Wongalinga

First stayed here in 1986. Amazing how it’s held up and still superb on every count. Came when there was a manager family on site, now it’s managed by the gals at Tropical Property who are professional, efficient, just great. All the check-in details are contact-free, cover every detail and always ready to help. Can’t quite explain how beautiful this beach is, how fabulous the beachfront views of Dunk and the smaller islands are, and the two best units (8 & 9) for couples. More than ‘units’, they are bright, large spacious apartments with timber casements and louvres all around and the many windows and bifold doors. It all feels very FNQ, very tropical getaway. All amenities you’d need for a week or two-week stay provided. Appliances near new (in #8), beds are firm with crisp linens, tons of fluffy towels, newish refurbished bathroom with good shower heads (in #8), lots of hot water, good pressure, lovely airy cane/rattan furniture. Streaming TV (good for rainy days), and lots of tasteful decorative items and artwork. New aircon in lounge (reverse for colder nights). The cleaning crew keeps the apartments spotless, and there’s tons of cleaning products for longer stays. Grounds are kept immaculate and it all adds to that tropical getaway feel. Amazing how a resort complex can go the distance over the decades – through Larry & Yasi – and not lose its quality, ambience, and of course you can never mess with the views. Beach is wide at low tide, usually empty except for a few morning and evening walkers. Now that Dunk’s been sold again, with the possibility of a dramatic ‘eco’ renewal after the last investor debacle, come and enjoy now before the pre-Olympics rush is on in the next few years.