Top ten to do, right here right now Posted by Reef Magazine - 9 October 2013 1.GET SPORTY As a guest staying in Hamilton Islandowned accommodation, you can collect a complimentary catamaran, kayak, windsurfer or paddleboard from the Beach Sports Hut on Catseye Beach, get wet and go for it. After you’ve answered the call of the Coral Sea, take on the 20kms of bushwalking trail that lead to breathtaking lookouts and secret spots across the island. On the Passage Peak or Village Trail walks, a free audio tour (available in various languages) will highlight the flora and fauna that cross your path. 2. SWIM THE REEF Whether you have a few hours, a day or a week, you can explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef at your own speed. The most spectacular way to soak up the big, postcard-perfect picture? Take a once-in-a-lifetime scenic helicopter flight. Taking it slow? You can take a day trip out to the Reefworld viewing platform, where you can snorkel and dive amongst the brilliant, coloured coral formations and marine life - and you can even spend the night. 3. FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Jump on a quick ferry in time for tee-off at the award-winning Hamilton Island Golf Club. Designed by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, the 18- hole championship course throws down a challenge to enthusiasts and weekendhitters, too. But if you aren’t into golf, it’s still worth a visit - with the Golf Club lunch special, you can do a tour to check out the unbelievable scenery followed by a laid back long lunch at the Clubhouse. 4. HOIST SAIL Are you in it for the sport, the buzz or to relax and ride the breeze? Hire a skippered yacht charter, cruise the easy-to-navigate islands, beaches and bays on your own bareboat charter, or enjoy the best of both land and sea with a sail-and-stay package. Budding captains can book lessons or earn internationallyaccredited qualifications with our expert sailing crews. If you’re still looking for a tropical high, just try ‘hanging out’ on the trapeze aboard Adrenalin Rush, the 36-foot Nacra catamaran. 5. WHITEHAVEN AMAZING If you can tear yourself away from the blink-to-believe-it gorgeous expanse of beach, and adventure deeper into Whitsunday Island, the largest in the archipelago, it will be a highlight of your holiday. Walk north, up to the pristine Hill Inlet and track the history of the Indigenous Ngaro people. Stroll south through the native bush to discover spectacular swimming and hidden snorkelling spots. You’ll feel a world away, but in reality it’s just a short skip by helicopter, yacht or motorboat from Hamilton Island. Fancy a picnic and afternoon dip? You can do both, today. 6. JUNIOR THRILLS Fun comes in all shapes and sizes on a Hamilton Island holiday. Sports fans are guaranteed to get a kick out of a few rounds of mini golf or a strike at the seven-lane ninepin bowling centre. Thrill-seekers aged 6-14 can take on the Quads for Kids adventure course in Palm Valley. A game of BumperZ (everything’s fun when you’re bouncing around in a big bubble!) can’t be missed and littlies will find some new friends to hang out with in the Kids Fun Zone play area or the island’s own childcare centre, Clownfish Club. 7. DROP A LINE There’s nothing quite like a fresh catch. Hook up with Renegade Fishing Charters – seasoned and salty fisherman can hire a private or share charter and first-timers can ask a guide where the big fish are biting. The crew will even demonstrate how to clean and prepare your fresh catch for dinner. Visit Hamilton Island Dinghy Hire for your own boat, bait and tackle if you like to cast your line solo. 8. ZONE OUT Hidden in the lush tropical gardens near the Resort Centre, Spa wumurdaylin is a sanctuary – check in to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Intuitive therapists apply natural Waterlily and LI’TYA products to customise body cocoons and scrubs, massage rituals and facial therapies with a healing touch. For a humidity-proof blowdry, wedding upstyle or emergency tan, book into the newly refurbished Island Hair and Beauty, also near the Resort Centre. 9. GO WILD We’ve got slippery lizards, creepy-crawly spiders and slithering snakes, there are kangaroos, birds and even Hamilton Island’s own resident croc – take a guided tour of our Wild Life Hamilton Island, and you can meet and even feed some of Australia’s most unique and amazing animals. Stop for brekkie or lunch at the café after your tour, but make sure you don’t leave without a cuddle from a koala. 10.REV IT UP Done with lazing (well, for now)? Hire some wheels and ride the fire trails and bush tracks on a quad bike or a two-seater ATV to discover the best outlooks and photo opps on the island. Prefer to stay on road? Why not tour the island at your own pace on a golf buggy or burn around the track on a go-kart. About the Author 'REEF Magazine – Hamilton Island & the Great Barrier Reef' is a magazine that showcases all that Hamilton Island has to offer, from events, to an exciting array of activities, attractions and more. You can pick up your complimentary copy of 'REEF Magazine' at any Hamilton Island hotel, and you can also access some of our feature articles right here on The Island Blog.