If getting married right on the waterfront with views of the sparkling sea, yachts bobbing on the water and sights and sounds of the tropics excites you, then Lure – Abell Point Marina is the perfect wedding venue for you. With a fresh and contemporary decor with natural elements of wood, glass and stone you are immersed in a nautical style which echoes the surrounds and the history of the past mariners, right in the heart of Airlie Beach. Make the most of this gorgeous venue with a wedding team to help you bring your wedding day dreams to life, with plenty of Whitsundays magic thrown in to add that extra sparkle. Nolwenn takes us through the story that is Lure – Abell Point Marina.

Please tell us a bit about Lure – Abell Point Marina.

Lure, Abell Point Marina was launched in early 2016 and offers a stunning contemporary water-front reception venue to compliment the vibrant marina village in which it is based, in the heart of Airlie Beach. The style of the venue is a natural nautical theme influenced by the marina setting, boasting world-class ocean views from the expansive Lure balcony.

Image by Brooke Miles Photography

What is it about the Whitsundays that is remarkable and special?

The Whitsundays is Australia’s answer to a tropical paradise. Azure warm tropical waters, pristine beaches, uninhabited tropical islands, the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforest and much more. With average temperatures sitting at around 27 degrees every day in the Whitsundays is a summer holiday waiting to happen. The relaxed, friendly tropical vibe, makes the Whitsundays the ultimate place the stay, play and explore.

Please describe your venue – its ambience and style?

Lure has an earthy vibe. When you are sitting on the expansive balcony, it is hard not to feel connected to the ocean and natural tropical surroundings. The venue itself has a light, airy, fresh feel with a relaxed ambience. The soft earthy tones of the contemporary décor evoke a stylish and refined feel whilst offering the perfect relaxing setting for any Whitsunday wedding.

What are your favourite areas of the venue for a wedding?

The expansive waterfront balcony, which runs the length of the venue is the perfect place to relax with family and friends with a cool drink and enjoy the reception celebrations. As the sun sets over the marina, the Compass dancefloor is the perfect place to kick up your heels and dance the night away with your wedding guests.

 

Image courtesy of Lure – Abell Point Marina

 What areas do you suggest bridal couples take advantage of for their:

– ceremony

For a ceremony, the space on the marina foreshore looking out over the gleaming white yachts and further to the turquoise of the coral sea, simply cannot be matched.

– drinks

The waterfront balcony at Lure provides the perfect location for reception drinks. With unrivalled views of the marina, the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday islands, this is the jewel in the venue crown.

– reception

Whether you choose the Sandglass or Quadrant rooms or the entire venue, the soft earthy tones and light airy atmosphere of the internal venue will provide the most incredible location for the reception. Choose either cocktail or banquet style and relax in the natural Whitsunday atmosphere of this stunning venue.

Image by Lure – Abell Point Marina

Do you have a wedding team to help bridal couples with their wedding details?

My role as venue manager is to ensure the wedding day at Lure runs smoothly and the bride and groom can relax and enjoy their reception. I work closely with the bar, wait and kitchen staff. We are all friendly and happy to help.

What is done in-house for the couple?

We can tailor your wedding reception. Everything you can imagine can become real.

Are you able to suggest wedding vendors for flowers, photography or other? Are there any other services that the bridal couple may use?

We have an incredible network of wedding suppliers in the Whitsundays who work with the team at Lure to ensure every wedding is stunning and carefree for the bride. We have a comprehensive directory of trusted suppliers, who we are happy to share with all our couples, and can highly recommend a supplier for every aspect of the wedding planning.

The beauty of our location at Abell Point Marina is the access to unique and luxury transport options. You can choose to arrive by luxury yacht to your ceremony on the marina foreshore, then whisk off your bridal party after the ceremony for a photoshoot onboard. Alternatively, take full advantage of the private helipads in the marina complex and arrive by helicopter or charter a flight to Whitehaven beach after the ceremony for the ultimate wedding shoot.

Image by Brooke Miles Photography

Do you offer packages at different levels of service?

We offer a range of packages to suit all your wedding needs, from cocktail style to banquet, from small intimate weddings to large extravagant receptions, we can tailor our packages to suit your requirements.

