Happy Birthday Kingfisher Bay Resort: 20 years!

We are back on Fraser Island! One of my favourite places on Earth and to Kingfisher Bay Resort, this year celebrating 20 years on the heritage-listed island.

This world recognised eco-island resort, designed by Queensland architects, constructed from local materials and built by local builders and artisans, was first conceived at a time when ecotourism wasn't even a word.

Kingfisher Bay Resort's main pool designed to mimic Lake McKenzie
Image courtesy Kingfisher Bay Resort.

The first part constructed was the jetty, still a favourite location of ours for photographing sunset. At 250 metres long it is built from mixed eucalypt piles, mainly spotted gum, with satinay planks and beams.

Kingfisher Bay Resort's jetty stretches 250metres into the channel.
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

During construction of the resort two tropical cyclones hit in 1991 causing major water damage, however they rallied on. More than 600 workers were employed on the site at the peak of construction which was completed on time with the resort welcoming its first guests on the 16th July 1992.

Much research went into the design of the resort, and the dedication shows. All buildings are below the tree line and hidden in the natural bush land. You don’t even see the resort until you actually arrive at the front door. Even the curving tin roofs of the buildings mimic the rolling sand dunes of the island.

So to celebrate they have been busy upgrading. One innovative item we are keen to try out is the new trendy menu by Chef Kenneth Clapham and his team in the kitchen. Tonight for us it’s the seafood buffet!

For us, as photographers,  one of the biggest assets of the resort is its affiliation with nature. Almost around every corner is a wonderful glimpse into the natural environment of Fraser Island: the largest sand island on the planet Earth. Birds are abundant, frogs croak filling the night air, wildflowers bloom alongside tall eucalypt trees and dragon flies busily buzz over the lagoons. Yes, we do love Fraser and Kingfisher Bay Resort. Well done and happy birthday to all those that have made this available for all of us to enjoy.

Check out the birthday specials on offer:

* Available from 23/07/2012 to 31/10/2012. Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

HOTEL STAY

Stay in the Awinya and Boomanjin hotel wings, bordering natural bushland and mirror lakes on

stunning Fraser, for just $200 per person (twin share).

Inclusions:

• 2 nights' hotel accommodation (with complimentary upgrade)

• passenger ferry transfers

• daily buffet breakfast

• spa room upgrade

• bottle of wine.

Plus a $20 room credit (per room, per night) to spend on food and beverage, touring or pop towards

a treatment at our natural therapies salon during your stay. It's their present to you!

VILLA STAY

Relax in self contained villas set in natural bushland with all the creature comforts of home as well

as being close enough to all of the resort's amenities. The perfect retreat for family and friends plus

prices are cut for the birthday celebrations to just $200 per person (quad share) in a two - bedroom

Villa.

Inclusions:

• 2 nights' villa accommodation

• walk-on ferry transfers

• daily breakfast

• bottle of wine

• spa room upgrade and

• $20 villa credit (per villa, per night) to spend on food and beverage, touring or at the

Kingfisher Natural Therapies salon during your stay.

Enjoy Fraser and Kingfisher Bay Resort!

Checking out the wild life around the resort during a night walk.
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster