Cathy and I had the fortunate opportunity for a quick visit to Hamilton Island last weekend. We stayed on the seventeenth floor of the Reef view Hotel, with spectacular views over the coral Sea and Whitsunday Island. We went there for long enough as we had some work to do as well as play. On the Saturday we played golf on the new Hamilton island golf course which is located on the adjacent dent island. A short ferry ride takes you across and you are met by a shuttle bus service to the club house.

The Staff had all our equipment and buggies ready and we set off on what became the most memorable rounds of golf I have ever played. The course is superb and the views, nothing short of spectacular. The round took about five hours and I will always remember some of the most spectacular holes. if you get the chance, and you like golf, then don’t hesitate to come and play here. After golf, we inspected the new Hamilton Island yacht Club Villas. These are absolutely spectacular and provide the one thing that Qualia does not, and that is top class Hamilton Island accommodation with the ability to take your kids. The Villas are multi storey and all have magnificent water views. They are located adjacent to the new Hamilton island yacht club.

We had dinner at the yacht Cub restaurant that night which was also fantastic. You must visit Bommies restaurant if you come to stay. We left hammo the next day for Mackay as I had booked a fishing Zcharter with huntress Fishing charters. They run a 36 foot charter service from the Mackay boat harbour. maximum 8 passengers so there is plenty of room. They provided top line equipment as well.

We had a fantastic day and caught an icebox full of prime table fish. At the end of the day we had Coral Trout, Red Emporer, Nannygai and Sweetlip to take home.

It was a quick trip north, but we did have a fantastic time.

Departing daily from several ports throughout the Whitsundays area (including Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Long Island and Airlie Beach), Fantasea Cruises offers a fantastic day tour out to their own floating pontoon, called Reefworld, which is located on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Reefworld

Whilst out on the crystal blue waters of the reef, enjoy unlimited snorkelling time with the colourful fishes, take a tour in one of their semi-submarines and feast on the tantalising buffet lunch and morning & afternoon tea (including bottomless tea and coffee!)!

Travelling with the kids? Why not join them up to ‘Club Seahorse’? With face painting, activity books and game boards just some of the activities offered by the experienced staff at Reefworld, the kids will have a great time while you get some quality time in the water!

Reefworld is definitely a destination that will leave the whole family with priceless memories of the beautiful Whitsundays!!

The Camira

I am not one for fast movement on water. Come to think of it any moment over waters freaks me out. This was not helped by my partner saying that when the sail goes up we all have to run to one side of the boat or it will TIP.. L ……….. After the first sail started to hoist – Bang!!! I was up and running- getting to the other side I realised that I was the only one moving and my partner was bent over in stitches. NOT HAPPY JAN now I will admit, I am a gullible person, but no one has the right to play on it.

After sulking for 30 mins and giving the silent treatment – I forgave him for what he had done. And it was time to explore the boat.

The tarps up front of the catamaran were fantastic to lie on as we sailed. There were plenty of seats for everyone to sit down on also.

Sitting up on the Tarps

The meals were beautiful and plentiful – no one went with an empty stomach. There was Bakery delights for morning tea, from Biscuits, cakes, scones, sandwiches to fruit. Lunch was a BBQ with every meat I could think of. Steak, Sausages, Rissoles, chicken, Fish, Vege patties, pork……… Then there was pasta salad, toss salads, baked Vegetables, Oysters, Muscles, and Prawns. Plus, free wine and beer. This definitely made my trip a lot more relaxing

We made a couple of stops along our voyage. Firstly, a fascinating snorkelling spot. Everyone who wanted to snorkel was equipped with gear and wetsuits. They were taken off the Camira by and Dingy and taken to the spot. Those who didn’t want to snorkel – “me included – I’m a so,” got to stay back and kick about doing whatever you pleased.

The second stop was the stunning Whitehaven Beach. Here everyone must hop off the Camira as the crew then sets up for Lunch.

I was @ Whitehaven

Whitehaven is everything and more. The sand pure white and squeaks between your toes as you walk. The water dazzling shades of blue. We played beach cricket, kicked the football, throw the Frisbee…. And of course went for a swim.

You do have to watch the sun though, you get burnt off 3 different surfaces – the sun rays,the white sand reflecting and the water reflecting. So play it safe with slip, slop, slap.

This is a highly recommended day sailing trip. I had a fantastic time and by the end of the day I had no fear whatsoever.