Tiny resort island between Cairns and Port Douglas
Double Island is like no other island off the North Queensland coast. It is so accessible that, if you were fit, you could easily swim from Palm Cove. The more favoured option is a ten minute ferry trip and the result is a small (maximum of 36 people) and exclusive resort which, most of the time, is booked out by single entities - ideal for conferences and weddings - although it is now possible to stay as a family or a couple. There is bushwalking and water activities but, mostly, the island is about getting away from everything, relaxing and doing very, very little.
Location
Double Island is located a 10 minute ferry trip from Palm Cove. In turn Palm Cove is 27 km north of Cairns and 1,705 km north of Brisbane.
^ TOPOrigin of Name
The earliest European record of the island occurs in 1848 when the Rattlesnake, captained by Owen Stanley, sailed from Dunk Island to the Torres Strait up what is known as the Inner Passage. On 3 July 1848 Stanley commented on an island which appeared to be a 'double' island in appearance. By 1873 the name of the island was sufficiently well established that Captain G Elphinstone Dalrymple, exploring the coast north of Cardwell, could write: 'Although it is not mentioned in the narrative, it is reasonable to assume it was named Double Island on hydrographic charts as a result of Stanley's information.' It was a sensible name. The island does have two distinct hills.
^ TOPThings to See and Do
The Island Itself
Double Island is an attractive 19 hectare island with a small resort and many peaceful beaches and isolated spots.
Location
A ten minute boat trip from Palm Cove and 20 minutes drive north from Cairns International Airport.
How do visitors access it?
Ten minute boat trip from Palm Cove north of Cairns. There are regular services throughout the day.
Activities on the island
Bushwalking, swimming, gymnasium, canoes and kayaks, catamarans, relaxing on the beach. There are a number of pleasant bushwalking tracks on the island.
History of The Resort
The first resort company to lease Double Island was Island Developments Pty Ltd in 1978. A decade later, in 1987, it was acquired Janet and the late Robert Holmes a Court - a well-known Western Australian corporate raider who used the island largely as a private retreat. In April 1998 it was taken over by a group of local businessmen who converted it into an attractive and accessible boutique resort. It was subsequently converted into a private resort complex which is only available on a whole-of-island booking. It is currently available "available for individual couples, family and friends to enjoy on a three night minimum basis for specially selected holiday periods during the year."
How big is it?
A maximum of 36 guests are accommodated at any one time in secluded villas, hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach. Superbly appointed, each villa has a separate living area, contemporary bathroom and king size bed.
Who does it appeal to?
Double Island offers a unique 5-star alternative to larger more commercial resorts.
History
* Prior to the arrival of Europeans the island was used periodically by the Djabugay Aborigines. Some people believe it to be the resting place of the rainbow serpent.
* In 1770 Captain Cook sailed past Double Island. A further 30 km north he ran the Endeavour aground at Cape Tribulation on 10 June, 1770. Cook did not sight Double Island.
* The earliest European record of the island occurs in 1848 when the Rattlesnake, captained by Owen Stanley, sailed from Dunk Island to the Torres Strait. On 3 July 1848 Stanley commented on an island which appeared to be a 'double' island in appearance.
* By 1873 the name of the island was sufficiently well established that Captain G Elphinstone Dalrymple, exploring the coast north of Cardwell, could write: 'Although it is not mentioned in the narrative, it is reasonable to assume it was named Double Island on hydrographic charts as a result of Stanley's information.'
Dalrymple anchored off Double Island's western point on 18 October, 1873. He named many of the places on the island including Mounts Ganoch, Mar Formartine and Buchan.
* The discovery of gold in the hinterland assured that Double Island became well known in the 1880s and 1890s and it is said that, around this time, a mining company at Irvinebank used the island as a resort for employees. It was also around this time that some local graziers started using the island to graze cattle.
* In 1978 Island Developments Pty Ltd leased the island.
* In 1987 Janet and Robert Holmes a Court purchased the island and used it as a private retreat.
* In recent times the island's holidaymakers have included Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves.
^ TOPVisitor Information
Everything you need to know about Double Island is contained on https://www.doubleisland.com.au.
^ TOPAccommodation
For rates on Double Island check out https://www.doubleisland.com.au/rates.html. Tel: (07) 4092 4515.
^ TOPEating
The island has its own upmarket restaurant and there are also many dining options at Palm Cove.
^ TOPUseful Websites
Everything you need to know about Double Island is contained on https://www.doubleisland.com.au.
^ TOP