12 reasons to visit Hamilton Island in 2011
From prestigious events to world-class cultural encounters and fabulous natural attractions, here are 12 compelling reasons to include Hamilton Island (hamiltonisland.com.au) in an Australian itinerary in 2011.
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. Why not start the New Year by learning a new skill? 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. After offshore action, wind down at the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
FEBRUARY - Whether you plan to pop the question or tie the knot, there is no more romantic month than February on Hamilton Island. From a seaplane 'Love Flight' over magnificent Heart Reef to an underwater ceremony or a pontoon wedding, Hamilton Island has it covered. Hamilton Island Weddings also have the only permit in Australia to conduct ceremonies on Whitehaven Beach, in the middle of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
For guests staying at qualia on Valentine's Day itself they will be treated to an indulgent sensory experience with a special five-course gourmet menu and a chocolate turndown made exclusively by world-class pastry chef Oriol Balaguer.
MARCH - Indulge in some pampering for body and soul this month at Hamilton Island's fabulous spas. Whether you want to unwind at the new Spa wumurdaylin ("woo-mer-day-lin"), the Island's first full service day spa, or revel in total pampering at the luxury Spa qualia you're ensured of an authentic Australian wellbeing nirvana.
APRIL - The perfect month to check in to the Fantasea Reefworld pontoon in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, which by night transforms itself into a private floating hotel. Following a night on Hamilton Island, guests cruise out to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef where a range of activities, including semi-submersible tours and the underwater viewing chamber, allows them to explore the reef from both in and out of the water.
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.
JUNE - The island plays host to the annual Hamilton Island Cup from 16th - 19th June, Australia's largest outrigger event and one of the world's largest canoe regattas. The Cup features more than 100 sprint and medium-distance races, plus demanding 16-kilometre marathons. The main event is the 42-kilometre marathon Hamilton Cup, an impressive sight for spectators as the canoes circle Hamilton Island and race through the Whitsundays.
JULY - The Australian Ballet returns for a fourth time to give an intimate outdoor performance at Hamilton Island's luxury resort, qualia. 'Pas de Deux in Paradise' will be staged from 1st - 3rd July.
Also this month, enjoy the ultimate food and wine event against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays. The Great Barrier Feast kicks off with guest chef Frank Camorra from Melbourne's renowned restaurant, MoVida, serving up seriously good Spanish creations at the Great Barrier Feast weekend from 22nd - 24th July.
AUGUST - This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts Australia's largest and most prestigious off-shore yachting event - Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 19th - 28th August. From serious offshore racing and fabulous super-yachts to onshore glitz, glamour and gourmet fare, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week offers guests the opportunity to experience the best the Whitsundays has to offer.
This is also 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.
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.
OCTOBER - 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.
NOVEMBER - Visitors have over 60 activities to choose from including go-karting, bushwalking, scuba diving, parasailing, squash, tennis, fishing, sailing, kayaking, target sports and windsurfing, not to mention the new nine-pin indoor Kegel bowling alley.
The second Great Barrier Feast weekend takes place this month with kitchen garden guru, Dan Hunter from the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld in the Southern Grampians, from 11th - 14th November.
DECEMBER - Time for a round of golf on Australia's only 18-hole championship golf course situated on its own island. The 6,120 metre, par 71, 18-hole championship course is located on Dent Island, a five minute boat ride from Hamilton Island. Created by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, the course is gaining a reputation as one of the world's top courses not least because of the stunning Whitsunday views from each hole.
The crowning glory of the course is the Chris Beckingham-designed clubhouse, ideally perched to take in the fantastic views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea. The clubhouse offers an idyllic spot for non-golfing partners to relax over a laid-back lunch or for golfers to take stock of the day's game over a cold beer.
For more information, visit: hamiltonisland.com.au
