Now called Koala Adventure Island, the previously known South Molle was the first and only island in the Whitsundays just for backpackers and travellers aged between 18 and 35.
Now, every afternoon at 4.30pm more of them arrive, ready to party. Each group is designated a host to make sure everyone gets along and has a good time. It's all about kicking back and having fun.
As Natalie Gruzlewski discovered, it can be a bit quiet during the day but there are loads of things to do, which are guaranteed icebreakers for new arrivals.
If you're into water activities, there are sailing trips to the reef or Whitehaven Beach, diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing, paddle skiing or gliding over the ocean aboard a catamaran. There's also a pool with a waterfall spa.
Land activities include bushwalking, playing tennis, basketball, table tennis or beach volleyball. There is a nine-hole golf course, fitness room, pool table, or you can try your accuracy with some archery.
Evening entertainment includes a resident DJ to keep things hopping, live bands, a nightclub, games, promotions and lots and lots of dancing.
Rooms range in price and type. All have ensuite facilities, small refrigerators, television and air-conditioning. Rainforest rooms are in tropical gardens and sleep up to six people with one double bed, two singles and a bunk bed. They all have either a balcony or patio.
Reef Rooms also have gardens backing onto the beachfront. They sleep up to three between the double and single beds. They have balconies or patios and interconnectors are available.
Ocean View rooms are in a two-storey block right on the beachfront. They sleep up to three people between the queen and single beds. Whitsunday rooms have a balcony or patio with water views and interconnecting rooms are available.
Beachfront Bungalows are on the beach and sleep up to two in a queen bed. All have private balconies with wonderful water views.
Meals are taken at a communal table, and dinners are themed every night. It's amazing how creative people can be with a bed sheet!
Location
South Molle Island, 35 minutes by boat from Airlie Beach.
Cost
Koala Adventure Island Reef Rooms are $59 per person twin share. Four-day three-night packages cost $157 per person in dormitory accommodation, $187 per person twin share in a Reef Room, $217 per person twin share in an Ocean View room. Beachfront Bungalows are $247 per person twin share. Transfers from Abel Point Marina are included. Access to island facilities and some activities are included.
Virgin Blue has flights to the Whitsunday Islands.
One-way, from:
- Brisbane $79
- Sydney $179
- Adelaide $275
- Perth $325
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at June 18, 2009, and are subject to change.
Prices correct at June 18, 2009.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 13 6789
www.virginblue.com.au
Koala Adventure Island
PO Box 147
Airlie Beach Qld 4802
Ph: 1800 466 444
Fax: (07) 4946 9580
www.koalaadventureisland.com
reservations@koalaresort.com.au
