Master eight new skills on a visit to Hamilton Island

For many travellers, holidays are undertaken as an educational experience, and for people of this mindset, Australia’s Hamilton Island, a beautiful year round holiday destination, is the perfect choice.

Located in the heart of the Whitsundays, a group of 74 essentially untouched tropical islands in the Coral Sea between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the largest of the inhabited islands. Easily reached by a range of direct Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas Link flights from Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne and Brisbane, on arrival travellers can learn a host of new skills.

Eight new skills to learn include:

1. SCUBA DIVING - with the PADI Professional 5 Star Training Instructor Development Centre located at “H20 Sportz”, guests can complete a number of different diving courses ranging from four days to two weeks. Water temperatures vary from 21-28C, offering warm, comfortable diving around fringing coral reefs with a diverse variety of coral communities providing spectacular diving conditions.

2. SAILING - ”Sunsail Charters”, based on Hamilton Island, offers a variety of courses through its Marine Academy including an introduction to sailing, competent crew and inshore skipper certificates. Other qualifications include sea-radio operator.

3. DEEP SEA GAME FISHING - “Renegade” operates deep-sea game fishing charters with tuition and equipment. This popular local sport offers billfish, sailfish and marlin among the available catches. Alternatively there is reef fishing for coral trout, sweetlip, red emperor and queenfish.

4. WINDSURFING and

5. CATAMARAN SAILING – “Beach Sports” offers comprehensive one hour courses for both activities, with lessons suitable for novices and expert sailors alike.

6. PAINTING - Hamilton Island’s resident artist conducts specially designed “Artist Retreat” courses focusing on land and seascapes, portraits and still-life using pastels, acrylics and water colours.

7. PHOTOGRAPHY - there are a series of year round five-day photography courses whose studio and field classes include sessions on digital photography, marketing, lighting and aerial photography.

8. COOKING - various classes and chef’s table evenings take place throughout the year including the annual “Great Barrier Feast” weekend.

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 or by foot.

With an average temperature of 27.4 degrees centigrade (81.3 degrees Fahrenheit), Hamilton Island appeals to travellers of all ages, interests and budgets. The island's location and extensive range of facilities appeals to families, the young at heart, mariners, romantics, honeymooners and adventure travellers.

The island has a choice of 20 shops and boutiques and ten restaurants, six bars and a nightclub. Accommodation options range from five-star to budget and include hotels and self-catering options.

Freedom Australia (freedomaustralia.co.uk) can arrange a holiday to Australia which includes Hamilton Island. A sample two week holiday costs from £2,050 per person based on two sharing and includes international and domestic flights, 5-nights at Hamilton Island at the Palm Terrace in a double bungalow room and nine-nights in Sydney staying at the Maestri Towers with breakfast at both included.