Finding a real gem in Whitsunday Islands

Wine, dine and view: Hamilton Island’s Beach House restaurant

Destination update by Teresa Machan

Upgrade turns around Hamilton Island

Finding a real gem in Whitsunday Islands

The 77 Whitsunday Islands, strung out like a chunky emerald necklace in the turquoise Coral Sea, are a Queensland holiday highlight.

The largest inhabited island in the chain, Hamilton Island, has recently undergone a £22 million upgrade to widen its appeal to the international tourist markets.

The addition of a children’s club and ‘kids stay, play, and eat for free’ package have boosted sales in the family holiday market, while the opening of the luxury five-star, couples-only Beach Club means the island now caters to discerning – and high-spending – clients.

A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, 80% of Hamilton remains in its native state, with pristine beaches and miles of untouched tropical bushland for walking.

Ex-Beatle George Harrison liked it so much he built a house there and actor Sam Neil took an introductory diving course on Hamilton while filming Dead Calm. Even Bill Gates has been spotted there sporting swimming trunks.

Described by Hamilton Island director of sales Michelle Harris as a “village of resorts”, visitors can choose from a range of accommodation, including four hotels, two three-star, one four-star and one five-star, plus self-catering villas and apartments.

Harris said: “Hamilton Island offers great choice and variety regardless of budget.”

The upgrade turned the island’s fortunes around from a loss of £715,000 in 1996/97 to a profit of £5.7 million in 1999/2000. The sale of room nights has risen 262% over the last three years. UK room nights alone have risen from 3,000 in 1997/8 to more than 8,000 in 1999/00.

Travel 2’s lead-in price for a three-night package based on a family of four sharing a one-bedroom holiday apartment is £360. A family transfer across from Shute Harbour costs £42.

Five star: the Beach Club