Article reprinted courtesy of The Australian

PETER Brooks cautions me not to follow the example of another journalist and say he's the image of Tony Benn, the British left-wing politician. ``I don't think I look anything like him'' (he does). Nor must I say he wanders around town talking about nothing but cricket (he concedes there's possibly a grain of truth here).

Bristol-born Brooks left England more than 30 years ago but retains the accent and gentle charm of a well-bred Pom. He started Whitsunday Moorings B&B at Queensland's Airlie Beach after retiring from ``the big smoke'' Sydney -- nearly three years ago

His double-storey property enjoys a dress-circle location overlooking Able Point marina and its cluster of bobbing boats. There are just two apartments, opening on to their own terrace to take advantage of the location. There's even a small pool with inviting hammock alongside. But it's the attention to detail that surprises for such a small operation. He may be a long way from Blighty, but Brooks likes to do things correctly. Breakfast, for example, is served on ``freshly laundered white damask cloth with damask napkins, silver and Wedgwood''.

The food lives up to the tableware: along with cereals, juices and fruit, there's homemade whisky and mandarin jam, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, buck rarebit (like Welsh but with poached eggs on top) and a ramekin dish baked in the oven (this needs a little prior notice -- the electricity supply in Airlie is not all it could be, apparently). It's not only breakfast with a view, it's breakfast with the birds: squawking lorikeets flash by, coal-black butcher birds patrol the fringes ready to devour any unattended food (butter's their favourite) and bald-headed brush turkeys strut by. The meal is served at any time guests desire -- Brooks says his pet hate with B&Bs before starting the business was that breakfast time was invariably set to suit the hosts rather than visitors. The apartments include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, satellite TV, hairdryer, settee, kitchen with microwave and tea and coffee-making facilities. Plus -- hotels could learn from this -- a jug of fresh milk in the fridge.

About 70 percent of guests are from abroad: the three couples who stayed before me were from Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa. Brooks still has fond memories of an American woman who arrived with 10 suitcases -- ``I know, I carried them''. He lives upstairs and there's a hallway dividing the apartments, so privacy's not a problem. I'm presented with a door key in case I'm planning a late night (I'm not). Given the scale of breakfast, it would be interesting to see what sort of operation dinner would entail but it's B&B only. This isn't a problem since there are 40-plus eating establishments in the 500m strip that comprises Airlie Beach's main center.

Probably the best part of a stay is kicking back on the terrace with a sundowner watching the boats return to the marina after another hard day in the Whitsundays. Just don't mention Tony Benn. Barry Oliver traveled courtesy of Queensland Tourism and Whitsunday Moorings B&B. Checklist Whitsunday Moorings B&B, 37 Airlie Crescent, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4802; phone (07) 4946 4692; www.whitsundaymooringsbb.com.au.

Tariff: B&B is $125 per night for a couple; singles, $115. Last night free on a seven-night stay.

Getting there: Proserpine airport is a 35-minute drive; Hamilton Island airport is about 30 minutes by water taxi. Both are served by Qantas.

Checking in: Mainly professional couples and overseas visitors. Stepping out: Airlie Beach center is a 300m walk; trips to the Barrier Reef or sailing the Whitsundays depart from Shute Harbour, 10km away; most operators offer free pick-ups from Airlie.

Brickbats: BYO alcohol (this could be a plus in cost terms); Older visitors might not enjoy the walk up the hill from town.

Bouquets: The view; the breakfasts