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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions you might have. Click on each Topic for a list of related Questions.
If you do not see an answer to your question, just contact us and we will help you out.

• WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?

TRAVEL & PAYMENT

• WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?


• HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?


• HOW DO I GET THERE?


• WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY?


• HOW CAN I CONFIRM MY BOOKING?


• DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?


• WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?


• IF I FLY MY OWN AIRCRAFT AND GET DELAYED BY BAD WEATHER, WHAT HAPPENS?


• DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?


• WHAT ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS?


• IS THERE EFTPOS AND CAN I GET CASH OUT?


• ARE THERE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE LIMITS ON THE CHARTER AIRCRAFT?


• WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?


• ARE LINEN AND TOWELS SUPPLIED?


• WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Answers are below. Click on the to go back to the Travel Questions.

• WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?

  Check our Covid Page for more info by clicking HERE

• WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

  We open after the Wet Season - usually around Easter/early APRIL and we close down mid OCTOBER for the Cyclone Season.

• HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

  Check our Prices Page for the current rates by clicking HERE

• HOW DO I GET THERE?

  There are many ways to get here - you can fly your own aircraft, jet or drive from the city to the Gulf then charter a plane across to the island. There is no boat service to the island.

• WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY?

  Usually 3-4 nights for first visit. The biggest cost is getting here, so you might as well make the journey worth it and stay as long as you can. Very keen fishers and return guests sometimes stay up to 10 days. You won't get bored!

• HOW CAN I CONFIRM MY BOOKING?

  Just email or phone us and we can pencil you into the booking book. Please keep in touch with us and let us know if there are any changes to your booking.

• DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?

  A deposit is recommended to secure your booking. "One night's accommodation per person" is the easiest way to calculate your payment due at the end of your stay (just deduct one night's accommodation per person)You can pay by BSB or cheque (email us for details)

• WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

  We understand that unforseen things can happen to delay or cancel travel plans. We just ask you to keep in touch and let us know as soon as anything changes, so that we can make alternate arrangements.

• IF I FLY MY OWN AIRCRAFT AND GET DELAYED BY BAD WEATHER, WHAT HAPPENS?

  If you are delayed en route, we will do our best to move your dates to suit, however sometimes there will be other guests who are already booked in to overlap with your late arrival. If there is no accommodation available, you can re-book for a later time.

• DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?

  Yes we do, also personal cheques and cash. Most people pay by credit card for accommodation and bar bill on their day of departure. Just ensure that your daily limit will cover your bill, especially if you are paying for a large group of people. If you have a daily limit it is not a problem, we can process partial payments each day that you are here.

• WHAT ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS?

  Yes, we do accept AMEX and we do not charge any extra fee. We do not, however, have the facility to accept Diners Club Cards.

• IS THERE EFTPOS AND CAN I GET CASH OUT?

  Yes, we have EFTPOS facility. Our EFTPOS is credit card payment only, NO cash out.

• ARE THERE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE LIMITS ON THE CHARTER AIRCRAFT?

  Yes, regional airlines and smaller charter aircraft have much less space than the domestic jets, so make sure you check your baggage and particularly your weight allowance before travel. Allow for taking fish home!

• WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

  All linen and towels are supplied, you just need to bring a couple of changes of clothes, personal toiletries/medications and shoes you don't mind getting wet (Crocs are ideal) and a sweater/light jacket for June/July. A hat, sunglasses and long sleeved shirt are recommended for the tropical sun. Basic fishing tackle is supplied but you might like to bring a rod and reel or favourite lures/flies.

• ARE LINEN AND TOWELS SUPPLIED?

  Yes they are. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, you might like to bring a beachtowel, but we can provide towels for a quick swim.

• WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

  Light, casual clothing for the tropics. Flat shoes for walking in sand. Bathing suit for swimming. June/July can be cool at night so bring a fleece jacket for open-air dining at night.

Click on the to go back to the Top of the Page,
or scroll down for the next Category FACILITIES.

FACILITIES

• ARE THERE ENSUITES?


• DO THE ROOMS HAVE AIRCONDITIONING?


• IS THERE WIFI OR MOBILE SERVICE?


• IS THERE TV?


• IS THERE A FRIDGE IN THE ROOM?


• IS THE ISLAND WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?


• IS THERE A LAUNDRY?


• MY PARTNER DOES NOT FISH, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO ON THE ISLAND?


• WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?


• I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS. HOW DO I ORGANISE THIS?


• IS THERE A BAR?


• CAN I BRING MY OWN FAVOURITE BEER/WINE?


• CAN WE TAKE BEER OUT IN THE BOATS?

Answers are below. Click on the to go back to the FACILITIES Questions.

• ARE THERE ENSUITES?

  2 of our 7 cabins have ensuites. 1 x 4-bed cabin and 1 x 2-bed cabin. We usually allocate these to elderly guests, families of 4 with young children or couples, on a first-come first-served basis. You can request an ensuite cabin when you book, however if a couple or elderly couple book in after you, we might contact you to reconsider. There is no extra charge for an ensuite cabin. The toilet facilities are nearby and the path is lit at night.

• DO THE ROOMS HAVE AIRCONDITIONING?

  4 of our 7 cabins have airconditioning. 3 x 3-bed cabins and a 2-bed cabin. We usually allocate these to couples or elderly guests, on a first-come first-served basis. You can request an ensuite cabin when you book, however if a couple or elderly couple book in after you, we might contact you to reconsider. The other cabins are airy and spacious with ceiling fans. There is no extra charge for an airconditioned cabin.

• IS THERE WIFI OR MOBILE SERVICE?

  No. Sweers Island is a wilderness area so you can relax and avoid the clutter of social media for a while! There is a Telstra Mobile Cell at Burketown on the mainland for which we have a booster in the bar area. We usually get service in the mornings and evenings. Providing you have a Telstra mobile phone/laptop, you can check your emails and update your fishing photos to Facebook here! Please note that the Celfi booster system will only support 5 devices, so as a courtesy to other guests, if you are not actively using your mobile phone, please put it in Flight Mode.
  Otherwise, you can use our telephone to let family know you are here, and provide your office with our phone/fax numbers for urgent business. Please note that Telstra is the only service provider in most of Outback Australia. Leave your Optus or Vodaphone at home :-)

• IS THERE TV?

  No. Sweers Island is a wilderness area so you can relax and be 'remote-free' for a while! We have ABC Regional Radio in the Lodge area if you need to check up on the Footy Scores or daily news!

• IS THERE A FRIDGE IN THE ROOM?

  No. But if you have medications or special dietary items that require refrigeration, you are welcome to leave them in the kitchen coolroom, where you can access them at any time, day or night.

• IS THE ISLAND WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?

  We have had several guests visit in wheelchairs, however bear in mind that it is a sandy island, and it may be difficult to get around in soft sand, however, if your mates can assist you in and out of the boats (rear step) we provide a plastic chair for showering and will assist you as much as possible.

• IS THERE A LAUNDRY?

  Yes, there is a washing machine for guests to use, laundry powder is included in the tariff. Water is limited so do bring a couple of changes of clothes so that you can spend your time enjoying your holiday and don't have to wash every day.

• MY PARTNER DOES NOT FISH, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO ON THE ISLAND?

  There are sandy beaches to enjoy, safe swimming, bush tracks to explore, great birdwatching, history tours can be arranged, and you can play with the dogs! We often get mixed groups where the guys go fishing in the morning while their wives relax, then after lunch they all go out together. You don't have to be a fisherperson either - you can take a picnic lunch and motor round the island by boat, stopping for lunch and a swim at a deserted beach.

• WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

  Light, casual clothing for the tropics. Flat shoes for walking in sand. Bathing suit for swimming. June/July can be cool at night so bring a fleece jacket for open-air dining at night.

• I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS. HOW DO I ORGANISE THIS?

  Just let us know what your requirements are when you make your booking - especially allergies! Also if you are Vegetarian or Gluten-intolerant. Everyone eats together, and we can plan meals to suit everyone as long as we know ahead of time. We are a long way from the shops, so bring anything really specific that you need (eg:Soy milk, gluten free bread) but we can usually cater for most dietary requirements. The cooks are happy to help and would prefer to cook a suitable meal that everybody can eat, rather than see someone miss out!

• IS THERE A BAR?

  Yes. Sweers Island is part of Mornington Shire, therefore is subject to its alcohol restrictions. You may purchase alcohol at the bar and consume alcohol on the Resort Premises (bar, dining area, cabins), at the filleting station or in the boats. Our prices are reasonable and we have a good selection of beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks to choose from. You can email us for a pricelist if you like.

