Enjoy aquatic and aerial fun on Hamilton Island

While Hamilton Island, Australia provides more than enough facilities and activities to keep even the most adventurous holidaymaker busy, it also offers a whole range of tours for those who prefer to stray from dry land. Guests can either take to the skies with Hamilton Island Aviation, or “make like the fish” with a range of aquatic activities.

AQUATIC ADVENTURES

• High-speed sailing on a purpose-built Nacra 36-foot catamaran, the only boat that can take four people on the trapeze.

• Jetryder, ideal for speed junkies, is a boat specially built for the Whitsundays with a massive 420 Horsepower engine, 5.8L turbo charged diesel and 274 Hamilton jet unit.

• Fully crewed gourmet charters are a more sedate way of sailing. Ocean Dynamics offers luxury on both their 47’ Riviera or 60’ Maritimo.

• Hands on sailing, or not, are both options when private cabins are booked on a luxury Sunsail catamaran.

• Pleasure cruising on the MV Ammari is a great way to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands. The ship has a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, sun deck and boutiques, as well as exclusive access to Fantasea Reefworld.

• Fishing for coral trout, red emperor or sweet lip on Renegade’s new luxury game boat, a Sports Fisher 3800 with twin 355 Cummins diesels and $20,000 worth of new SHIMANO fishing tackle and equipment.

AERIAL ADVENTURES

Hamilton Island Aviation offers a wide selection of air tours ranging from 10-minute joy flights to full day excursions. Guests can choose between helicopters and sea planes and combine these with cruising options.

Key packages include a variety of tours to:

• Reefworld on the Great Barrier Reef where snorkeling is available

• Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, respectively two of the world’s most photographed beaches and coral formations

• Reefworld and Whitehaven Beach which includes a private picnic lunch

• Resort day trips to Hayman or Lindeman Islands where golf and tennis are available

Hamilton Island, one of 74 tropical islands in the Coral Sea between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef, is the largest inhabited Whitsunday Island, positioned almost half way between Brisbane and Cairns. Over 70% of Hamilton Island remains in its original natural state, offering unspoilt beaches and pristine nature trails. Cars are prohibited on this 5kms x 3.5kms island, so guests get around in golf buggies.

This beautiful year round destination, with an average temperature of 27.4 degrees centigrade (81.3 degrees Fahrenheit), is of appeal to travellers of all ages, interests and budgets, and is located only two hours from Sydney, three from Melbourne and only one hour from either Brisbane or Cairns. The island is of appeal to families, the young at heart, mariners, romantics, honeymooners and adventure travellers.

Hamilton Island boasts a range of three, four and five star hotel and self catering accommodation options, a choice of 40 activities, 20 shops & boutiques and 10 restaurants all offering a range of culinary experiences.

AUSTRAVEL (austravel.com) can put together a seven-night itinerary to Hamilton Island from £1,195 per person.

Price includes:

• Return international and internal flights from London Heathrow to Hamilton Island (via Sydney) with Qantas
• 7 nights at the 3* Palm Bungalows with breakfast
• Price based on two sharing
• Valid for travel 16th April - 15th June 2008

For further information on Hamilton Island visit: Hamiltonisland.com.au