Hotel profile: K'gari Beach Resort

The remote K’gari Beach Resort is a hotel, pub, restaurant and bakery all in one, plus it’s home to some of the best doughnuts in the state.

Light, beach decor, just a minute’s walk to K’gari’s famous 75 Mile Beach and one of the best bakeries you’ll find in Queensland. Hands down, K’gari Beach Resort is the idyllic home base for a secluded beach getaway.

Formerly known as Eurong Beach Resort, the resort is only accessible by 4WD – like much of the island – making it a rather peaceful place to be year-round, especially during off-peak season. Enjoy stunning beach views, explore K’gari’s 4WD tracks, try your luck at fishing and spot some of the local wildlife.

Location

car driving along 75 mile beach on k'gari — 75 Mile Beach is on your doorstep. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

You’d be hard-pressed to even find somewhere to pitch a tent closer to the iconic 75 Mile Beach. Of course, beauty and serenity often come at a cost, and in this case, that cost is accessibility.

While Kingfisher Beach Resort does offer bus transfers from its ferry to K’gari Beach Resort, you really do need to have your own 4WD or join a tour to explore the full island. Having said that, this place is so serene with everything you need in one spot – that I couldn’t blame anyone for wanting to settle in and relax here, and here alone.

Style and character

Think coastal grandma chic. Rooms are simple and colour palettes match the beach, ocean and forest surrounding the property. Each room features a print of local photographer (and tour guide) Peter Meyer‘s works to really add to the sense of place.

It’s almost like a (very) small coastal town here, with simple but inviting accommodation, a bakery, restaurant and pub all on the property.

Facilities

Pool

A large, lagoon-style swimming pool forms the centre of the resort. Perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring.

Outdoor BBQ

Make use of the public outdoor barbecue to sizzle up your catch of the day, then eat it in the provided (and shaded) pavilions.

Tennis court

If racing along the very straight 75 Mile Beach isn’t enough to cure that competitive streak, challenge your holiday-mates to a match on the tennis court.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Housekeeping

Towel changes and amenity checks are provided on the third day of every stay, while full housekeeping services (including linen changes) are provided on the seventh.

Rooms

Resort Rooms

bed in K'gari Beach Resort Resort Room — The coastal-inspired rooms have all the basics covered. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Simple but cute is the name of the K’gari Beach Resort room game. Relax into the beach holiday vibe in one of these coastal-inspired rooms.

Each room features a queen and king single bed, sleeping up to three people. You’ll also get your own deck or patio to take in the view and a full bathroom. Air-conditioned rooms can be purchased for an additional fee and are subject to availability – otherwise, you’ll need to make do with a ceiling fan.

King Rooms

K'gari Beach Resort king room — Add a TV and air con. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

For groups of two, opt for a King Room, featuring a king bed, air conditioning and heating, a big screen television, a balcony or patio, an ensuite bathroom and a microwave so you can reheat your leftovers from McKenzie’s on 75.

Food and drink

McKenzie’s on 75

Serving indoors, outdoors and even by the hotel pool, pop in for a casual buffet breakfast from 7am to 9am every morning, or head over later in the day for a lunch buffet or signature house-made pizzas. From 5:30pm, the dinner menu offers up classic pub grub with burgers, steaks and salads. And let’s not forget dessert. They also offer a kids’ menu at night.

Of course, you can always just pop in for a snack or a cold beer and cocktails.

Eurong Bakery

Who knew some of Queensland’s best doughnuts were hiding out at one of its most remote bakeries? This is where you would find me for lunch every day of my holiday. Besides the doughnuts, find a range of hot and cold pastries, muffins and freshly made sandwiches ready to be eaten at the bakery or taken away on your day’s adventure.

Open daily from 7am to 3:30pm, it’s a very cute place to spend some time. Be transported right back to your childhood days of begging your parents for lunch and/or treats at the end of a family beach day – but this time you don’t need permission. It’s open, simple decor is inviting, and its coffee and milkshakes will invite you to linger longer.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

General Store

Forgot some essentials? Find everything from groceries, meat and fresh produce to resort wear, maps, ice, and fuel at the General Store. It’s open daily from 7:30am to 6:00pm.

Experiences

Island tours

aerial of people swimming in Lake Mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Dive into the unique colours of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Join single, two- or multi-day tours guided by passionate locals and designed to immerse you in the island’s unique ecosystem and cultural stories.

Pack in all the iconic sights – picturesque Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley rainforest, Eli Creek, the historic Maheno Shipwreck, the colourful sands of The Pinnacles and 75 Mile Beach – into one day. Or take your time to visit these spots and more at a more relaxed pace. Add in hidden gems like Lake Wabby and the Champagne Pools (with overnight stays at K’gari Beach Resort included in the price).

Private 4WD tour

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — Go your own way with a bespoke tour. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

If you can, this is my absolute top tip for exploring K’gari when you’re not confident to hit the sandy tracks on your own (this option is for a maximum group of four people). It’s not just about being alone on the tour – although it is a bonus – it’s about the freedom to create your own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who will have plenty of stories and expertise to give context to what you’re looking at. It’s also about stopping at the icons between the waves of tourists, and only going where you really want to.

Access for guests with disabilities?

It would be difficult to get around the resort and K’gari Island with mobility issues.

Family-friendly?

kids looking over hotel room balcony at k'gari beach resort — Kids are welcome here. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

Absolutely, although K’gari Beach Resort is more about families making their own fun in nature, rather than Kingfisher Bay Resort, which has extra entertainment on site.

Details

Transfers are available from Kingfisher Bay Resort (where the K’gari ferry docks), but for exploring the island, you’ll need a 4WD.

Address: K’gari Beach Track, K’gari Island
Website: Visit eurong.com.au
Contact:(07) 4120 1600
Cost: Rates start at $183 per night.

Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

Day 1: An eventful day

Morning

The Strand in townsville — Explore The Strand.

Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

Afternoon

concert in front of castle hill townsville events — Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

Day 2: Island dreaming

Morning

Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island — Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

Afternoon

picnic bay on magnetic island — Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

Evening

Ardo's Rooftop townsville — End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

Day 3: Natural delights

Morning

couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville — Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

Afternoon

Shorehouse restaurant townsville — Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.

K’gari Beach Resort has a bakery that’s hiding Qld’s best doughnuts

The remote K’gari Beach Resort is a hotel, pub, restaurant and bakery all in one, plus it’s home to some of the best doughnuts in the state.

Location

Style and character

Facilities