Have you ever heard of Montes Reef Resort? Probably not because it is one of North Queensland’s best kept secrets that only locals really know about.
If you are travelling North near Airlie Beach and need to see an amazing spot that rivals the most beautiful beaches in the world, then Montes Reef Resort is your dream location.
Let’s see why it is so good!
Where is Montes Reef Resort Located
Montes Reef Resort is situated just north of Airlie Beach opposite Gloucester Island on the East Coast of Australia. Only 25 kilometers off the Bruce Highway.
See Map for details:
Why You Should Visit Montes Reef Resort Now!
Like everything in the world top places keep on changing. What was once amazing and quite ends up over run and busy as. Most places in Australia have gone up in price 10X and are booked out all the time.
I feel this little gem is still hidden from the masses and not known to the world yet. So visit now before it get’s discovered by the masses and becomes overpriced and packed like the other well known areas.
Montes Reef Resort Prices
This place is affordable for all and great value for money compared with the great South East. Prices start from $280 dollars a night.
Deluxe Family Bungalow
This bungalow sleeps 8 people and is a little bit more private compared with the other accommodation.
One Bedroom Beachfront Bungalow
The one bedroom room is perfect for only 2 people.
Standard 2 Bedroom Beachfront Bungalow
This is an awesome choice for a relaxing vacation away
Standard Family Beachfront Bungalow
The choice if you are bringing the entire family to get some sun, fun and relaxation.
All priced from: $280 per night ( Link here for booking)
Montes Reef Resort Reviews
Hit up Trip Advisor for all the latest reviews on Montes. They score a 4 out of 5 but we give them a 4.5 out of 5.
Why you may ask?
Because they could do a few things better but this does give me a Solomon, Vanauatu, Thailand island feel to it all.
Resort Pros
- Amazing Cocktails / Craft Beer & overall drink selection
- Food is tasty & good quality
- Views are some of the best in the world – Looing to the west! Sunsets over water
- Tide does’nt go out to far, always a feeling of high tide
- Clear blue ocean & wind protected
- Easy to get to magical island just off shore consisting of tasty oysters and decent fishing spots
- Great lawns with shady trees throughout
- Compfy beds & adequate services in units
- Great for kids – safe swimming, no rocks in front of resort
- FREE kayaks, googles, tennis rackets etc
Resort Cons
- Old deteriorating tennis court needs repair
- FREE sporting equipment needs replacing
- Bar area needs a little work – hot in afternoon, music to loud
- Rooms are inconsistant, some are more modern than others so you will get a luck of the draw
- Odd food menu, confusing to read
Montes Reef Resort Things to Do
If you love the ocean, beach and sand then Montes is your place!
You are staying smack bang on the beach and it is one of few beaches that face almost west. It is like taking a vacation in Western Australia but on the east.
Here is a list of things to do when you visit the magical Montes Reef Resort:
- Fishing on the beach or on your boat
- Boating (launch your boat from their man made boat ramp)
- Paddle boarding
- Kayaking
- Swimming & Snorkling (Remember stinger season is from September to May)
- Island exploring (Shag Island is just off the shore)
- Eating & drinking at the bar / resturant (Happy hour is from 4-6pm)
- Relaxing (hammocks are on site)
- Exploring the beach, find shells etc
- Visit nearby Eco-resort for lunch or dinner
- Take a drive to Proserpine / Bowen or Airlie Beach
- Visit Dingo Beach to the south and have a beer at their pub
Montes Reef Resort Experience
My family and I just had a relaxing 4 day stay at Montes Reef Resort in May and it was better that we expected.
Our friends and family have stayed here before and always raved about it, so we thought it was time to check it out.
The location is off the highway a bit and when your almost here the road turns to dirt. You will think to yourself “Am I going the right way?“
Then you arrive and walk in to paradise! It is more beautiful than I expected, calm blue waters, huge mountainous Gloucester Island to your right and small unique Shag Island to your left.
The sand is white and covered by palm trees with a couple of hammocks between a few.
Montes faces almost due west so is protected from the prevailing South Easterly winds that blow frequently up in North Queensland at this time of year.
The Grounds at Montes
The grounds are neatly kept covered in green grass and shaded by trees with a concrete path following the edge of the ocean that accesses all the bungalows.
Montes Bungalows
Bungalows are nice and tidy but not 5 star. They function great for families and have what you need. Living areas are on the beach side, while bedrooms are at the back.
The restaurant and bar is in a great spot overlooking the ocean but can get a bit hot after lunch when the sun starts shining through.
Montes Food & Drink Menu
Montes food menu is interesting, with a mix up of different cuisine. from seafood, steak, and pasta. We found it a bit weird and confusing. The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday only.
Download their menu here!
The food was nice but just odd menu choices.
Happy hour is from 4-6pm most days and they really do have an amazing selection of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. The bar tenders were generous and could make you anything.
Cocktails range from $15-20 dollars and beer from $8-10 dollars.
Montes Facilities
The facilities were good but the tennis court is run down, basketball hoop broken and all the sporting equipment needs replacing but at least they have something and it’s FREE!
Best part of the Montes Reef Resort experience would have to be the beach and views. Mornings are glorious and sunsets amazing. (Western Australia sunsets)
Swimming At Montes
Swimming here was awesome for kids with no rocks out the front and no big deep drop offs. just a nice depth.
We all had boats and stand-up paddle boards so exploring shag island was heaps of fun and fishing is awesome too. The boys all headed out to the reef from here which took around 1.5 hours if the conditions are right.
I would give Montes Reef Resort a 4.5 star rating out of 5.
Conclusion On Montes
Definitely grab your family or significant other and spend a couple of nights at Montes Reef Resort north of Airlie beach and experience North Queensland beauty at it’s finest.
If you liked this article and want more recommendations around Australia check out the below posts:
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- Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp
- Sensational Upper Stony Creek Campground
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- Beautiful Rainbow Beach Queensland Australia!
- Crowdy Bay National Park (NSW Secluded Oasis)