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Hayman Opens, Dunk, Bedarra Stay Closed

Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed the reopening of luxury island resort Hayman Island off north Queensland after it was badly damaged by cyclones Anthony and Yasi and was closed for more than five months.

Tourism Whitsundays spokesman Peter O'Reilly said, "Hayman has been an icon product of the Whitsundays since the 1950s and we are just so looking forward to it reopening. We're excited about the developments that have gone on out there and the works that's happened alongside the renovation or the refurbishment after the cyclone damage."

But the good news about Hayman has been dampened by the announcement that two cyclone-battered island resorts look set to be sold.

The resorts on Dunk and Bedarra islands, off Mission Beach, were largely destroyed when Cyclone Yasi ripped through them in February. But the owners Hideaway Resorts has announced it is unfeasible to continue trying to rebuild them alone.

Chief executive Mark Campbell said the company was looking for an investment partner to help fund the complete refurbishment of the resorts, or the properties would be sold. "Dunk and Bedarra Island resorts have been part of the fabric of Australian and Queensland tourism for many years and this decision has not been taken lightly," he said.

The resorts had been due to reopen in April.

Tourism Queensland chief executive Anthony Hayes said, "It's very disappointing, what's happened with Dunk and Bedarra, but I'm sure someone will come along and snap up a bargain," he said.