Opinion Love island, hate island: But I’m not here to slam Dunk
When I learnt that Annie Cannon-Brookes has purchased Dunk Island for $24 million, my second thought was of my own island experiences. I haven’t been to Great Keppel, Lizard, Daydream or Dunk, but I did spend time on two Queensland islands at opposite ends of the luxury spectrum. Both were memorable for different reasons.
“Call for Jerry Sexville!” they boomed one night, to my deep mortification. Clearly the phone reception wasn’t so great, either.There was literally nothing to do on the island other than drink, which the crew and older cast members did, copiously. One evening we had a movie night, and I asked one of the actors what film was playing.Still, the natural beauty was breathtaking. I lay on the pristine white sands, walked through the bushland, and frolicked in the azure blue waters.
I never returned to Brampton, even after it was upgraded in the late 80s. In 2010, it closed, pending redevelopment, and remains closed to this day.I did, however, visit Hayman Island in 2000, with my then husband and a sense of trepidation. I knew it would be an expensive holiday, but it far exceeded expectations. I sat at the restaurant, literally trembling at the prices on the menu. The resort was beautiful, and tasteful, and wonderfully luxurious, but I felt trapped because I literally was.
I couldn’t leave the island for the duration of the holiday; I had to stay and watch my credit card be drained. There was nowhere to go for a cheap and cheerful meal, nor a supermarket to buy some fruit and snacks. It was pleasant to lounge by the pool drinking cocktails, but when those cocktails cost as much as a Sony Walkman, it was difficult to relax and enjoy the Queensland sun.
I wish Annie Cannon-Brookes well with her purchase of Dunk Island. I might even visit some day, if the cocktails aren’t too pricey.
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