HAYMAN ISLAND
Area: Queensland
Country: Australia


Location:
Just off Queensland coast, in Coral Sea. 12 mls NE of Shute Harbour. 19 mls W of Great Barrier Reef. 728 mls NW of Brisbane, 303 mls SE of Cairns, both with international airports. 20 mls N of Hamilton Island national airport.

Telephone code from UK:
61 7

Website:
http://www.hayman.com.au

Position:
Most northerly of Whitsunday group of islands. Just NW of much larger Hook Island.

Description:
A small continental island (a nearly submerged mountain top), little more than 1 ml across. Apart from the resort area in the S, it is steep _ reaching a height of 820 ft _ and covered in tropical forest (a national park). Originally developed in considerable style in the 1950s by Sir Reginald Ansett, the founder of the now defunct airline of that name, it is nearer the outer reef than most of the Whitsunday Islands. It also has good coral off its S coast, with more at nearby islands. For those who like more land-based exploration, there are several walking tracks around the island.

Suitability:
Upmarket, aimed at the rich and famous, although keen package prices are offered at certain times. Worth a short stay just to see the opulence and get the T-shirt. No day visitors allowed.

Accommodation:
Just 1 resort hotel, which owns whole island.

Shopping:
Hotel has impressive array of designer boutiques as well as offering more normal holiday requirements.

Beach:
Effectively just one, in front of hotel: a beautiful, long, gently curving arc of fairly coarse coral sand. Water is shallow and sea tidal, so it recedes a long way when at ebb.

Entertainments:
Daytime: tennis, squash, archery, basketball, putting green, golf driving range; on water, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, parasailing, inflatable rides, dinghy hire, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and paddle skis; boat drop-offs to other beaches and islands with picnic; bush walks, Nightlife: disco; live music at all restaurants; recently released films.

Eating:
6 restaurants at hotel.

Public-transport:
Transfers are usually by island's own luxury launch (complete with champagne and check-in aboard) from Hamilton Island airport. If fewer than 4 people arriving, float plane may be used.

Local-excursions:
Cruises to Great Barrier Reef or Whitehaven Beach. Game fishing. Safari tours. Scenic pleasure flights.