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12 reasons to visit Hamilton Island in 2010

7th January 2010 Print
Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island offers many different, compelling reasons to be included in an Australian itinerary, no matter what the time of year.

The next 12 months are particularly suited to the following activities:

JANUARY - Since Captain Cook charted Australia’s coastline in the 1700’s, the Whitsunday Islands have been recognised as one of the best sailing playgrounds in the world. Sunsail’s Sailing Academy on Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accredited marine qualifications for yachts, catamarans and motorboats, with tuition for beginners and experienced sailors alike. In addition, visitors can now set sail from the new landmark Hamilton Island Yacht Club, developed in partnership with famed yachtsman Iain Murray and designed by renowned Australian architect Walter Barda - sunsail.co.uk

FEBRUARY – More than 250 weddings take place on Hamilton Island each year and there is no more romantic month than February to take vows. The island’s chapel is non-denominational so couples from all faiths are welcome. Weddings can also be held anywhere - in tropical gardens, on the beach, underwater! freedomaustralia.co.uk

MARCH- Enjoy the ultimate food and wine weekend - The Great Barrier Feast featuring renowned Australian chef, Tetsuya Wakuda, takes place from 12th – 14th March. Beachside cooking master classes are just some of the highlights of this prestigious food and wine festival - kuoni.co.uk

APRIL – Visitors have over 85 activities to choose from including go-karting, bushwalking, scuba diving, parasailing, squash, tennis, fishing, sailing, kayaking, target sports and windsurfing, not to mention the opportunity to play golf on Australia’s only 18-hole championship course situated on its own island and designed by champion golfer and five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson - qantasholidays.co.uk

MAY - Scuba diving is one of the world’s fastest growing sports with the Whitsunday Islands providing one of the best locations for divers of all levels of ability. Hamilton Island offers one to five-night diving trips to the Great Barrier Reef. With the PADI Professional 5 Star Training Instructor Development Centre located at H20 Sportz, guests can complete a number of different diving courses from 4 days to 2 weeks - scottdunn.com

JUNE - The Australian Ballet returns for a third time to give an intimate outdoor performance at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ will be staged from 11th – 13th June - bridgeandwickers.co.uk

The island also plays host to the annual Pure Blonde Hamilton Island Outrigger Cup from 24th – 27th June, one of the world’s largest canoe regattas and one with the richest prize purse attracting crews from Hawaii, California, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Guam, Tahiti and Australia - bridgeandwickers.co.uk

JULY - This is an ideal time for family travel - Australia’s winter is mild and comfortable for younger members of the family. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling safaris and a trip to see the island’s koalas, emus, possums and wombats make holidays for children both educational and fun. Accommodation and meals in selected restaurants are free for children up to the age of 15, whilst the Clownfish Club offers complimentary activities for children up to 14 years - tailor-made.co.uk

AUGUST – This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious off-shore yachting events - Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 20th – 28th August with the brand new state-of-the-art Hamilton Island Yacht Club taking centre stage, providing a hub for spectators and participants alike - carrier.co.uk

SEPTEMBER - is whale watching season when visitors can see baby humpbacks that have been born in the warm waters of the Whitsundays, travelling past the coast in pod sizes of between eight and ten whales. Whales, which can vary in length from five to 18 metres, can also been seen in their migrating season (June to September) from Hamilton Island itself - austravel.com

OCTOBER – Learn a new skill. Painting, Photography and Cooking classes are regularly held on Hamilton Island with a resident artist conducting specially designed “Artist Retreat” courses focusing on land and seascapes, portraits and still-life using pastels, acrylics and watercolours; a series of year round five-day photography courses whose studio and field classes include sessions on digital photography, marketing, lighting and aerial photography; and various classes and chef’s table evenings taking place - baileyrobinson.com

NOVEMBER - Forget ‘I’m a Celebrity’, the best way to test your metal down under is by taking part in the Hamilton Island Triathlon, 28th November – 4th December. Comprising of three events over eight days this event includes a five-day workshop with some of the world’s top triathlon facilitators and The Whitehaven Beach 2km and 750m Ocean Swim, before culminating in the Tri Hamilton Island Triathlon - travelmood.com

DECEMBER - Game fishing is a particularly popular Whitsunday activity as the region is rich in billfish, sailfish and the legendary marlin. Deep sea fishing charters are available, whilst reef fishing for coral trout, sweetlip, red emperor and queenfish is also possible - elegantresorts.co.uk

Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands and at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna.

Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, bars, pools and shops, not to mention over 40 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities.
 

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Hamilton Island