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Great Barrier Reef
The Lively Resort
Perfectly situated close to the Great Barrier Reef, among the 74 Whitsundays, Hamilton Island combines the natural assets of azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs and fascinating flora and fauna with the facilities of a proper resort, including a choice of restaurants, shops and a huge range of activities. We've included a Fantasea Cruises' fullday trip to the Great Barrier Reef, but there are other approaches to consider, from a scenic flight for a seagull perspective to spending a night on Reefworld, a pontoon moored on the actual reef, which can be reached by boat, helicopter or seaplane. Divers can also explore the Reef in the company of a Padi 5 star operator, with courses available for beginners. Price from £564 per person for four nights at the 5 star Beach Club, including a Fantasea Cruise to the Reef. When to go the best months are April to November.
Lizard Island
The Luxury Experience
Lizard Island is Australia's northernmost resort, located right on the spectacular Reef, fringed with colourful coral gardens and two dozen powdery white beaches. It's also one of its most luxurious. As well as second-to-none comforts, Lizard can arrange sensational diving, including the famous Cod Hole, where you'll come face to face with massive, yet curious potato cod. There are also vibrant coral gardens for snorkellers, with scores of different
species of both coral and fish just moments from the island's beaches. Other treats include gourmet picnics just for two on your own beach, game fishing, bushwalking, sailing, glass bottom boating or sheer indulgence in the resort's spa. Price from £1701 per person for four nights on Lizard, including all meals, drinks and return flights from Cairns.
Day trips from Port Douglas or Palm Cove
If you prefer to base yourself on the mainland, with trips out to the Reef easily arranged (by motor launch or yacht), we would suggest staying in the lively resort of Port Douglas, which has plenty of shops and restaurants as well as its own marina, or the calmer resort of Palm Cove. Price from £395 per person, including four nights at Peninsula Boutique Hotel in Port Douglas B&B, a day trip by Synergy II, a luxury catamaran, to the Reef and return transfers from Cairns. Or four nights, room only, at the Sanctuary Palm Cove costs from £374 per person, also with Reef sailing trip from Palm Cove
Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island
jetty and Cairns transfers.
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