• CAN I BRING MY OWN FAVOURITE BEER/WINE?

  No, but if you let us know ahead of time, we may be able to order in your favourite beverages. Sweers Island is part of Mornington Shire, therefore is subject to its alcohol restrictions. You can be heavily fined if you are found with alcohol in your aircraft or baggage. See IMPORTANT INFORMATION below.

• CAN WE TAKE BEER OUT IN THE BOATS?

  Yes. However Alcohol and Boats do not mix. Boat drivers must not be under the influence of alcohol and we recommend that passengers restrict their alcohol intake. Fisheries Inspectors and Water Police can and do conduct breathalyser tests and the penalty includes not only losing your boat licence but your drivers licence as well. We now stock a range of alcohol-free beers and wines so that the boat driver can enjoy a refreshing beer without the alcohol. See IMPORTANT INFORMATION below.

Click on the to go back to the Top of the Page,
or scroll down for the next Category BOATS & FISHING.

BOATS & FISHING

• WHAT ARE YOUR BOATS LIKE?


• IS THERE A GUIDE?


• DO I NEED A BOAT LICENSE?


• IS IT CHEAPER IF WE BRING OUR OWN BOAT?


• DO YOU SELL FUEL?


• WHAT FISHING TACKLE IS SUPPLIED?


• WHAT TACKLE SHOULD I BRING?


• DO I NEED TO BRING BAIT?


• CAN WE TAKE FISH HOME?


• SHOULD WE BRING ESKIES OR DO YOU SUPPLY POLYSTYRENE BOXES?


• CAN WE BRING OUR OWN BOAT AND CAMP ON THE ISLAND?


• CAN WE BRING OUR OWN BOAT AND STAY IN A CABIN?

Answers are below. Click on the to go back to the BOATS & FISHING Questions.

• WHAT ARE YOUR BOATS LIKE?

  Our custom-built, 4.7 metre aluminium catamarans are powered by reliable 40hp, 4-stroke, key-start outboards. Each boat is equipped with rod holders and echo sounders and can carry up to four persons. On-board you will find handlines and tackle as well as all necessary safety equipment. They are in survey for daylight operation only. Please make sure you are back at the beach before dark.

• IS THERE A GUIDE?

  No. The 4.7m dinghies supplied as part of your tariff are self-drive. We give you a thorough briefing on arrival and provide you with a map of the area. The vessel is yours for the duration of your stay, and you can fish from dawn til dusk. Most fishing is within a mile of the shore. If you feel like a guided session for your first visit, consider a half day charter on our skippered/guided vessel Salomon.

• DO I NEED A BOAT LICENSE?

  The driver should hold a Recreational Marine Drivers License. We will also give you a thorough briefing on arrival and check you out on the vessel to satisfy ourselves that you are competent before you take it out.

• IS IT CHEAPER IF WE BRING OUR OWN BOAT?

  Not really. There is the cost of fuel to drive from the mainland town down the river and out to sea to consider, along with wear and tear on your boat and trailer. If you break down at the island the only option is to freight your boat back to Karumba on the barge, at great cost.

• DO YOU SELL FUEL?

  Fuel is included in the tariff for resort guests who can top up their tanks at any time. Unfortunately no fuel is available for sale to the public.

• WHAT FISHING TACKLE IS SUPPLIED?

  Handlines, hooks and sinkers are all supplied. You are welcome to bring your fishing rod, the boats are fitted with rod holders. Each boat is equipped with bait cutting board, gaff, donger, knives and a basic tackle box. There is a selection of lures available for sale at the bar, along with trace wire, line etc.

• WHAT TACKLE SHOULD I BRING?

  Basic handline tackle is supplied but if you like rod fishing or fly fishing, bring what you need for that. Perhaps a selection of lures for chasing the Barra or Queenies off the beach. Don't bring things like sinkers, that will just add to your weight limit on the aircraft. Contact us if you need more information.

• DO I NEED TO BRING BAIT?>

  No. Bait is supplied as part of your tariff. We supply a mixture of garfish, squid, prawns and mullet. Some guests like to bring pilchards and this is fine.

• CAN WE TAKE FISH HOME?

  Yes. You can fillet your catch and snap freeze it in our special trays, or take that prize trout home whole. Just check the current 'In Possession Limits'.

• SHOULD WE BRING ESKIES OR DO YOU SUPPLY POLYSTYRENE BOXES?

