Keswick Island

Keswick is a 530-hectare national park of bushland, with five deserted white sandy beaches and coral reefs. Natural plants and animals live in its reefs and forests. You'll find all this just off the North Queensland coast, 32km from the city of Mackay.

Keswick Island Guest House is the perfect retreat for those wanting peace, beauty, serenity and nature. Brian and Lyn Kinderman are two of only about 12 residents on the island. They escaped a busy life in Brisbane and have created a paradise with just four ensuite rooms, guest library, huge deck and gourmet meals and snacks. Guests are welcome to take their own drinks or can purchase from a selection of beer, wine and spirits.

Guest rooms have king beds and ceiling fans and private access. Decks have a north-northeast aspect and views are endless. Power and hot water are mostly solar-generated. Some say it's like going to a friend's house, where you can relax and soak in views of the Coral Sea and neighbouring islands.

Wander to a deserted beach or take a short boat ride and swim, snorkel and picnic without seeing another person. It really could be paradise. There'll be enormous decisions to be made every morning. Do you start the day with a big breakfast or fresh fruit? Should you snorkel, kayak, fish, bushwalk or snuggle up with a good book.

Keswick is the last of the Whitsunday Islands open for development, but so far it's low-key. Those responsible swear Keswick will never be built up like some of the other islands. It offers island life at its best — no shops, cars or cafes and certainly no crowds.

Location

Cost

Prices correct at September 10, 2009.

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