Kym and I went on a fantastic famil on Wednesday to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort - on Moreton Island, just off the coast of Brisbane. We had a fantastic day, and learned a lot.
We met at the dock at Pinkenba - which definately needs a facelift, but they tell us that this is in the plans for the near future. It's so close to Brisbane Airport (and we found out that there is a sneaky back way to get there without having to brave the traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive) which means you can be there within about 10 mins of leaving the airport! Fantastic.
Also learned that you can do private transfers to the resort - and have your vessel leave from somewhere other than the Pinkenba wharf - Southbank or somewhere in the city could be great!
So, over we went, Kym and I. It was a little bit rough (and since Kym "doesn't do boats" after the incedent on Hamilton Island in 2006 - let me know if you want more details), I was concerned, but all was good.
Once there - we checked out the new conference facilities, the photo shop and Marine Conservation Centre. I didn't realise that Tangalooma used to be a whaling station - you learn something new every day! Then were treated to a gorgeous lunch with a fantastic view! I know it doesn't sound like work, but *really* it is!!! Several in our group commented that you could have been in the Whitsundays.
The fun really started though when we went sand tobogganning! A VERY big walk up the dune (note to self: no groups with prevalent coronary conditions should be doing this one) - but HEAPS of fun coming down. And yes, our host Jason wasn't lying when he said we would still be finding sand three days later. So worth it though!
We met at the dock at Pinkenba - which definately needs a facelift, but they tell us that this is in the plans for the near future. It's so close to Brisbane Airport (and we found out that there is a sneaky back way to get there without having to brave the traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive) which means you can be there within about 10 mins of leaving the airport! Fantastic.
Also learned that you can do private transfers to the resort - and have your vessel leave from somewhere other than the Pinkenba wharf - Southbank or somewhere in the city could be great!
So, over we went, Kym and I. It was a little bit rough (and since Kym "doesn't do boats" after the incedent on Hamilton Island in 2006 - let me know if you want more details), I was concerned, but all was good.
Once there - we checked out the new conference facilities, the photo shop and Marine Conservation Centre. I didn't realise that Tangalooma used to be a whaling station - you learn something new every day! Then were treated to a gorgeous lunch with a fantastic view! I know it doesn't sound like work, but *really* it is!!! Several in our group commented that you could have been in the Whitsundays.
The fun really started though when we went sand tobogganning! A VERY big walk up the dune (note to self: no groups with prevalent coronary conditions should be doing this one) - but HEAPS of fun coming down. And yes, our host Jason wasn't lying when he said we would still be finding sand three days later. So worth it though!
JP just before she copped a mouthful of sand... Stop smiling!!!
The Quad Bikes were a lot of fun - we got to take them up to the top of the ridge to check out some more accommodation and smaller group conference facilities (with a bit of hooning about on the way there - not me, I'm too responsible, but some of the others may have. Especially Kym).
The dolphin feeding just after sunset was really an experience. I can't think of anywhere else that you can have that kind of experience - so up close!
I think that Tangalooma is fighting their "older property" image - they are definately tarting it up - there is some four star accommodation there now ("Deep Blue") which was at 100%, so we couldn't even have a look at a room! Jason & Penny (our hosts) were saying that the perception is that Tangalooma is still a timeshare property - but really, hardly any of the accommodation is timeshare anymore.
I'd love to take my son, Max, there. He'd love it. Great for kids, great for action groups, internationals would LOVE it. They have definately changed my perception of the property.
Photos soon (Kym took all of hers home, so I couldn't scan them... Bad Kym!)
J ;-)
