Long Island Resort » History

Introduction

Long Island is one of the many islands which make up the Whitsundays, officially known as the Cumberland Group. 

Not only is the Whitsunday region famous for it's beautiful islands and perfect sailing conditions, but also it's vibrant blue waters. The blue colour is caused by fine particles of suspended siliceous sediment reflecting light in the water. 

Long Island is a hilly island approximately nine kilometres in length, covered with dense, largely vine and eucalyptus forest. It is one of several islands that form the Molle Islands National Park.

The first inhabitants 

Aboriginal Occupation. The Ngaro people were the main Aboriginal group occupying this area, with archaeological evidence indicating occupation for at least 8000 years. Although there are recordings of Aboriginal activity on most of the islands, only a few were used for full time occupation; most were just seasonal visits. Due to the large distances involved, there wasn't much interaction between the island and mainland tribes. 

During the time of the Ngaro occupation, many of the islands would have been mostly grassland. This growth was encouraged through their practice of hunting with fire. This method not only helped to flush out the game for hunting, but also burnt other animals for collection and later storage. The grasses regrowth helped to increase animal numbers and made hunting easier. 
 

The Cook's tour 

"Discovery". Captain James Cook passed through the area in 1770, naming only the Whitsunday Passage and Pentecost Island. His trip was made during the feast of Pentecost, traditionally the seventh Sunday (50th) day after easter. He named the passage after Whit Sunday, which literally means White Sunday, referring to the white gowns worn during the feast of Pentecost. 

If you go for a walk to the back beach you can look out over the waters that Captain Cook sailed through. 

The term "Pentecost" comes from the Greek for fifty - hence the name of the feast on the fiftieth day after Easter.

European occupation 

The first settlers on Long Island weren't actually here by choice, but were stranded after their vessel, the Valetta, was damaged on a reef off Scawfell Island in 1825. Following repairs they set off again, but further trouble lead them into the calm waters of Happy Bay, Long Island. Here the crew of 57 set up huts and tried to repair the vessel again, with no luck. They lived here until another vessel came by three months later and rescued them. 

Then in 1883, Donald Coutts Gordon applied for a pastoral lease for Long Island. He was given one for South Molle instead. He tried again and received a Long Island lease 12 months later. By this time he had changed his mind and never actually used the island. Hugh Percival Kean then obtained the next lease during the mid 1890's and ran sheep for several years before admitting defeat and leaving. 

Long Island then changed hands many times, but remained basically unused until 1921 when Carl Alderman moved onto the Island and grew bananas. 

Long Island resort 

In 1931, on Mrs Alderman's death, Long Island was divided into three and the first resorts were established. Happy Bay, as the resort was called, was opened in 1934. At that time the resort still had a great sense of history due to the wreck of the Valetta and the ruins of the crew's huts still to be found on the beaches. There were also cannon balls, which would have been shot from vessels at anchor in the bay and using the beach for gunnery practice. 

During World War II all the resorts on Long Island closed. Following the war, Happy Bay changed hands many times until 1949 when the Mountney family took over. It was the development that the Mountneys instigated that changed Happy Bay from a local resort to one of national standing. In 1984 the resort changed hands again and was virtually rebuilt by the founder of Contiki Holidays. 

Club Crocodile took over in 1994 creating a great family and romantic destination. 

The Management and Staff of Club Crocodile Long Island wish you a pleasant and memorable stay. Your presence will continue to add to the rich history of the Island.