A world of opportunity on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island, a beautiful year round resort, is found 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.

The largest of the inhabited islands, 5 kms north to south and 3.5 kms east to west, Hamilton Island is easily reached by a range of direct Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas Link flights from Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Hamilton Island offers an extensive range of activities, the top ten are:

1. SCENIC FLIGHT’S either by helicopter or seaplane flight, over the Whitsunday islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
2. SNORKELLING on the Great Barrier Reef or off Hamilton Island’s many beaches and surrounding islands like Chalkies Beach on Whitsunday Island.
3. WALKING ON WHITEHAVEN BEACH, world renowned for its pure silica sands.
4. SAILING on the Banjo Paterson yacht by day or twilight.
5. SEA KAYAKING around the Whitsunday Islands.
6. FISHING, deep sea game and reef fishing, half or full day options available.
7. SCUBA DIVING – there are free introductory lessons as well as dive master courses with H20 Sportz.
8. AQUATIC SPORTS include a JetRyder trip, water skiing, parasailing, tubing, wakeboarding and the newest activity of all, a one-hour guided jetski tour circumnavigating the island.
9. ON ISLAND SPORTS include go-kart racing, a golf driving range, mini-golf and wire flyer.
10. BUSHWALKING, WILDLIFE SPOTTING, WHALEWATCHING, the list goes on………

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.

Hamilton Island is also rapidly growing as a wedding and honeymoon destination with over 500 weddings, blessings and reaffirmations taking place annually, 20% of which are from the UK.

A major international annual event is Audi Hamilton Island Race Week which takes place in August.

AUSTRAVEL (austravel.com) can arrange a holiday to Australia which includes Hamilton Island. A sample two week holiday costs from £1,385 and includes international and domestic flights, 5-nights at Hamilton Island at the four-star Reef View Hotel and 5-nights at the Vibe Hotel Sydney.