Hamilton Island Welcomes Direct Virgin Australia Services From Melbourne 19 June 2013 Hamilton Island welcomes the launch of direct Virgin Australia services from Melbourne, on sale today. Placing the beauty of Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef in convenient reach for more travellers, Hamilton Island expects this increased flight capacity will lead to Melbourne overtaking Brisbane to become the Island’s second largest market. Phillipa Harrison, Hamilton Island’s General Manager Sales, said: ‘Hamilton Island relies heavily on our airline partners, so we are thrilled that Virgin Australia has chosen to expand its offering and will be servicing Hamilton Island and the surrounding Whitsunday region direct from Melbourne. ‘The timing also couldn’t be better, with the flights commencing on August 15th 2013, just ahead of the start of the 30th celebration of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week on August 17th.’ Enhancing Hamilton Island’s world-class offering as a regular host to high-profile celebrities and special events, the Melbourne to Hamilton Island service will include Business Class seats for the first time on the route since 2004. Virgin Australia will operate its Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route, which feature luxury leather seating in both Business and Economy Class, and a Business Class menu designed by acclaimed chef Luke Mangan. From 15 August 2013 flights will depart Melbourne at 8:30am on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, arriving into Hamilton Island at 11:30am. The return flight departs Hamilton Island at midday on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday arriving into Melbourne at 3:00pm1. During off-peak months (between February and June), a reduced service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Economy fares will start from $185 one-way2, and can be booked directly through Hamilton Island, or by contacting Virgin Australia. To find out more about a Hamilton Island holiday, visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au. - ENDS - Notes to editors: Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities. www.hamiltonisland.com.au www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Terms and conditions 1 Schedules are subject to change without notice. Travellers will be able to earn Points when flying on this new route with Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program. To earn and redeem Velocity Points, you must be a Velocity member. Velocity membership and Points earn and redemption are subject to the Member Terms and Conditions, as amended from time to time. Hamilton Island is a partner of the Velocity Frequent Flyer Program. Velocity members can earn 3 Points for every dollar spent on accommodation when booking directly with Hamilton Island Holidays. Eligible Hotels are Palm Bungalows, Reef View Hotel, Beach Club and qualia. For full Terms and Conditions and more information visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au/velocity-terms. Fare price disclaimer 2 Fares quoted refer to Saver Lite Fares. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are correct as at 19 June 2013 and are subject to change. Quoted Fares are one way on the net or $35 more by phone. Change/cancel fees apply. The applicable change or cancel fee will be the fee published on our website on the date you request the change. Name changes and refunds are not permitted. Saver Lite fare does not include baggage. You are unable to pre-purchase baggage online. You are able to purchase baggage at the airport starting from $40 for the first piece. Baggage limits and excess baggage fees may apply. If paying by credit card or debit card a Booking and Service Fee of $7.70 per person per booking is applicable for all flights within Australia. For full terms and conditions, go to www.virginaustralia.com. Media contacts and image library: www.hamiltonisland.com.au/media-centre/ Michelle Crowshaw, Trade Communications Manager e: mcrowshaw@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)417 065 173 Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland and www.facebook.com/qualia Instagram: Connect with us: @hamiltonisland and @qualiaresort, Mention us: #hamiltonisland and #qualia Twitter: @hamiltonisland and @qualia