Imagine waking up to the pristine ocean views of Port Hinchinbrook surrounded by the majestic Cardwell Mountains, your only care being whether to spend your day on the water lapping up the first class fishing or exploring this serene sanctuary.

You can do all of this at Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook.

Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook offers all of this and more. This tropical retreat, affectionately known as ‘Australia’s best kept secret’ is the perfect holiday getaway. Whether you are a diehard fisher or your family wants a break from the daily hustle and bustle or you are searching for a private retreat, Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook is for you.

This delightful haven is located half way between Townsville and Cairns and while Port Hinchinbrook has the feel of a remote getaway it is easily accessible. From either Cairns or Townsville, Port Hinchinbrook is only a short two hour car journey. Alternative transport includes the train or daily buses to Cardwell, which is only 3km from the resort. Alternatively, if you are flying into Townsville, a charter bus can be arranged to pick you up from the airport.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted not only by the stunning scenery, but also by the friendly and helpful staff at Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook. The welcoming owners and staff of the resort only add to the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook offers 26 apartment style rooms with one, two or three bedrooms. Each apartment features a separate living room, fully equipped kitchen, ensuite and modern furniture. All the comforts of home are also included in each apartment with modern kitchen appliances, washing machine and dryer, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, air conditioning, plasma TV with Austar and DVD player – even tea and coffee are included.

The apartments can be booked for one, three or five night packages. The price is a little more expensive in peak season which lasts from the beginning of April to the end of October and from December 24 to January 14.

The Garden Villa apartments on the ground floor are perfect for a family, with a private courtyard and spa as well as a fenced in area for the kids to run around in. If something a little more luxurious takes your fancy, there are also eight fantastic penthouses available. Each penthouse has two bedrooms as well as an extra floor featuring a private deck, spa and barbeque area.

There is a bar and cafe in walking distance from the apartments, and also a wide array of restaurants and cafes in nearby Cardwell. Groceries and other amenities are also available in Cardwell, but you could easily take some food and cooking supplies with you and prepare your meals in the kitchen of your own apartment at Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook.

A number of additional guest facilities are also available Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook. There is a swimming pool with exotic gardens, a lap pool with a barbeque area for guests, a tennis court for sport lovers and for those who want to be pampered, in-house massages. For the fisher there are marina berths, a boat ramp, and facilities to wash down your boat and fillet all the fish you are almost certain to bring home. There is also undercover parking for all guests.

Aside from the fabulous accommodation facilities Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook offers a wide range of activities. If you don’t have your own boat, charter fishing tours can be arranged. Port Hinchinbrook boasts some of the best fishing in Australia with fresh water estuary creeks and the Great Barrier Reef on offer. When the QFM boys recently went to Port Hinchinbrook they caught about 50 barra in just two sessions on the water, a very impressive haul.

There are many other activities on offer in the area apart from fishing. You can go snorkelling or diving on the reef, or enjoy the natural wilderness of the surrounding hinterland. Chose from a variety of different bushwalks and hikes and enjoy Queensland’s tropical wetlands and majestic rainforest all of which are in close vicinity to Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook.

For a slightly slower paced activity, there is a ferry that leaves daily to Hinchinbrook Island. The ferry sails each day at 9am from the marina at Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook to Hinchinbrook Island. You can experience a relaxing day exploring the island’s untouched natural beauty. There is a restaurant on the island to enjoy a leisurely lunch and you can be back on the mainland in late afternoon with plenty of time for dinner.

Inspiration Port Hinchinbrook is a slice of heaven in the wilderness with something special for everyone. For more information about bookings, accommodation or anything in the area, the friendly staff would be happy to answer any questions and share their local knowledge with you. You can contact them on (07) 4066 2270 or visit the website www.inspirationresort.com.au. – Katie Day