TNQ Islands Closed in Wake of Cyclone Larry
Monday, 20 March 2006
Voyages Dunk and Bedarra Islands have suffered structural and water damage in the wake of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Larry which crossed the coast of Queensland near Innisfail on Monday morning.
According to Voyages' CEO Grant Hunt, Resort management and staff who remained on the islands are safe and well, and engineers will be travelling to the properties to assess the extent of damage over the next few days.
"At this early stage, we will keep both resorts closed until Friday, March 31 however this may change as we establish a much clearer picture on the extent of damage over the next 48 hours."
"In an effort to re-open the properties as soon as possible, staff, engineers and contractors will return to the islands and begin detailed assessment work, general maintenance and clearing immediately."
Voyages are contacting affected guests and helping with alternative travel plans. Attractive travel packages have been developed for other TNQ Voyages properties, including Lizard Island, Heron Island and Silky Oaks Lodge.
Over 200 guests and 150 staff were evacuated from the properties on Sunday, following consultations with Queensland Emergency Services personnel and close monitoring of Australian Bureau of Meteorology warnings.
"Our experience in operating remote wilderness resorts helped us understand the nature and scope of the type of threat Tropical Cyclone Larry posed to our guests and staff, ensuring our Disaster Response Plans were rolled out quickly and efficiently," said Mr Hunt.
Further Information
For further information, please contact Voyages on +61 2 8296 8010 or toll free Australia 1300 134 044
Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, Queensland, The Kimberley and Tasmania. Voyages operate award-winning properties such as Ayers Rock Resort, Longitude 131°, Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge and Cradle Mountain Lodge.