Staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island

Rainforest walk at Fraser Island, Queensland.

Corazon Miller checks into the Kingfisher Bay Resort on Queensland's Fraser Island.

Getting there: Check in at the Mainland Reception at the River Heads Shopping Village and either self-drive on to the ferry or get the complimentary shuttle and walk on to the ferry bound for the resort.

Check-in experience: The staff at the mainland reception and on the island are welcoming and accommodating. Policy is usually that your bag is taken in at the mainland reception and delivered straight to the hotel room on the island within an hour of arrival.

Room: The resort hotel standard room was spacious with a queen bed and a single bed, en-suite bathroom with a small bath and shower, a television and small fridge. My room, on the second floor of the B-wing, had a private terrace with a couple of deck chairs you could sit on while admiring the view overlooking the resort lakes.

Price: Average $240 a night.

What's so good about this place? The resort is on a beautiful island and offers guests a full programme, including nature walks and canoe and 4WD tours.

And the bad? Decor is a little dated and beginning to show signs of wear and tear that comes naturally with age, but overall the resort is still well-maintained.

What's in the neighbourhood? Fraser Island; the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km is what most people come to see when staying at this resort. Within walking distance is a jetty, complete with bar that offers people a cocktail, cold beer or food platter to enjoy while watching the sun go down over the water. There's a massage and day spa facility and a store to purchase food, snacks, souvenirs and other supplies near the main section of the hotel.

Food and drink: There is one restaurant serving a buffet breakfast, lunch and standard a la carte menu. For those looking for something with a little more class there's a fine-dining option: Seabelle restaurant. This little gem offers modern Australian cuisine that's influenced by the area's "bush tucker", including edible leaves, nuts and fruit. Seabelle was recently named best restaurant at this year's Fraser Coast Tourism awards.

A room with a view: There was a verandah overlooking the bush and one of the resort lakes.

The bed: I used the comfy queen bed, though there was also an extra single that went untested but looked as though it would offer a good night's sleep.

Bathroom: An old-school style bathtub and shower in one, nothing flash but it's good enough.

Toiletries: Dispensers of conditioner, shampoo, body wash, hand soap and shaving cream are installed in the bathroom.

Free wi-fi: No.

Noise: Wake up to the ambient sound of the Australian bush at your window.

Value for money: A little on the pricey side for a solo traveller, but quite affordable if shared between a group.

Exercise facilities: A swimming pool and plenty of outdoor water sports options for those wanting to get active. Also, there are some beautiful rainforest walks around the island.

Perfect for: Families, nature-lovers, honeymooners and groups of friends.

CHECKLIST

Kingfisher Bay Resort's mainland reception is at Shop 7/54 River Heads Shopping Village, River Heads Road, Queensland. There's a complimentary shuttle from there which connects with the ferry service to Fraser Island. Phone: +61 741 949 300.