How would you describe the food you serve? Do you use local produce/wines where possible?

Our cuisine is most definitely modern Australian with a tropical inspired twist. We try and source as much of our produce locally, such as ripe Bowen blush tomatoes, locally caught coral trout or Queensland banana prawns. If there is one thing we can do at Lure, it is great food. With experienced in-house chefs and a range of locally sourced produce, our menus are sure to delight.

What is on the menu that you love at the moment?

Being north Queenslanders, we are obsessed by all things seafood!! The grilled coral trout with basil infused olive oil emulsion, duck fat potatoes and kale is definitely one of our favourites or for a seasonal entrée when the local asparagus is in season, prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears with tarragon scented hollandaise sauce is always a favourite as it is light and delicious!

Image courtesy of Lure – Abell Point Marina

Does the menu vary seasonally (as in the southern States,) or is it mainly produce driven?

Our menus are reviewed regularly and influenced by the range of produce available in the Whitsundays. We only use the best quality produce from sustainable sources, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

How is Lure Abell Point Marina best decorated for a wedding? What features should we take advantage of and what are some gorgeous décor ideas you’ve used?

The design of the venue is refined and contemporary with clean lines. Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance (aka Coco Chanel). I personally love orchids and décor items with soft tones such as amber and silver. Fairy lights on the balcony are the ‘’final touch” to create a stunning décor.

Is there accommodation for the couple and wedding guests nearby? Are you able to provide the couple with recommendations?

Airlie Beach has some incredible deluxe and resort style accommodation and the advantage of Lure, is that it is only a short walk to a range of these accommodation options. From luxury hotel, to 5 star apartments, to bed and breakfast and motel options, we have it all and are happy to utilize our connections to put couples in touch with the right supplier to secure a fabulous accommodation deal.

Image by Brooke Miles Photography

As the Whitsundays are seen as a ‘destination’ in terms of a wedding or a holiday for southerners, what would you recommend as far as attractions/activities in the area?

The beauty of choosing the Whitsundays as a destination wedding location is the leisure and relaxation options available here. Combine your wedding with a holiday with your family and friends or whisk off your new life partner for an exclusive luxury island break for two, the Whitsunday world is your oyster.

From sailing trips, to Jetski tours, to scenic seaplane flights over the famous Heart Reef, to lazy days spent on the iconic Whitehaven beach, the Whitsundays has it all. Stay on the mainland and take advantage of the range of dining and leisure activity options, relax at a day spa, swim in natural waterfalls, or head over to the island resorts and relax by the resort pool or dine under the stars in exclusive beach clubs. The Whitsundays is the ultimate tropical destination in Australia.

How would you describe the community in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsunday community is as relaxed and diverse as the experiences you can enjoy here. For every café you visit, every hotel you stay at and every leisure activity, you join in with the locals you meet with, providing you with a welcoming smile, some great chat and if you’re lucky some insider local knowledge into those hidden gem experiences that only the locals know about!

Favourite place to eat?

This is a hard one, as Airlie Beach is becoming a real foodie paradise. For a relaxing cocktail and share platter at sunset you can’t beat Sorrento Bar and Restaurant at Abell Point Marina. For the freshest locally caught seafood try Fish D’vine in the centre of Airlie Beach – chilli mud crab and mojitos are their specialty and well worth a visit.

Image courtesy of Lure – Abell Point Marina

Favourite secret of the Whitsundays most of us don’t know?

As a special treat for your partner to be, take a helicopter flight to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel the pristine waters, enjoy a picnic on a secluded pontoon and feel like you are the only people in the world! A once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.

What do you love about working and living in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays are undoubtedly one of the best spots to live in the world. It is an earthly paradise with iconic wonders such as Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and hidden gems. Lifestyle is great and relaxed. Locals have similar and great stories: while travelling, we had in mind to spend a few days in the region, extended the trip one more week and eventually never left. We are lucky to say, we are not on holidays, we are working in the Whitsundays!

Thank you Nolwenn for sharing the story of Lure. What a gorgeous venue for your wedding – everything you’ve dreamt of and more! To find out more about Lure – Abell Point Marina visit their website.

Headshot by courtesy of Lure – Abell Point Marina