This is one of my favourite places I have ever stayed...ever.

Keswick Island is stunning, the beach is gorgeous and the sea is like a swimming pool.

What's more, guesthouse hosts Brian and Lynne really do make the experience memorable.

On the food front, Brian's breakfasts set you up for a day of utter relaxation (by making you so full you have no option but to retire to the sun lounger) and every mouthful of Lynne's cooking is utterly delicious.

After a hectic year, it was great to feel such a sense of privacy and relaxation. Lynne and Brian are the perfect hosts, getting the (often tricky) balance just right between entertaining and providing a sense of personal space.

A very small negative (just to give a balanced view) was that at the time of year we went there were one or two march flies on the beach. But nothing a generous spray of Bushman's didn't see to and certainly didn't impact on the overall experience. Amazing.

Having just returned from a 3 week trip to the east coast of Australia I have felt compelled, for the first time, to write a review. Prior to our trip I spent some time trying to find a bit of luxury and seclusion in the Whitsundays without having to stay at the large resorts or paying a small fortune for some of the 'boutique' experiences. I'm pleased to say that the research paid off, and then some. We have travelled extensively and stayed in places that span either end of the spectrum and I can honestly say that this place is an absolute gem.
Keswick Island is at the southern extreme of the Whitsundays and just enough removed from the well worn tourist trail to provide a genuine slice of unspoilt paradise. Access is only by light aircraft (this can be arranged by your hosts) as there is no public ferry service. Although you could see this as a disadvantage it does keep the masses away, when we stayed there were only 9 residents on the island plus our fellow guests. Getting around the island is either by foot or golf-cart and you also have the use of a 2-seat glass-bottomed kayak, ideal for accessing your own deserted tropical beach if the crowds (all 2 of them when we were there!) get a bit too much.
Talking of hosts, we could not have asked for better than Brian or Lyn. It is rare to find such great service without feeling a bit smothered, by the end of 3 days we felt like guests in some friends' beautiful holiday home. We are self-confessed food snobs and I can safely say that if you like good food, you are in for a treat. I could wax lyrical but you need to get yourself there to discover some of the surprises the island has in store.
If you are looking for all mod-cons, swimmimg pools and a kids' club then this is definitely not for you. If you crave genuine off the beaten-track luxury, seclusion and a little bit of adventure then get on the phone and book yourself in.
There was some talk of the island being developed, albeit on a relatively small scale. My advice is to go soon and experience it in it's current idyllic state, you will not regret it.