In 1848, under the command of Captain Stanley, the HMS Rattlesnake set sail with 180 crewmen to survey the uncharted inner passage of the Great Barrier Reef from Dunk Island north to the strait separating Australia from Papua New Guinea. Upon leaving Fitzroy Island, Captain Stanley established a survey station between Rocky Island and an as yet unnamed island in picturesque Trinity Bay. In particular he noted the islandıs unique double mountain peak appearance and it was duly named Double Island on hydrographic charts as a direct result of Stanleyıs observation. Some 25 years later in 1873 the ship Flying Fish under Captain Dalrymple continued the exploration of the north Queensland coastline that the Rattlesnake had begun. Dalrymple set out from Fitzroy Island, determined to explore the entire Trinity Inlet. He quickly saw the potentially magnificent shipping capabilities of the perfectly land-locked harbour and named the new port Trinity Harbour, now the site of the city of Cairns. Having broken a rib in a sailing mishap, the injured Dalrymple anchored his ship on the western end of Double Island and set up camp on the beautiful white sandy beach, until his rib was healed and the crew could set sail for Snapper Island to the north. The turn of the century saw mining companies on the mainland using Double Island as a staff retreat. Mine employees were carried by horse and buggy to the coast and would then camp on Double Island for rest and relaxation. Since then, ownership of Double Island has changed several times ­ but never before has it been available in its entirety on such an exclusive basis. Double Islandıs natural and unspoiled beauty has a long history of rejuvenating the body and revitalising the mind of the weary and curious amongst its lush tropical setting and sandy beaches. top