A LOOK AT COURAN COVE RESORT
Wayne Kampe. HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN THE SUN.

IN the “Holiday Destinations” series of articles there have been some of the tiniest locations through to fairly large towns brought into the spot light. This article features a resort destination; one that is situated on an island in southern Queensland, South Stradbroke Island on the Gold Coast to be precise.

This island remains, even today, largely undeveloped and in pristine condition and the Couran Cove Resort has been established in such a way as to keep as much of the surrounding area, and that within the resort itself, in a similar state. Eco-tourism is the established theme and the environment isn't just kept in mind - it's fairly nurtured in a manner that still manages to combine five star luxury for the resort's guests.

The resort has been up and running, as a family retreat offering sports, leisure, recreational activities (including fishing, or course) for some time and things run very smoothly there indeed. Ron Clarke, renowned Aussie runner and business man is the resort's chief executive. Right from the outset Ron was adamant that construction of the facility was to have minimal environmental impact and a look around the resort would indicate that the decree has been strictly adhered to.

Water is recycled, waste taken off the island for proper disposal and the electricity generating plant is gas fired; thus it's almost silent in operation and reduces green house gas emissions to a very low level when in use.

Most visitors to the resort access the island via the Couran Cove terminal at Runaway Bay Marina. The Marina is situated at 247 Bayview Street, Hollywell, on the Gold Coast and the large passenger Fast Cats will take visitors and guests across to the resort in approximately fifteen minutes cruising time. Ample parking is available back at the terminal. Note that guests may also access the island via their own water craft and ample moorings within the ninety berth marina are available.

Once on the island the reception staff will arrange accommodation and a list of activities tailored to suit individual requirements. Whether the guest or guests are a family group, a couple, or a team looking for some R&R it's the same. One can do as much, or as little, as one desires. Olympic standard sports training facilities are on hand for the dedicated (prominent sporting personalities are regular visitors, as are football and other teams) but for family groups that just want to get away from it all a bicycle can be hired and the true peace and beauty of the largely untouched island unfolds as one pedals quietly along the well formed shaded tracks.

Cars are not a part of the equation: only the beach fishing wagon of the fishing guides move about the island freely. All other transport is via electric buggies or the electric train which allows easy access to the surf beach. These are all one will contend with, apart from the numerous roan wallabies that inhabit the island.

Just a word on accommodation. Although Couran Cove is rated as a five star resort a large range of accommodation, catering for all comers, is available. Certainly, there are deluxe rooms, marina suites, beach front lodges (fish from the balcony and catch bream) and assorted apartments and villas. These are certainly up-market facilities but I was also impressed with the presentation of the discreetly situated eco-cabins which nestle into the forest with so little disruption that they may well have grown there like the trees.

Want to just camp inside the dunes a stone's throw from the surf so you can get a crack at the fish at first light? Well, a camping ground that's being presently established will cater for you as well. Such is the diversification of this Resort.

Gymnasium, running track, pool, sports training facilities, patrolled surf beach and accommodation matched with outstanding restaurant and bar facilities are all there and I guess that this is what Couran Cove resort is all about for most folk. For me it was the unique feeling that one is well and truly away from it all when walking or cycling in the bird filled forests and it was reinforced even more as I stood knee deep on the edge of a gutter up towards the Jumpinpin bar feeling the line go tight as a big dart scoffed a worm bait. Not another angler was in sight and it was at ten in the morning. There is well over twenty kilometres of beach on South Stradbroke Island and I had it all to myself.

With its location on an island it's natural that fishing IS a big part of what Couran Court is all about. The nearby northern section of the Broadwater offers terrific estuary fishing for species such as bream, whiting, tailor, luderick and flathead as regulars with occasional rod benders such as mangrove jack and trevally as a bonus. The resort's harbour offers good bream fishing as well and kids catch bream from the marina all of the time. Huge schools of mullet are seen mooching around the pylons as the tide floods the harbour, as well. I would see these fellows as great fly rod fodder if things were done right.

The surf fishing is the star of the show, though, for my money. On a drive north from the resort to the Jumpinpin bar twelve kays to the north I noted five distinct gutters that would likely yield fish. Two were within easy walking distance of the surf club house operated by Couran Cove and one would only need to pedal out or catch the electric people mover (train) to get stuck into the fish.

Most folk engage the resort's resident guides, Cameron and Ryan Dunn, to put them onto the better fishing areas, whether it's estuary fishing or surf as the venue. The duo operate a four wheel drive service to the beach fishing areas (or just for a tour of the beach if you wish) with guided fishing thrown in. When it comes down to local knowledge and its application, visitors will really appreciate what Cameron and Ryan can do for them.

On top of relaxed transport to best fishing areas the lads can offer beach worming tuition, complete tackle hire and detailed instruction for beginners. For those not skilled in the art they will fillet fish caught and later arrange cooking of the catch with one of the resorts chefs, if desired.

Estuary anglers can hire a four metre tinny with motor and utilise whatever gear is required (from tackle through to yabby pumps) at the tackle store operated by Cameron and Ryan. Instruction in the use of all gear is par for the course.

Visitors and guests need not hire tackle. Many folk bring their own simply because they have set it up for their own personal use and it's no sweat to bring long rods over in the Fast Cat ferry that runs from Runaway Bay.

Cameron and Ryan have set up a specific fishing and instructional program in conjunction with the resort during June, from the seventeenth to the twenty third. It's strategically placed fair in the Queensland school holidays so that family groups can make the best of it and commences at mid day on the seventeenth. The scheduled fishing and other events - with guest speakers touching on such topics as rod selection and repairs, tackle maintenance, bait gathering and collection as well as in depth fishing tips - kick off until lunch time on the twenty second of June.

It should be a lively affair and I note that the major part of each day is set down for beach fishing. Tailor? Should be there in those gutters by the tonne. More information on the Great Fishing Break, as it's called, can be obtained on 1 800 632 211.

General information on Couran Cove resort is also available on the same toll free number 1 800 632 211 or on (07) 5597 9000. The fax number is (07) 5597 9090.