Hamilton Island marina, 2008 |
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Queensland, Australia |
| Archipelago | Whitsunday Islands |
| Total islands | 74 |
| Area | 5 km2 (1.9 sq mi) |
| Country | |
|
Australia
|
|
| State | Queensland |
| LGA | Whitsunday Regional Council |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1347 [1] (as of 2006) |
Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia. Hamilton Island, like most in the Whitsunday group, was formed as sea levels rose creating numerous drowned mountains that are situated close to the east coast of Queensland, Australia. The island is a popular tourist destination and was featured in the successful "Best Job In The World" promotion.
In late August the island plays host to its annual Hamilton Island Race Week yachting festival, in which more than 150 yachts from across Australia and New Zealand gather for a week of races around the islands. 'Whitehaven Day' is when the yachts descend upon Whitehaven beach for a big beach party. However this is only one of many festivals hosted on the island.
At least two major films have been on location at Hamilton Island, Muriel's Wedding and Fool's Gold.
Contents |
The island was purchased in 1975 by Keith Williams and Bryan Bryt, and in 1978 Keith Williams commenced construction of Hamilton Island Harbour and the resort complex shortly after. The resort opened in phases between 1982 and 1984. In 1985, a fire destroyed most of the central portion of the resort complex, which was completely rebuilt by 1986. The current Whitsunday Holiday Apartments opened in 1986 followed by the current Reefview Hotel in 1990. In 1992, the resort was placed in receivership and between 1995 and 2003 it was owned by BT Australia and managed by Holiday Inn for a portion of that time. In 1999, the five-star Beach Club opened. In 2003, the Oatley family acquired the resort and expanded developments to include an expanded Marina precinct, a yacht club and a luxury resort known as qualia which opened in 2007-8.[2]
Unlike most islands off the east coast of Australia, Hamilton Island is used almost exclusively for tourism. However the island is catering for a growing number of residents, both employees of the various businesses on the island and also those people choosing to retire and enjoy the lifestyle. The island is on long term lease from the Commonwealth Government by the Oatley family. The Oatleys own and run Hamilton Island Enterprises which operates the majority of accommodation and businesses on the island.
Hamilton Island Airport is the only airport in the Whitsunday Islands that is big enough to cater for larger commercial aircraft. Hamilton Island is also catered for by several ferry services, which can only carry passengers. Mainland motor vehicles are prohibited on the island with the exception of those for tradespeople and island public transport. Private transport needs are mostly served by a fleet of golf buggies, available to tourists for rent and are included as part of some accommodation packages. A public shuttle bus operates on the island serving major points of interests and accommodation sites.
Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from Hamilton Island, are provided exclusively by Fantasea.
Visitors can catch glimpses of migrating whales as they make their way through the warm waters of the Whitsundays around July-September each year.
In 2009, Tourism Queensland promoted the Great Barrier Reef as a global tourism destination with a website encouraging people worldwide to apply for "The Best Job In The World:", to be a "Caretaker of the Islands" to "house-sit" the islands of the Great Barrier Reef for half a year, based on Hamilton Island.[3][4][5][6]
In 2009 there are two key infrastructure and tourism developments completed for the resort. The Hamilton Island Yacht Club was officially opened by Queesland Premier Anna Bligh during Hamilton Island Race Week[7] and was completed in late 2009,[8] and the Hamilton Island Golf Club is new Championship resort course which opened in August 2009. The 18 hole course on neighbouring Dent Island measures 6,715 yards/6,140 metres and is billed as the only championship island golf course in Australia.[9]
Hamilton island was the holiday location in the 1999 movie Sabrina, Down Under, sequel movie of Sabrina Goes to Rome, both movies extending from the popular TV series Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.
Hamilton Island was the first stop for Oprah Winfrey on her Ultimate Australian Adventure in December 2010. During her stay on Hamilton Island Oprah and 93 of her fans went on an all expenses paid trip from Hamilton Island to the Great Barrier Reef and had a Barbecue reception on Whitehaven Beach hosted by celebrity chef Curtis Stone with entertainment provided by The Ten Tenors.