Details
Marble Island is the jewel in the crown of the Duke Island group, which covers approximately 50 sq. km’s of cobalt waters off the central Queensland coast, some 115 km’s south of Mackay.
In terms of topography and vegetation, the island is typical of the ‘Continental’ island masses which extend along Queensland’s sub-tropical coastline, the most well known of which are the renowned Whitsunday Group.
This privately owned secluded haven, with an on-site manager, is yours to freely explore and unwind on, surrounded by blue skies, sandy beaches and the imposing beauty of the natural landscape.
Tourist ‘Farmstay’ accommodation is limited to only one visiting party at a single time, setting this secret retreat apart from most Queensland island holiday destinations – the absolute escape for those seeking sublime levels of peace and relaxation.
The owners periodically use their holiday house in this private and tranquil reserve to escape and re-energize.
Accommodation
Marble Island’s guest accommodation has been intentionally limited to one party of guests at a time to ensure maximum privacy for our visitors.
Your self-contained accommodation is a modern comfortable furnished cottage located right on your own beach overlooking the tranquil waters of Home Bay, well away and private from the Owners, Managers & working shed area of this idyllic island. Designed to capitalize on the magnificent sea views on offer, the cottage features a fully equipped kitchen , living room and two large bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms. The main bedroom can be configured as either a single king or two single beds (when booking please confirm your preference). A second bedroom has two single beds with comfortable trundles (i.e. four single beds).
The beach cottage comfortably sleeps 4 adults OR 2 adults and up to four children. Back Cottage An expansive covered patio with BBQ provides an ideal outdoor area for dining or enjoying a relaxing drink while looking out over the bay. The cottage is fully insect screened and has TV.
Fresh linen with bath and beach towels are supplied weekly as part of the tariff. Oyster knives, basic snorkeling equipment and a beach umbrella are supplied for guests’ use.
Dining
As a fully self-catering holiday, guests bring their own food and beverages.The island can offer advice on local Rockhampton suppliers for these needs,as well as supply you with a suggested list of provisions if needed.In some cases the Manager may be happy to organize this for you.
Rockhampton suppliers then deliver your order to the charter plane operator.
With prior notice, the Manager can order and supply mud-crabs and other fresh seafood. Alternately guests can catch their own fish or gather oysters from several of the island’s beaches.
Activities & Relaxation
Swimming and snorkeling (basic snorkeling equipment supplied in guest cottage)
Fishing (beach and rock): bring your own fishing gear. Some basic gear is available on request.
Fishing charters: guests can arrange reef fishing and sports fishing charters with a mainland contractor
Guided nature walks – by arrangement with the manager
Guided beach fishing expeditions – by arrangement with the manager
Bird watching – an avid bird watcher noted 40 different species.
Nature watching – deer, turtles and whales (in season)
Star gazing and night beach fishing
Bushwalking and wandering the beaches
Photographic panoramas
Collecting your own fresh farm eggs
‘Shucking’ fresh oysters off the rocks
Exploring the reef & rock-pools at low tide
Beachcombing & fossicking
Morning or evening scenic walks
Choosing which private beach to laze, swim or fish from for the day
Sunset ‘drinks’ overlooking your front beach, or from the top hill table on the peninsular
Organise a night beach campfire with the manager’s advice
Sit around and enjoy playing cards
Lazing, sleeping, reading and de-stressing – RELAX
Accessibility
Seemingly a “thousand miles” from civilization and the bustle of today’s busy life, Marble island can be comfortably accessed in a couple of hours flying time from any state capital on Australia’s eastern seaboard.
With its own airstrip, the island is easily accessed from its two main regional getaways, Rockhampton and Mackay. Both centres are connected by several jet services daily to all Australian capital cities by leading commercial carriers Qantas, Jet Star and Virgin.