Santa Gets a Ho-Ho-Hole in One on Hamilton Island 

Santa was spotted taking a break on Hamilton Island in Australia prior to his busiest time of year, swapping his sleigh for a golf buggy.

Santa chose to spend the break practising his swing on the Hamilton Island Golf Course, Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course situated on its own island. But as Santa will tell you, golf isn’t the only reason to visit Hamilton Island over the Christmas period.

The Summer Festival (www.hamiltonisland.com.au/Events/summer-festival/Pages/summer-festival.aspx), which runs from mid December to mid January, is packed full of festive fun, guaranteed to give Christmas a truly tropical twist. Highlights include:

Over 3,000 Christmas decorations on the island including a reindeer light display
Live entertainment from Hamilton Island’s resident musicians, playing in many of the islands bars, restaurants and poolside locations
A personal appearance from Santa at ‘Carols by Candle-light’ held beneath the starry Whitsunday skies
A wide variety of fun activities for children, from face painting, cookie decorating and beach sports through to kids quad bikes and magic shows
Sparkling New Year’s Eve Party with live band

Accommodation on Hamilton Island over the festive season (22 Dec 2011 – 4 Jan 2012 inclusive) costs from AUD$450 per room per night in a Garden View room at the Reef View Hotel. For bookings, please go to www.hamiltonisland.com.au

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:
Hamilton Island Golf Club features unparalleled panoramic views of the Whitsunday islands from all 18 holes. The 6,083 metre, par 71 course is located on neighbouring Dent Island and was created by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson. After a round players can enjoy the views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea from the Chris Beckingham-designed clubhouse.

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

Image library and media centre: www.hamiltonisland.com.au/medialibrary or www.hamiltonisland.com.au/media-centre/ Please click on the ‘Events’, then ‘Summer Festival’ tab.

Media contacts:
Joanne Wilkinson, mob: +61 (0)416 036 713, jwilkinson@hamiltonisland.com.au
Katie Cahill, mob: +61 (0)439 775 656, kcahill@hamiltonisland.com.au