Anybody been to South Molle Island ?

[XAGSV8]

Last night there was a story on ACA about South Molle Island. Incase you did not hear or view this story it was about the very run down state of the facilities on the island. Now normally I would ignore their crap but since viewing this story I have done some investigating and received feedback saying this may be the case from people I know in the holiday industry. Problem is I have booked my honeymoon there and have paid a deposit. If anybody here has had a holiday there let me know what you thought before I cancell and lose my depost.

[rodderz]

Maybe the Paxton's are running the joint...remember them 10-11 years ago when they were on the dole and refused a position there on the resort they were offered?

[BA_Turbs]

I "went south" on a mole once. I wouldn't call it an island paradise, but it wasn't bad. If I could remember her name, I'd let you know.

Hope this helps,

BA_Turbs.

[GT-E]

I went there for 4 nights on my honeymoon 2 years ago and it was like a budget family island. The food was ok, but thats about it. We were in the best rooms, but they would be no more than a 3 star motel. Hayman island was the total opposite, awsome for a honeymoon.
I hope you are not going during school holidays.

[XAGSV8]

Who could forget the potato eating Paxton's. We are going a week before the school holidays so kids should not be too much of a problem. From some pics I have just seen the whole place needs to be torn down and rebuilt. There are even holes in the restaurant roof.

[Racecraft]

it doesn't get many good reviews on trip advisor.. Seems ACA was right for a change..
"Well past its used by date" seems to be a popular statement

[Mechan1k]

Sounds like Daydream Island as well ... although Daydream was in a better state of repair ... service was crap ... food was crap ... alcohol was watered down .. and prices were just stupid ... oh ... no activities to do either.

Was stuck on there for 6 days ... 4 of which was near cyclonic conditions.

Have heard the same bad things about South Molle Island.

I'd go to either Hamilton (spent most of a day here and want to go back again ... there's so much to do) or Hayman Island (pricey ... but you get what you pay for)

[XAGSV8]

Long but this is the reply I got when I sent my email to the holiday company.

7/2/2006

RE: Statement from Ronald C Ross, Managing Director of South Molle Island
Resort regarding story on A Current Affair 6/2/06



I am devastated by the false claims regarding the quality and standards of
South Molle Island Resort that have been made by individuals interviewed for
this story. I am also extremely bewildered by the one-sided story
presented.



I would like to address the issues that were raised in the story to expose
the false claims.

I am strongly refuting all of the claims that were made and am currently
seeking legal advice.



Since I bought South Molle Island in 1998 we have welcomed over 140,000
domestic and international guests onto the island. The island and the resort
is constantly being maintained and updated. In 2005 alone I've spent
$800,000 on repairs and maintenance to the resort and the island so that we
are constantly delivering an affordable Whitsunday island experience that
all guests and staff can enjoy.



We have a very high return visitation rate due to our fantastic
facilities, tranquil location and our friendly helpful staff. Please visit
www.southmolleisland.com.au/testimonials to see some of the many
testimonials from very satisfied guests who have recently stayed at the
resort during the past 6 months.



The footage shown of the staff accommodation was of the old staff
accommodation that has not been in use for over 5 years.



We are constantly monitoring the quality control of the company that are
contracted to do the laundry services for South Molle Island and we have
taken a number of steps to address any issues in regards to linen.


As South Molle island is a National Park we have a number of protected
animal species on the island. One of these is the water rat, Scientific
name: Hydromys chrysogaster (Geoffroy, 1804) which was mentioned during the
A Current Affair story last night. These water rats are protected by law
through the Environmental Protection Agency under the Nature Conservation
Act 1992 and therefore we are unable to harm or interfere with these
animals. To view the Nature Conservation Act 1992 please visit
www.epa.qld.gov.au

South Molle Island Resort receives regular visits by the National Parks
and wildlife department to ensure the resort is complying with all of the
relevant laws. The islands' waste treatment facility is licensed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and as such complies with all legislation.
In addition the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is constantly
monitoring and inspecting the reef and coral that surrounds South Molle
Island and they are satisfied that we are complying with all statutory
regulations.



I have been delighted at the high number of positive supportive phone
calls that we have received from past guests and industry stakeholders.
This sort of feedback makes us more determined to move forward and continue
to offer South Molle Island as a fun and friendly 3 star affordable Island
experience for families, couples, groups, weddings and honeymoons.



Over the last few months we have had numerous journalists from major media
outlets across Australia coming to our resort and publishing travel stories
based on their experiences at the resort. This coverage has been very
favorable. This coverage is available upon request; please email your
request to xxxx@southmolleisland.com.au and also look out for a story in
this weeks Womans' Day magazine.



Please be aware I take complaints from Guests on the island very
seriously. We have a very comprehensive complaint investigation process in
place so if any issues are identified as a result of a guest complaint these
can be addressed immediately.



Please contact my sales and marketing manager Kate Turner on 07 xxxx 4400
should you require any further assistance.

Kind Regards

Ronald C Ross

Managing Director

South Molle Island Resort