Exploring Dunk Island - Completely Abandoned?

I go ashore and explore Dunk Island not really knowing what its current condition is, there some good news and some bad news.
History
Dunk Island Resort was hit by Cyclone Yasi in February 2011 and remained abandoned until it was purchased by "Mayfair 101" property under a lease agreement however In August 2020, the previous owners of the island, "Family Islands Operations", owned by the family of Australian businessman Peter Bond repossessed the island after the owners Mayfair 101 failed to meet their payment obligations.

[@SP-xb5we]

I worked here in 2009 as the gardener, I met my husband there as well, he was the skipper. We had some friends who lived there through cyclone Yasi, the staff weren't evacuated and had to hold a mattress up against the door all night while the cyclone came through. Some had to be medically sedated the following day when the shock wore off. thanks for the vid, even though it's trashed it brought back nice memories

[@SaltyGypsea]

You’re welcome! I feel for everyone that was there, the noise and uncertainty would have been traumatising.

[@falseprofit4u]

Quite a shame really, Dunk Island was the number one place to visit from Mission Beach

[@SaltyGypsea]

I agree ☝️

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I was there with four friends in 1983. We visited many isles but Dunk Island was my favourite. This makes me sad.

[@gretchenhotwater3951]

I live on the mainland. I have been through countless cyclones, Yasi, Larry, Winifred were probably the worst. Anything under a Cat 3 is like water off a ducks back to the locals! I miss Dunk. Stayed there many times and in the units you showed. I believe there are new owners now. Hope they bring it back to its former glory. P&O owned it for a while. Nice to see that it has started to be restored. The area around the pool was the original part and the building behind that has been restored was entertainment, food, music, day lounge. Beside that was day trippers food and then dining for guests. Buffets were fantastic! Behind that front section was resort triple pool, fine dining area, squash court, tennis court, children's play area, table tennis. There was a little kiosk etc. Don't know if National Parks have opened up the track to Mt Kootaloo (few hours ) or short walk to Muggy Muggy. CCRC has glamping set up on the spit and has erected a new jetty. Looking forward to the day we can stay in the resort again. :)

[@SaltyGypsea]

For sure! I think there are far too many abandoned resorts in awesome locations that are left to ruin.

[@lauram3334]

I went there with my mum 30 years ago. Was so beautiful. Still is.

[@SaltyGypsea]

Sure is!

[@jessicaneale8300]

That was so cool!!! Very interesting to see what they do there

[@SaltyGypsea]

Thanks!

[@truelove55]

Really awesome vid, kinda spooky in a way... those places have good bones tho and can definitely see them reclaimed!

[@SaltyGypsea]

Lol, yeah was thinking the same!

[@captcav767]

That be a nice quick swim back out to ya boat stepping on crocs

[@SaltyGypsea]

Lucky that day 🙃

[@lethalz9]

I worked there in 2010. I had friends that still worked there during the cyclone, and they were told by the GM (David Something?) if they left they would never work for [the company] ever again. So they stayed out of fear and held mattresses against the front sliding doors of those destroyed units with no roof. They were apparently the only cyclone rated units...

[@SaltyGypsea]

That’s absolutely nuts!

[@mikewilliamson5093]

The Australian government should be ashamed of themselves leaving the resort in that state

[@SaltyGypsea]

Empty promises so far 👎🏽

[@thaibulldog6800]

With the ridiculous building standards that we have today, this resort has bugger all chance being funded for restoration I stayed there in 1990, beautiful island

[@SaltyGypsea]

Thats the truth!

[@blackysmancave4200]

i stayed there heaps of times about 40 years ago, there was a tiny Island in Brammo Bay, did Yasi wipe that out as well?

[@SaltyGypsea]

The island looked ok but I guess the vegetation would have grown back since.

[@Steve-vz3ud]

Yes it was nice 25 years ago.they would clean the pool and filled full of water so the walls did not collapse Gardens still looks the same

[@SaltyGypsea]

Well that make sense!

[@iamnoone705]

stayed in 1990 - good to see it again

[@SaltyGypsea]

You’re Welcome!

[@Nick-Rivers]

In 1982 I was 17 and I along with some friends caught a ferry from Mission Beach to Dunk Island and camped in the national park area. Then at meal times would just wander into the resort and dine at the buffets they would have set up, no one ever asked questions. Great cheap holiday 😛

[@SaltyGypsea]

Hahaha that’s GOLD!

[@jetplane10]

You would clean the pool because the place is full of crocodiles

[@SaltyGypsea]

I suppose

[@jetplane10]

Great video

[@gretchenhotwater3951]

no, it's not! Too far from the mainland creeks except maybe for one stupid one that gets lost!

[@compedge76]

Wow tomorrow marks 25 yrs since our honeymoon on Dunk.. this footage made me upset... It was beautiful