Lake McKenzie and Kingfisher Resort

As our planned trip along the beach did not eventuate we moved on to plan B and took the inland road we had earlier crossed from the barge as far as the turn off to Lake McKenzie.  Here the road deteriorated somewhat (and in fact a couple of days later was closed to all traffic) and we apologise that the photos are not great.  These were taken as we travelled (bumped and rock n rolled) and it was better not to stop because of the chance of other vehicles on the track.  The speed limit on all tracks on the island is 30 kph which was not surprising.

 The lake is really interesting as it has no stream, river or under water feeds but is rain filled.  It evaporates during hot weather but fills again with good rainfall.  There is a hard lake bottom created by thousands of years of decaying plant matter and the quality of the water is maintained by this base and the living things in and around the lake.

There are a number of picnic facilities at the lake but the really interesting thing about these facilities were that they were contained within fence lines.  Signage clearly said that there was to be no food preparation or consumption outside of the fenced areas.  This was because this is dingo territory and the dingo are attracted by the food and become a problem to visitors.  We didn’t see any dingo during our visit to Lake McKenzie but that is not to say that they didn’t see us.

There were quite a few other people at the lake when we were there as there were a number of the small 4wd tourist buses there – not ideal for us so back on the road and we continued on to Kingfisher Resort.  This resort is the more up class resort of the two, both with the same owners, and is on the west of the island.  There is a barge direct to Kingfisher Resort but when talking to one of the tour bus drivers he said that it is annoying as they have to travel the same 30-45 minute track both directions each day to get to the east side of the island where beach driving and the sights are.  The track was really corrugated in parts and in other parts with deep soft sand and certainly took careful driving.  This is the only track to the resort as there is no beach side driving on the west side of the island.  Kingfisher Resort is certainly upmarket to Eurong and appeared to have a variety of types of accommodation including individual villas.  They are set up the hillside.  We walked out on the jetty where there were a number of people fishing, and watched a group with kayaks.  We stopped off at the outdoor bar and pizza area and then hit the road again and bounced our way back to where we were staying.

 Our booking at Eurong Beach Resort included buffet breakfast and dinner – it was nice not to have to think what we were going to have for a meal.  If we were thinking the buffet would be similar to those of say Fiji or Malaysia we would have been sorely disappointed.  There was ample food but it was basic and served from a baine marie.  The tables and chairs were in a large dining area and it was a self-service affair.  Unfortunately I didn’t take a photo to share however, think of a school camp type dining room and you will have the picture.  The food service was for a couple of hours each time.  However, the waiting staff were very friendly, drinks were available from the bar and all the guests were very casual.  There was no evening entertainment and people soon wandered back to their accommodation and before long the dining room was empty.  The tour buses were also served their morning tea and lunches in the dining room along with the house guests.