Located five kilometres off the Queensland coast - midway between Townsville and Cairns - lies Bedarra Island a location which offers unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches where the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea meet pristine white sand.

Australia�s most exclusive island, Bedarra is one of only a handful of small island resorts in the world where everything - from accommodation in luxuriously appointed villas (only 15), to the gourmet meals and the 24-hour open bar - is included in the holiday package.

Here guests experience the true intimacy of a private island retreat and find the ultimate escape�

The food, like everything else about this secret hideaway, is extraordinary with each meal a gastronomic delight. All food is prepared on the Island, including the delicate pastries and fresh croissants that are breakfast favourites, the flavoured breads served at lunch and the exquisite hand-made chocolates served after dinner.

Local seafood such as reef fish, varieties of red emperor and coral trout as well as tiger prawns, painted lobster, mud crabs and yabbies feature predominantly in the menu as do local tropical fruit and vegetables.

Bedarra�s 24-hour Open Bar is stocked to the ceiling with a superb selection of the finest red and white wines available from vineyards around the world. An extensive collection of Australian wines is featured as are champagnes, beers, spirits and liqueurs. Each of the Island�s fifteen air-conditioned villas are nestled into the rainforest, offer enticing beach and bay views and of course provide total privacy.

Designed to blend in with the beauty of their natural surroundings, each spacious villa has a balcony and features polished timber floors, a luxuriously appointed bathroom and a separate furnished living area with a fully-stocked refrigerator and entertainment facilities. A hammock, perfect for lazing the day away in or enjoying a book, is one of many special details Bedarra offers.

The resort provides all the leisure activities one would expect and when tennis, bush-walking, snorkelling, fishing, paddle-skiing and catamaran sailing are not enough, guests can explore further afield. Perfectly positioned on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, guests can board a fast catamaran to explore the wonders of the coral reefs. Charter yachts are also available for sailing expeditions around the picturesque waters, visiting neighbouring islands including Dunk and Timana.

But when it comes to relaxing in glorious seclusion, Bedarra Island is the perfect retreat. Guests rarely encounter their fellow escapees as they explore the pristine rainforest and bask in the sun on the secluded beaches.

One of the most romantic ways to spend the day on Bedarra is to take a delicious gourmet picnic, complete with chilled champagne, and venture off in a motorised dinghy to find a private beach � and there are so many to choose from�

The exotic location, the total privacy and Bedarra�s first-class facilities have found favour with the rich and famous including members of the Royal family, the Hollywood crowd, musicians and sports champions � they like all guests experience Bedarra and want to return.

3-night Bedarra Island packages start from $2,300 per person twin share and include return launch transfers ex Dunk Island, all meals and open bar, one hour therapeutic massage and many activities. Rates valid 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002. For further information contact your local travel agent or P&O Australian Resorts on 61 2 9277 5050

Editor�s Note: Bedarra Island closed on the 4th of May 2001 while the resort underwent refurbishment. The new-look Bedarra features an extended beachfront deck; new bar and restaurant facilities and the island�s 15 villas were also upgraded. Bedarra Island re-opened on Saturday 26 May 2001 with a contemporary styled restaurant designed to showcase the Island�s tropical location and reflect it�s positioning as Australia�s most exclusive island resort.

For further media information: (not for publication)

Julia Gauci P&O Australian Resorts 61-2-9364-8350 or julia.gauci@poresorts.com