9 December, 2022

REVIEW: a dreamy day at Dent Island

Thanks to the kind folks at Hamilton Island, Travel Weekly was treated to a day out unlike any other in the Whitsundays.

The experience commences with a quick ferry ride from the Hamilton Island Marina over to Dent Island wharf.

The trip takes around 10 minutes and as we glide out of the marina, Whitsunday Island looms large over the now seemingly small ferry.

The islands’ deep green hues clash wildly with the pristine teal waters of the surrounding bays and it feels almost utopian at that moment in time.

As we arrive at the Island, our jovial skipper, Ian performs some miracle moves in the rocky sea to get us calmly into the dock while simultaneously cracking jokes about Dent Island golfers in all their many forms.

A short coach ride takes us to the Clubhouse which commands some of the most impressive views we’ve encountered. We’re then given a buggy to navigate the Island.

(Gary Lisbon)

We choose to follow our guide and we’re shown most of the 18 holes of the golf course and numerous sweeping vistas of the Coral Sea that far surpass the previous. We stop for the customary ‘couples shot’ in front of what surely must be the most beautiful ‘bunkers’ in the world.

We then snake our way back to the clubhouse. The course is spectacular and I am told, very challenging. It is tastefully built into the natural environment, perfectly blending into the ridges and valleys of the Island.

We then take our seats for lunch. The Clubhouse feels contemporary with clean architectural lines, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, deliciously plush armchairs and a large terrace where golfers sit and confer their scores over a “coldie”.

There are three courses on offer with matching wines if you please. I settle for the half dozen oysters served three ways; natural, mignonette, tempura kilpatrick and then move on to the butternut gnocchi with cashew puree, halloumi, lemon and crispy kale.

To finish, we share the cheese selection served with quince paste, lavosh and condiments. The oysters are of the Sydney rock variety and they are fresh, juicy and impeccably presented, on ice. They go down well with a dry sparkling rosé.

The gnocchi is big on flavour; they’re slightly sweet with the rich addition of the cashew puree running through every tender bite. The crispy kale adds a delicate new texture, taking this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

(Kara Rosenlund)

We perfectly pair our mains with a Robert Oatley Signature Chardonnay which goes blissfully with the gnocchi. To finish, the cheeses are a mix of French and Australian, bitey and creamy combined with the perfect mix of condiments for two. We combined these with a light Pinot Noir to complete the experience.

The service is discrete but not stuffy. The staff know the menu backwards and the sommelier is well-versed in their extensive wine list. Following lunch, we then re-board the boat where we’re ‘ferried’ home between the mountainous Whitsunday Islands and back to the reality of our Hamilton Island retreat.

Needless to say, this is an experience that is not to be missed.

Looking back, it feels almost like the “dream” day – what more could one want than exquisite food, breathtaking views, excellent wine and of course, perfect weather.

You can book your Dent Island Clubhouse experience HERE.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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