Sitting pretty on The Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island beckons one and all to sample its many delights and to revel in its afterglow, says Ivor Vaz

Even dreamed of taking a trip to The Great Barrier Reef and lounging on one of its many islands? Well, if you may, let us handpick one of the very best for you. Welcome to Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island in the dazzling Whitsunday Range, located just off Queensland’s coast. With a wide range of activities, restaurants, pools, shops & boutiques, it’s easily Australia’s favourite island holiday destination. Hamilton offers an experience like no other: glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines.

Why is it so exotic?

Stretching through the sapphire blue waters of the Queensland coastline for over 2,000 kilometres, The Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive coral reef system in the world.

qualia - The Ultimate Hideaway

If you’re looking to pamper yourself to the limits on The Great Barrier Reef, then qualia is the place for you. A six-star luxury resort of world-class standards, it has everything to relax your mind and spoil your senses.

Located on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, qualia offers you an indulgent choice of 60 individual pavilions, all boasting stunning postcard views either of the Whitsundays or the lush tropical surrounds. The top-end pavilions feature plunge pools!

Take a dip in one of two serene pools, read a book in the library or have a cocktail by the bar. You could visit qualia’s spa, which offers the ultimate in anti-stress, anti-ageing, detoxifying and cleansing treatments. It also features a Swiss shower, Roman baths and a steam room, along with a yoga and meditation pavilion.

Alternately, you could experience the raw luxury and privacy of the Beach House; its generous space, private lap pool and secluded location make this retreat the ultimate hideaway. So if you’re truly after an indulgent experience in a place of natural beauty, look no further than qualia.

Where’s the action?

Well, that depends on how many days have you got – because action, there’s plenty of.  There are daily tours to The Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach. You can also charter a boat and go hopping on the nearby islands. You could go snorkelling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, twilight sailing, game fishing, cuddling a koala, bushwalking, relaxing by the pool, sunbathing and waterskiing. With over 40 different activities you can do everything, including nothing at all.

How do I get there?

There are daily direct flights to Hamilton Island from Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. With the island having its own airport, most people choose to fly straight here. There is a fully licensed travel agency dedicated to booking flights as well as accommodation. You can also fly to the mainland then catch a bus and a ferry – or even sail here yourself and stop for a few days in the 180 berth marina.