Hollywood stars make Hamilton Island their home

Released this month and shot on location in Queensland, “Fool’s Gold” provides sweeping views of pristine, white beaches and Australia’s most famous natural wonder – the Great Barrier Reef.

The movie’s stars, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson and Donald Sutherland, plus more than 200 crew were based on Hamilton Island (hamiltonisland.com.au), a year round holiday destination in the heart of the Whitsundays, during shooting.

During this time McConaughey and Hudson were regularly spotted enjoying the magnificent year-round tropical weather and laid-back island atmosphere. True to his reputation, McConaughey was seen shirtless daily, enjoying jogs around the island and regularly driving around Hamilton in a golf buggy. While Hudson, who travelled with her young son Ryder, kept a lower profile, shopping in the island’s small boutiques including “Foot’s Artwork” - a gallery owned by ex-pat American sculptor, Foot Young.

“It is easy to see why Hamilton was such a draw for Hollywood,” said Hamilton Island’s Director of Sales and Marketing Michelle Kenna. “It truly is one of the most beautiful locations in Australia and is the ideal base from which to explore world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

“And now, with the opening of qualia, our luxury five-star resort located in the northernmost point of Hamilton Island, travellers have yet more reason to stay with us and feel like celebrities themselves.”

Trailfinders.com can book a one-week stay on Hamilton Island from £1,369 per person (based on 2 sharing). This price includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, international and internal flights with British Airways and Qantas from Heathrow.

A 5-night/4-star Sydney city break can be added to this itinerary from £199 per person, and/or a 5-night/4-star Cairns city break from £149 per person. Prices are valid for travel in April - June 2008.