  We usually have plenty of polystyrene boxes for you to pack your fish in. The airlines prefer them to an esky with a drainhole which has the potential to leak in flight. Check with us before you leave home to see if we currently have boxes in stock.

• CAN WE BRING OUR OWN BOAT AND CAMP ON THE ISLAND?

  To camp on the Wellesley Islands you would require a Permit from the local Aboriginal Council, unless on our Resort area which does not have a designated camping ground. There are no moorings for visiting vessels and you would have to bring your own camping equipment. There would be a fee for the use of resort facilities. Note that the Southeasterly winds can come up very quickly, making the seas between Karumba/Burketown and the islands very rough and treacherous and not suitable for small inshore vessels. You would also have to carry enough fuel for your return trip and it is common for campers to be marooned here for extra time due to the seas being unsafe for travel back to the mainland.

• CAN WE BRING OUR OWN BOAT AND STAY IN A CABIN?

  You are welcome to book a cabin upon your arrival, if one is available. However we cannot accept advanced bookings for visitors in their own boats, as your travel plans are likely to change, depending on weather conditions.

Click on the to go back to the Top of the Page,
or scroll down for the next Category THINGS TO DO.

THINGS TO DO

• MY PARTNER DOES NOT FISH. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO ON THE ISLAND?


• CAN I SWIM?


• WHAT ABOUT SNORKELLING OR SCUBA DIVING?


• ARE THERE CROCODILES?


• ARE THERE SHARKS?


• ARE THERE SNAKES?


• ARE PETS ALLOWED?


• HOW DID THE CANE TOADS GET HERE?


• WHAT ANIMALS ARE THERE ON THE ISLAND?


• HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE?


• HOW SOON CAN I COME BACK!

Answers are below. Click on the to go back to the THINGS TO DO Questions.

• MY PARTNER DOES NOT FISH. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO ON THE ISLAND?

  There are sandy beaches to enjoy, safe swimming, bush tracks to explore, great birdwatching, history tours can be arranged, and you can play with the dogs! We often get mixed groups where the guys go fishing in the morning while their wives relax, then after lunch they all go out together. You don't have to be a fisherperson either - you can take a picnic lunch and motor round the island by boat, stopping for lunch and a swim at a deserted beach.

• CAN I SWIM?

  Yes. There are many lovely sandy beaches to swim from. One is right in front of the lodge buildings.

• WHAT ABOUT SNORKELLING OR SCUBA DIVING?

  There is some coral and lots of fish but the shallow Gulf waters mean that visibility is often poor. We do not supply snorkelling or dive equipment, but if you are a keen and experienced snorkeller in open waters, it is worth packing your mask and fins.

• ARE THERE CROCODILES?

  No, there are no river systems on Sweers Island that would support a resident croc although they are on the other islands and in mainland rivers.

• ARE THERE SHARKS?

  There are no more, or no less sharks than anywhere else in Australia. You may be lucky enough to see some hammerhead sharks basking at sea, or some small reef sharks feeding in the shallows.

• ARE THERE SNAKES?

  There are a couple of harmless snakes on the island including Water Pythons, Childrens Pythons and Green Tree Pythons. The only venemous snake is the Black Whip Snake which is not deadly.

• ARE PETS ALLOWED?

  You are welcome to bring your dog, so long as it is kept under control at all times, as we have many native birds that wander around the resort area.

• HOW DID THE CANE TOADS GET HERE?

  It is most likely that they washed out from the mainland in the 1974 floods. There were huge numbers in Burketown at the time, and we often see logs wash out of the rivers and also have seen toads washed out to sea, some of them still swimming!

• WHAT ANIMALS ARE THERE ON THE ISLAND?

  There are lots of Goannas and Lizards, but no wallabies or larger animals. There are no feral animals, therefore the birdlife is prolific, with over 100 species of birds. No mice, rats, ticks and no fleas - so our dogs are very lucky!

• HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE?

  We started building the resort in November 1987, although Tex had been visiting the island for several years before that. This is our home.

• HOW SOON CAN I COME BACK!

  As soon as you like! We have had one guest return after just 2 weeks, and some regulars visit several times a year. Others visit as kids with their parents, then return many years later with their own children. New visitors are always welcome!

If you don't see an answer to your Question, just contact us and we will help you out.

(Thanks Ahmad, for the cute round icons!)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!