nights on the island last week. We were very lucky with both of our flights as QF cancelled the two inbound direct flights from Sydney and also cancelled two outbound direct flights. We stayed at the Hideaway Retreat and apart from two other guests further down the property, we had the place to ourselves. With the exception of last year’s lockdown, they have had a pretty good run up until this lockdown and the island is heavily booked from August till January.
We had a island tour included in our accommodation and most of the guests were affected by flight cancellations.
We dined at Hillis, Baileys, The Homestead, Aunty Marys, the Olive Tree and the Bowlo - our favourites were Hillis and Aunty Marys. Food was excellent and the young service staff were terrific. I gave up trying to order a specific wine label each night as they were never available, in fact, the Homestead just lists the varietals, no labels, so I reverted to ordering the ‘mystery Shiraz/Pinot’. We enjoyed coffee at Prinke most mornings and Slicks was great for excellent charcuterie, fresh baked artisan bread and antipasto. No stock but apparently a bottle of Moët Chandon is $36 from the Bond Store.
We were expecting to pay for internet access but weren’t and I found the speeds quite good but we do come from a black spot in regional NSW so our expectations were low. We were provided with a phone, which we didn’t use, and our text messages downloaded once connected to the internet. A great tip was to phone the airport after 9.30am on departure day and a recorded message advises when check in opens. We drove down, checked in, and then went and had lunch at the Mt Pitt lookout which has you above the incoming flight. Our flight was going to depart early (only 3 on the inbound flight and 16 outbound) so we were told what time to be back at the airport.
The mornings and evenings were cool but I swam everyday in 20 degrees water.
We loved it and have made plans to return in March 2022.