Hernando’s Hideaway - Hayman Island

I know a dark secluded place

A place where no one knows your face… (Archie Bleyer)

Mention the words “Hernando’s Hideaway” and a smile will come to the faces of any restaurant workers, housemaids and porters as they recall their magical, carefree days as a staff member on Hayman Island. No matter what you were or where you worked, you were always welcome at Hernando’s.

Hernando’s Hideaway was a small beachfront hut. Decked out with fish nets hanging from the rafters, buoys scattered with thick mooring ropes lying about and palm fronds, Hernando’s was purposely built for the staff to go after hours but guests were also welcome.

The building was established in 1961- 62 (the exact year is unknown but it was definitely in operation in 1962). The “hut” was officially opened by Andre Maestracci who wanted to call it “The Wreck” however, the name Hernando’s was chosen by someone of influence in Ansett.

Located at the far end of the bay with beach access which was tidal, the journey to and from Hernando’s could be quite perilous. When the tide was in, one had to walk along the higher goat track; a trek that was scary and eerie enough without the added screeching of curlews in the dead of night. Many stories abound of hairy trips home after a night at Hernando’s. Not long after it opened, one staff member, Jack Jones, fell down the mountain on to the beach in his inebriated state. Jack sustained hardly a scratch. From all accounts, it seemed that only the non-drinkers were the ones to get injured. Then there were reports of those who returned soaking wet but insisting that the tide was out!  And also, the tales of lost souls found in the bushes in the morning light as others made their way to breakfast.

By the light of the moon, night clubbers would make their way along the rocky path to the inner sanctum of Hernando’s, so dimly lit, that it was hard to know who was and was not there. But the bar could be seen from the open door with the ever-busy barman dishing out cheek and drinks and in later years, the occasional pie straight out of the microwave – with soft pastry and the filling the temperature of molten lava (especially to an angry, drunk patron).

The dance music blasted through the speakers making it impossible to talk but friendships were made and romances blossomed. Here, staff could let their hair down and dance and drink the night away. Many did drink the night away and then made their way directly to work the next day.

And no one cares how late it gets

Not at Hernando's Hideaway, ole´

The morning would dawn into another beautiful Whitsunday but Hernando’s didn’t have the same appeal in the day. “It was a night creature. You could hear the booming music as you rounded the last corner. Dark and moody with flashes … lighting spilling out onto the beach … The vibration penetrating my inner core - That’s my memory of this magical place. Unforgettable!” (Robbie Muller - early 1980s)

Hernando’s was also unforgettable for the kids of Hayman. On a weekend or afternoon, they were often seen down on their hands and knees looking for any loose change in the cracks of the floor board or under the big long wooden bar, dropped there by the carefree and careless patrons.

The kids made a small fortune. The staff made lasting memories.

Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “Hayman Island Golden Days till 1985 closing” Facebook page.

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Hernando’s was located on the beach at Hayman Island

Hernando’s music in the early days

Hernando's Hideaway

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