Best Golf and Island Resorts for Hamilton Island 29 May 2013 Hamilton Island Golf Club and luxury resort qualia won accolades last night at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2013 Travel Awards, presented in Melbourne. Hamilton Island’s multi-award winning qualia resort was named the Expert Panel Awards’ Best Australian Island Resort, whilst Hamilton Island Golf Club took out the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Golf Resort. Sophie Baker, Hamilton Island’s Senior Communications Manager, explains that the awards add to the Island’s array of national and international accolades attained since the Oatley’s bought the Island in 2003. Ms Baker said: ‘Following the purchase of Hamilton Island a decade ago, the Oatley’s incredible vision and subsequent investment of over $350million in new developments, such as the Golf Club and qualia, have led the Island to become the internationally-acclaimed destination it is today.’ Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only 18 hole championship golf course in Australia to occupy its own island. Boasting some of the most spectacular views and settings of any golf course in the world, on debut Hamilton Island Golf Club was ranked #14 in Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses (2011), including ranking #3 in the country for Best Aesthetics. Designed by champion golfer, Peter Thomson of Thomson Perrett, the 6,120 metre, par 71 course sits on neighbouring Dent Island, just a five minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island. Opened in August 2009, Hamilton Island Golf Club was designed not only to test the golfing proficiency of resort guests, but also to challenge the world’s professionals. Luxury resort qualia occupies Hamilton Island's unashamedly beautiful and sun-drenched northern-most tip. A member of Relais & Châteaux, qualia is set amongst native Eucalypts, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and tranquil Coral Sea. The resort's outstanding facilities include two infinity-edged pools, two bars and exclusive restaurants, a private dining room, library, fitness centre and Spa qualia, an award-winning venue unto itself. qualia also hosts several special events for its guests throughout the year, including the popular Australian Ballet ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ and Great Barrier Feast series. For more information visit www.qualia.com.au or www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.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 qualia, Australia's world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island. qualia has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue and green waters of the Whitsundays. Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively to guests of the resort. Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours. qualia is a member of Relais & Châteaux and welcomes guests 16 years and over.www.qualia.com.au 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 Katie Cahill, Regional Communications Manager e: kcahill@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)439 775 656 Instagram: Connect with us: @hamiltonisland and @qualiaresort, Mention us: #hamiltonisland and #qualia Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland and www.facebook.com/qualia Twitter: @hamiltonisland and @qualia Pinterest: Hamilton Island Tencent Weibo: Hamilton Island