by Kristina Holdorf from www.travelingbrood.com.au

New Year’s is very special in our family because that’s our wedding anniversary. So every year we try and go some where different and back in Dec 2007, we went to beautiful Dunk Island, off the coast in FNQ.

So with 6 kids in tow – (our friends and their 3 kids came along too) and a 7 month pregnant mum, – me, we drove from Cairns down to Mission Beach, stopping only once!

We jumped on the water taxi – it only takes 10 minutes . Once we arrived it was just like a picture out of a travel magazine, with palm trees and white sandy beaches. A shuttle bus greeted us and transported us and our luggage to the hotel reception.

We were booked in the garden rooms, and they were neat and tidy and had the basics, like air-conditioning, mini fridge, tv, and bathroom and the bonus was that the kids bedroom was separate. Shannon however was not easily impressed and referred to the rooms as expensive camping. It was however New Years and I was just grateful to have got in!

Our accommodation was a short walk from reception however was a little far from the pool. Normally I wouldn’t have minded but carrying a 16 month old on your hip when you’re 7 months pregnant and the humidity is so thick you can slice it and your ankles look like tree trunks…well you get the idea. We settled for lounge chairs on the beach and brought our packed treats for the kids so we could watch the kids play on the beach. By the way there is no grocery stores as the island is fully catered and although it stocks things as nappies, and essentials make sure you pack a few of their favorite eats with you!

The older boys Kyle and Joel, booked in some archery classes and spent most of their time either fishing or swimming, come to think of it we only saw them when it was time to eat.

The food was good and we enjoyed our daily buffet breakfasts with the kids eat free program. The Beachcomber is the main restaurant and it serves themed buffet dinners 2 x week. We had a fantastic Anniversary dinner here with all the kids and then put the younger ones to bed while Kyle and Joel babysat allowing us to reflect and enjoy the evening finishing it off with a midnight stroll along the beach….

Have you spent any time on beautiful Dunk Island or any of the other islands in Far North Queensland? Would you recommend them for a family holiday? Or do you maybe know the Traveling Brood family personally? Please let me know in the comments below.