Nestled amongst Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island encapsulates the best that Australia has to offer – perfect weather, azure waters on pristine beaches, coral reefs, exotic wildlife, fresh food and sumptuous wines as well as the Aussie sporting spirit of adventure at every turn. The Best Job in The World Campaign certainly got people across the globe talking, with more than 34,000 entries and an estimated $US70m worth of publicity worldwide.
Hollywood In Hamilton
Even Oprah Winfrey wanted to get in on the action. During her recent visit Down Under, the megastar flew her lucky audience winners to Hamilton Island for a feast cooked by hunky celebrity chef Curtis Stone. It’s not the first time that the idyllic island has been celebrity-studded. Hit Australian film Muriel’s Wedding filmed the honeymoon there (under the moniker of Hibiscus Island). Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill shot Dead Calm in Whitsunday passage. Hamilton Island’s marina has earned the nickname Hollywood, because of its film connections.
Wet and Wild!
It’s not surprising that Hamilton Island can attract A-listers. With crystal clear waters at the doorstep of the hotels and luxury bungalows lining the shore, the water-sports and activities are there for the taking. From windsurfing to sailing, jet skiing to snorkeling, Hamilton Island has a plethora of wet and wild fun for all ages.
Aye, Aye, Captain!
Imagine chartering a yacht to see the 74 Whitsunday Islands up close and personal. Snorkel off the side of the boat surrounded by tropical fish, luminescent coral and breathtaking sea-life. Hamilton Island offers accredited sailing courses for beginners, competent crew and captains so you can sail off into the sunset safely.
Landlubbers
If you’re more of a landlubber, then Hamilton Island’s world-class golf course, luxury spas, adventure tours or wildlife sightings are for you. The 18-hole golf course is just a five-minute ferry ride away at Dent Island and boasts a beautiful view over the ocean and Hamilton Island. If holiday rejuvenation is your mantra, then there are several spas offering full-body treatments from facials to massage, hair masques to foot rubs and everything in between. For those that can’t sit still and need to get the adrenaline pumping to fully unwind, then hit the go-kart track or quad bike trails through the bush. Or make like Oprah and cuddle a koala. Just watch out for those amorous ones! From July to September, Hamilton Island is a highway for migrating whales, so don’t forget to bring the binoculars.
Hamilton Island’s natural beauty, man-made adventures, rejuvenating views and expanses of pristine waterways make it the perfect tropical adventure. And the best thing is, you don’t even have to leave Australia. Flights to Hamilton Island are available from most Australian capital cities