2009 - HAMILTON ISLAND









The Whitsundays are a fabulous part of Australia.  Some of the most stunning beaches in the world can be found here like the famous Whitehaven Beach.  Best time to visit is between April and October, otherwise it's the monsoon season.

Seven of us that had attended the big Airlie Beach VT meet decided to hang out on Hamilton Island for a few days.   The best way to do the Whitsundays is to fly into Proserpine and out of Hamilton Island or Visa Versa. 

SHORELINES 14 APARTMENT


This apartment had magnificent views over the Whitsundays from a lovely verandah and a gorgeous infinity pool.

Hubby and I shared the apartment with  Ann & Charlie from Florida, Hansi from Canada, Denny from Sydney and Zig from Darwin. 

When you share accommodation like this it works out much better in price.   We only paid $65 per day each.   That is an excellent deal!














Included was our own golf buggy.   Hamilton Island doesn't have cars.   There is also a free bus that runs around the island regularly.


GOLF BUGGY VIDEO





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SUNSET POINT


Weddings are popular here and cocktails.  
Still had my point and shoot camera but hubby had entered the world of DSLR.



Ann & Hansi ghosts

AND THEN SUNSET
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COCKTAILS IN THE POOL

The pool had a swim up bar that was popular





riorich55 loved the pool


OH_DK enjoys happy hour




More cocktails from a super cute bar man

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CATSEYE BEACH

Most popular beach on Hamilton island and nice to relax with a good book.   We just enjoyed a casual stroll on the shady path around the pool overlooking catseye.





POOL & BEACH VIDEO




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MANTRA RAY MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

This is our favourite restaurant on Hamilton Island.   It's located on the harbour side where the boats come in.    Casual dining, nice view and not too expensive.




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A SURPRISE VISIT

We answered the door one afternoon and who do you think had arrived?
Stephanie and Gerry.  Stephanie is the mother of the original Virtual Tourist co-owner before that dreadful site trip advisor bought vt and then axed it. 

Stephanie and Gerry were regular attendees of our big Downunder meets and we just loved them.  So when they arrived at our apartment, we were sooo excited it was a very quick visit as they had just come over to Hamilton for a day trip.   This was to be the last time we would see Stephanie and Gerry.

It wasn't until 2014 that we had another visit from the VT headquarters.   That is another story.

Just now we were relishing in this wonderful surprise.




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A ROMANTIC SEAPLANE ADVENTURE



Yes this was expensive but well worth every penny.

Hubby and I left the others to their cocktails by the pool and took off on our first seaplane adventure.  Flying over the islands of the Whitsundays in a small seaplane was magical.

Landing on the famous Whitehaven beach with it's long stretch of pure white sand all to ourselves was a memory we won't forget.   Couple that with a Champas, cheese and crackers and fruit brunch, followed by a swim in the warm Whitsunday waters. 

 And I was in pure heaven!! 
😍










VIDEO LANDING ON WHITEHAVEN BEACH



VIDEO WHITEHAVEN BEACH




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Next day, goodbye was sad.
😞

Most were heading back to Sydney.   I was flying to cairns.  hubby and Zig were going back to the mainland to drive up the coast and hike Hinchinbrook Island before picking me up in Cairns and driving home to Zig's place in Darwin across the top end of Australia.



Until next time my good friends 😭😘


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