The top 6 Islands in the Great Barrier Reef, part 3

This is the third part, of my" top 6 islands, in the Great Barrier Reef". While I have written about my favorite six islands, there are many more exciting islands well worth a visit, in this World Heritage site.

Escape to the "Great Barrier Reef", it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and you can discover all it has to offer, for yourself. Hamilton Island is the gateway to the Whitsundays, situated on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, it is the largest of the Whitsunday Islands. It also has the distinction of having been developed - almost exclusively - for Tourism.

Hamilton Island combines, all the ingredients, necessary for an unforgettable vacation - azure waters, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, unique flora and fauna, and activities that will take, the average guest, a long period of time to participate in everything. In addition there are deluxe accommodations, fine dining establishments and places for entertinment.

One of the first concerns, when taking a vacation, is where you will stay, this is well covered on Hamilton Island. There are six different styles of accommodations, from budget to premium luxury, to self catering apartments, rental homes for families, or Yacht Club Villas - they can all be found on Hamilton Island.

Visitors can choose from accommodations that have secluded pavilions, private sundecks and infinity plunge pools; or they can opt for a house, which will accommodate a large family or group, and where they will fend for themselves. At the other spectrum there is the waterfront luxury Yacht Club Villas with breathtaking ocean views, a span of three or four levels of space that includes a bathroom with each bedroon, a living/dining room and a gourmet kitchen. The Villas are located near the marina, where there is shopping and dining outlets, and each villa comes with the use of a golf buggy.

There are over 20 restaurants on the Island, from a casual family pizza, to a dinner for two by candlelight, guests can find just the place they wish to eat at and the type of cuisine they want. Families can choose from six participating restaurants, in the "kids stay and eat free program"; or breakfast with the Koalas at the Island's Wildlife Park. Couples have many choices for "Couples only dining", without kids.

There is no lack of "Bars and Entertainment" places - have a beer during the day, or a glass of wine and a round of drinks at the Marina Tavern on the Waterfront; dance to the DJ's at the Boheme Night Club ; or join friends for late evening cocktails at the Verandah Bar and watch the stars light up the night sky.

But it is the activities that are available, that truly define a vacation, "what is there to do" is usually one of the first questions asked about a destination. On Hamilton Island there is so much to do, it will be hard to experience it all.

1. For basics, the popular way to get around the island is on a golf-buggy - a two or four seater with a canopy for shade, for which a drivers license is required. This is important as there are no cars for hire on the island. Another way is on a Quad bike which is fully automatic, easy to ride, and it can go thru the brush terrain. There is also complimentary resort shuttles that operate from 7am to 11pm daily.

2. For the entire family there is the thrill of the "Formula 1 go-kart" action, run on an outdoor track with speeds up to 45 km's per hour. There are individual karts, but kids under eleven have to ride in the Duo Karts, with a parent.

3. 9-pin bowling, a sport that dates back to the 11th century, is here for anyone to experience, this is bowling as you've never known it.

4. Hire a Dingy for the day and explore the deserted sandy coves, drop anchor and spend a few hours fishing, take a picnic basket and enjoy a secluded beach after snorkling the nearby reefs.

5. Indulge in the many watersports available - kayaking, sailing, water-skiing, paddleboarding and windsurfing, or fishtail, spin and twist on a jet-boat in the protected waters around the island. There are also catamarans, multi-sail schooners, yachts, and tall ships, if you don't know how, take lessons at the Whitsunday Sailing School. Certified divers can go on diving trips of a few hours or all day.

6. Above the water there is also something to do - go Parasailing 150 feet above the water and enjoy a birds-eye view of Hamilton and the reefs around.

On land there is just as much to do as in the water - golfers can tee off at the "Hamilton Island Golf Club" on Dent Island. The challenging 71 par course is designed with a series of holes strung along the ridges and across steep valleys. Enjoy beach soccer or beach cricket, they are two of Australia's favorite beach sports. Challenge friends to a game of Squash or Tennis at the Sports Club.

Get close-up and personal with the wildlife - koaalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, and even the resident crocodile, these and many more of Australia's animals and reptiles can be seen at the Wildlife Park on the island. They will even permit guests to "cuddle a koala". Take a bushwalk, on one of the many trails where the wildlife can also be seen, and it is possible to get a glimpse of birds, native to the southern Hemisphere, such as - "Sulphur Crested Cuckatoos and Rainbow Lorikeets".

Hamilton has an airport with daily flights, serviced by the three major domestic Australian Airlines. There is also ferry service from Shute Harbor, on the mainland, that takes about 30 minutes. If arriving by private yacht there are berths located beside the Hamilton Yacht Club.

Due to it's location they weather is usually nice all year long, maybe a little cooler in the winter, than the summer, but still nice for hiking, beach walks, diving actually all outdoor sports.