Six Month Countdown to Hamilton Island Openings

Hamilton Island is on an exciting six month countdown to the opening of their two new world-class experiences scheduled for mid-2009 - the Peter Thomson designed 18 hole Golf Course and the Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

These initiatives continue on from other recent developments on the Island with the opening of the final stage of qualia, Australia’s newest luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, and the extensive refurbishment of the iconic Reef View Hotel.

Hamilton Island Golf Course

The Hamilton Island Golf Course is a 6,083m, par 71 course featuring unparalleled panoramic views of the Whitsunday islands from all 18 holes.

Designer, Peter Thomson AO CBE, is a five times British Open winner with more than 40 years in golf course design. His partner, Ross Perrett is a planner and landscape architect and has designed golf courses for more than 25 years. Working together under the banner of Thomson Perrett, they have established a reputation for high quality golf developments in many countries including Asia, the UK and Australia.

Peter Thomson has already foreshadowed that this will sit alongside the best courses around the world as it has been designed with not only resort guests in mind, but also with a view to challenging the professionals.

The tee complexes have been positioned to take into account the big hitters, as well as club and resort golfers. And the tees that produce shorter distances to the greens have been carefully positioned so that they preserve the challenges of each hole, making them as enjoyable as the long tees to play.

One of the features of the course – and requirements of the environmental planning agents – is the assimilation of the playing area with the native vegetation. The course will provide a stark contrast between the fully manicured greens and fairways, to the hardy and sometimes harsh natural terrain.

Golfers will reach the course by a short five-minute boat ride from Hamilton Island and are expected to come from all over the world once the course opens.

Hamilton Island Yacht Club & Luxury Villas

Hot on the heels of the fourth Sydney to Hobart win for Bob Oatley’s “Wild Oats XI” will be the opening of the new multi-million dollar Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Luxury Villas, developed in partnership with famed yachtsman Iain Murray .

Designed by renowned Australian architect Walter Barda, the Yacht Club features a stunning pre-weathered green copper roof with a distinctively sail like shape.

Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke said the yacht club promises to be the centre of lifestyle and boating and the gateway to the Whitsunday islands and the Great Barrier Reef

The venue will offer state-of-the art facilities for corporate events and weddings, as well as a contemporary restaurant, alfresco bar and casual dining precinct open to the public – all over three levels. Private dining rooms and a wellness facility, including a 25 metre indoor heated pool, will also be available to members.

“Whether it’s for recreation, socialising, relaxing or executive business, the Hamilton Island Yacht Club is destined to become a signature Australian location,” Bourke said.

As part of the complex, a luxury 35 villa resort is being built adjacent to the Hamilton Island Marina . Using natural timbers and sweeping lines, Barda\'s vision for the villas is to capture an informal ambience and beauty that makes the most of the unique setting as they elegantly drape around the Dent Passage waterfront.

In preparation for the openings, General Manager, Michael Saville has been appointed to oversee both the experiences.

Highly credentialed in the hospitality industry, Michael has worked most recently as General Manager of the Q1Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast. Prior to that, Michael has worked with many of the well regarded brands including Peppers, Sebel and Intercontinental. Particularly relevant to the opening of the Golf Course is his experience as General Manager of the Heritage Golf and Country Club in the Yarra Valley, Victoria and the adjacent Sebel Lodge.


Other points of interest

qualia, Australia’s newest world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, was completed in August 2008 and features 60 pavilions, a gym on the water’s edge, two pools, a stunning library, the six room Spa qualia, a helipad and boutique. A new Executive Chef, Jane-Therese Mulry has recently been appointed to manage the resort’s two stunning restaurants, Pebble Beach and the elegant Long Pavilion

Hamilton Island’s iconic Reef View Hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment and now includes a new 35m pool, new restaurant, bar and reception area and upgrades to all rooms and suites.

New activities are constantly evolving with the latest offerings including Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tours and Hamilton Island Jet Ski Tours.