The Oz Island paradise that keeps on reinventing itself
Photo Getty
We may be a nation of international travellers, but we also love to explore our own backyard, with almost 11 million of us reporting our last holiday was domestic, according to Roy Morgan Research.
And while Whitsunday resorts have come and gone over the years, one perennial favourite just keeps keeping on, with a constant program of refurbishments and renovations keeping it on the wish list of travellers from all over Australia and the world.
Hamilton Island has just enjoyed a record year, with a whopping 93.2 per cent of rooms occupied during the 2015/16 financial year, up 8 to 11 per cent on the previous year depending on the accommodation option.
It might be the most recent $25 million renovation, it might be its location smack bang in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, it might even be its proximity to one of Australia’s most photographed natural wonders, Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach – one of Australia’s most photographed natural wonders
Whatever the reason, visitors are streaming in to enjoy the island’s many accommodation options , which range from romantic hideaways to family-friendly bungalows to full holiday homes perfect for family gatherings or getaways with friends.
There’s really no end of things to do on Hamilton Island. If you could only choose one activity, it would be criminal not to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and if you really want to do it in style, book a helicopter tour which includes touch down at Reefworld for snorkelling and refreshments.
Another option would be to take a catamaran tour of the Reef, complete with lunch, a dip at Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling.
Keen golfers will enjoy the chance to play at Australia’s only 18-hole course on an island while the more energetic might want to hit one of the island’s many bushwalking tracks. With only one third of the island developed there’s plenty of pristine bush to enjoy. For sailors, a visit to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club is a must.
Hamilton Island Yacht Club
Booking a stay direct with Hamilton Island means gaining access to a range of extras, including buffet breakfast, airport and marina transfers, use of catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkelling gear and windsurfers, use of the gym, spa, sauna and tennis courts, the Kids Stay and Eat Free program for those aged 0-12, free wifi and use of the Island shuttle.
If you book direct you’ll get a guaranteed best rate, and your booking will earn Velocity points.
Escaping to Hamilton Island is now easier than ever with their four-night Island Saver Package.
Getting there: Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar fly direct to Hamilton Island from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Alternatively, there are more than a dozen 60-minute ferry services daily from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island, with long-term car parking available at the ferry terminals at Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour.
Check out Virgin’s top flight deals here.