Fact File

What to wear?

As you will transfer from Dunk Island by small boat you’ll need to wade through shallow waters and assist with luggage/groceries from/to the beach, boat and house…it is suggested that you have shoes that are easily removed and maybe a change of clothes eg shorts. In winter the evenings can be cool so please pack some warm clothes.

What to pack?

Basically as little as possible. A few casual clothes and one pair of shoes, maybe some sandals or slides…don’t bring towels and linen as the house is fully stocked. Do bring some of your favourite books, magazines, hat, camera, sunscreen, toothpaste, Ipod etc. If possible do not bring lots of little bags, but a duffle style bag that is easy to manage. Consider packing a small back pack and reef shoes for outdoor exploration.

On arrival at Bedarra

You will be met by the island caretakers Lee and Melissa who will bring the Haffy and assist you to the house and provide an orientation of the house, island and surrounds.

Time to relax?

There’s chilled island spring water and ice in the fridge. Have a swing in the hammock before you unpack…any additional questions can be answered by Lee and Melissa, tomorrow or the next day! (You’ll see them on the track or just press the button on the kitchen phone)

Unpacking

Don’t overload the fridge with things that do not require refrigeration eg eggs, bottles and many vegetables….orientate yourselves with the pantry for dry goods and condiments. Feel free to use what is in the pantry.

Who to call?

Hopefully no one, the house phone allows only local calls. 
 

  • Bedarra Beach House: 07 4068 9689
  • Caretakers (Lee & Melissa): 07 4068 8001
  • Tropical Island Picnics & Camping (Jason & Bec): 07 40687 009
  • Water Taxi: (Vanessa) 07 4068 8310
  • Woolworths (Pauline Stewart): 07 40688978
  • Mission Beach Supermarket (Jenny or Chrissy): 07 4068 7223
  • Dunk Island Resort: 07 4068 8199
  • Bedarra Island Resort: 07 4068 8233
  • Owners ( Anne & John): 0419 953354

 

Conserve power

The house runs on a sophisticated solar power system. Do not leave unnecessary lights on, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Leave only the bedroom fan on at night, if needed. When you leave the house for the beach etc, turn the stereo and fans off etc. Be extra careful if it is cloudy. If you experience problems then contact the caretaker. Occasionally the system may “trip out” if you have overloaded it... before alerting the caretaker check the circuit breaker switches (up is ON) located in the pantry are on.

Snakes

Be aware but not paranoid, that the island is home to a number of snakes, including the Death Adder which is dangerous. The later is a small, 20cm long, a fat, ugly and docile creature that has a habit of living under leaves and other debris. It is best to wear covered shoes if you are walking through the rainforest or on the tracks at night.

Emergencies

In the first instance contact the caretaker for assistance.

Water

This is a limited resource, please conserve it. Feel free to use the bath, but not everyday. In very dry periods the caretaker may request you not to use the bath. The tap water is from an island spring, filtered, perfectly safe and wonderful to drink. Hot water comes from solar panels and the gas hot water service on the side of the house.

Waste

All garbage is removed by guests. Paper and cardboard can be left for the caretaker to burn. All glass and cans and plastic goes back on the boat and they will dispose of it. Disposal of garbage is included in your water transport fare. Please use strong garbage bags, as there is nothing worse than the bags splitting open.

Biodegradable food stuffs eg vegetable scraps should be placed in the compost bin near the kitchen. Seafood should be frozen and then disposed, usually feeding the fish off the rocks when you are having that sunset drink by the sea. Meat scraps are disposed of in the ocean.

Departure

Your departure time would have been advised prior to your arrival. Lee and Melissa will contact you prior to departure to verify your transfers and make arrangements for their assistance with your belongings on the Haffy.

Mobile phones and internet

Telstra mobile phones work very well on the island. Optus and some of the other companies do have problems. Internet access is available through the Telstra 3G network.  Occassionally it drops out if the weather is really overcast.