When a post Mardi Gras boat gets lost on a tropical island, stranding 400 guests at Club Med, who better to report on the situation than a budgie smuggling expert? Steev N was our man poolside for the latest from All Gay Cruises’ – Shipwrecked on Lindeman Island.
After five days of frivolity interspersed with serious bouts of party in Sydney, we waved adieu to the Oxford Street apartment that was our home away from home. Luggage was dragged to Museum Station and aboard the train to the airport, for our next stop was Queensland and ‘Shipwrecked – Lost on Lindeman Island’ for a few days rest and recovery, or so we thought…
About a forty minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island’s Airport, depending on the weather, and in particular, the waves – Lindeman Island is a lush tropical paradise in the Whitsunday Islands, off the coast of Far North Queensland. Situated on the side of a hill and set amongst 690 hectares of world heritage listed national park, the resort’s setting was beautiful.
Shipwrecked turned Club Med’s Lindeman Island exclusively gay and lesbian, as approximately 400 G&L Shipwreckers, including about 20 from Perth, were welcomed by the Club Med resort staff to their own fantasy island. For some, it was a week to recover from Mardi Gras and for others, it was a chance to party and party and party, some more.
After last year’s very successful NaviGAYtion Cruise, All Gay Cruises once again planned a huge range of activities. Sydney Drag Queen FarrenHeit acted as Resort Director, while some of Sydney’s best DJ’s, including Dan Murphy, Rudy, Kitty Glitter and Sandi Hotrod were ready to spun their discs at a different themed dance party each night – Homo Aquatic, Jungle Fever, Retro and the White Party, to name a few.
The main resort pool became the focal point for the week’s main events. With plenty of handsome homos on board, the Shipwrecked castaways were treated to a ‘Priapewear’ swimwear modelling competition. Gorgeous guys from events around Australia were flown to the island to parade their stuff along with the island’s best for the chance to win a berth in the international final in Canada.
While some opted to party their week away, Boy Wonder and I decided we were happy just to chill out during our days chez Lindeman, having enjoyed the dulcet tones of Carlotta (!), Olivia Newton-John and Cyndi Lauper at the Mardi Gras dance party. Luckily, for those craving recovery, the resort’s second swimming pool offered peace and quiet away from the partying crowds and loud music. High on the hill behind the resort, a free bus service took guests there and back between 7am and midnight.
For those wanting a little more action in their days, like other Club Med resorts, a non-compulsory daily program of activities ran for guests. With events such as touch rugby, salsa dance classes and circus training, there was sure to be something for everyone. Tennis, archery, water sports and a sport centre staffed by gorgeous French hunk Favian (at least that’s what we called him!) rounded out the list of activities to choose from. For those a little more adventurous and for an extra cost, Club Med in conjunction with Fantasea Cruises organised full and half day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and spectacular Whitehaven Beach.
The boyfriend and I chose a Fantasea picnic on a secluded beach for a few hours away from the resort. Our tour guide, Greg, packed the picnic basket with food, wine and pink champagne and carried it all the way to our private beach. After unpacking the treats and laying out the blanket, he left us alone to enjoy the privacy.
With mobile phone coverage largely unavailable on the island, the phone dependent were forced to relax. The boyf and I even booked in for a fabulous massage and facial, instantly helping us forget the life that existed off the island.
As we were finally relaxing into island life, the 5am wake up call buzzed on the last morning. Staff and guests, with hangovers alike, said our goodbyes on the pier, exactly where we met on the first day. Just in time for the 7am ferry back to Hamilton to go our separate ways.
The all inclusive island package priced from $1299 was fantastic value for money – accommodation, activities, meals and standard drinks were all included and guests didn’t need to take their wallet out for the rest of their stay except for souvenirs from the island boutique. The Shipwrecked guests all seemed to enjoy the experience, as did the Club Med staff who joined in the week of partying with a different kind of family.
All in all, Shipwrecked – Lindeman Island was a great way to unwind or kick on after Mardi Gras – your choice! Watch out for next year’s event at www.allgaycruises.com.au.
