This is the one and only 'Hamilton Island', Whitsundays, North Queensland, AUSTRALIA

in travel •  7 years ago  (edited)

This is Hamilton Island and her sister Dent Island, in the Whitsundays, North Queensland, Australia.

Welcome to the most gorgeous place in the world!! ..... (okay, I’m a bit biased) but it’s pretty bloody amazing!

Latitude: 20°21'6.06"S
Longitude: 148°56'55.51"E

History:
The islands were all originally mountain ranges formed by volcanic activity, and after our last ice age approximately thirty to fifty thousand years ago the seas rose, leaving only the peaks of the highest mountain tops behind, thus creating the islands that we see today.

Hamilton Island is one of the 74 islands formally named “The Cumberland Group” and referred to these days as the Whitsunday Islands. (Wikipedia is incorrect, as they state there are 70 islands). It is recorded in a doubtful history as being discovered by Dutch navigator Willem Janzsoon in 1605, and then by Captain Cook in 1770, but I’m pretty sure the local aboriginal tribe (who were clearly there first) were the ones who really discovered the islands. They were the Ngaru people. Apparently forcibly taking, slaying and dominating a land occupied by someone else, is discovery!! Who would have known! It seems to be a bully history everywhere you look, although I digress! (HIS- story! )Pfft.

Anyway, I’m not going to go into the semantics, but I'd rather tell you some modern history, of Hamilton Island itself, as in who developed it after the aboriginal people were invaded. Feel free to read some more on the history in the link below.

The history of the Whitsunday Islands

Modern History

Hamilton Island is the most developed and inhabited island in the Whitsundays and is still 70% National Park. Keith Williams and Bryan Bryt purchased the island in 1975 and began developing in 1978. Progress was kicking along with developments being opened in separate stages between 1982 and 1984. Keith’s dream was alive and kicking until one year later in 1985 a fire destroyed most of the developments that made up his newly accomplished complex. This was completely rebuilt and reopened two years later in 1986.


This photograph is taken from Dent Island looking on to Hamilton Island.

Some history on Hamilton Island

The island went into receivership in 1992 and the renowned and self-made Australian winemaker 'Bob Oatley' bought the island in 2003. The story goes, that Bob Oatley cruised past the island on his yacht while Keith was developing it, and he noted what a marvelous place he thought it was. He never dreamed that he would own it some years later on. When he purchased it he continued to develop the island into one of the most impressively self-sufficient resort islands you could ever see. Bob Oatley sadly died only a short time ago, in 2016. He is sadly missed by his family and his staff, who continue to run the island in his absence.


Hamilton Island Airport is the bottom right of the picture.

Hamilton Island is an unbelievable credit to this man, providing employment to a large number of locals and international workers in the Whitsundays area. It boasts incredible self-sufficiency with its elaborate infrastructure. The island is like its own miniature world. They have a water catchment area on the neighbouring “Dent Island”, and a water treatment plant providing all the water for the island, both for drinking and irrigation. They have their own school, kindergarten, medical facility, church, quarry, sewerage plant, bus services, an airport, fire brigade, resident police, world-class marina, and security. The list does go on and on. We all drive electric golf buggies, that are all subject to Australian driving laws, and while the speed limit is only 30km/ph and the buggies are governed, don't be fooled, it is still possible to receive a fine for breaking laws. They have their own postcode, garbage collection and hell, they even have their own wine! They can generate their own power too, via massive generators, although 22km of cable lies across the seabed hooking into to the mainland's supply. When cyclone Debbie hit, the island was without power for 6 hours, whereas the mainland took 3 weeks to restore their power supplies.

So let's start at the top because that's just a good place to start!

Qualia

Qualia is the jewel of Hamilton Island, it is a gated six-star resort on the northern end of Hamilton Island, and it's for societies elite. It has 60 architecturally designed pavilions for the guests, and if your super special we have the Beach House, which I refer to as the rockstar pad ( @suesa you have your own place! ) There are two restaurants, Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach, a Spa that is like no other I have ever seen, with world-class therapists performing decadent treatments for their clients. Some of the experiences you can get there are just mind-blowing. For example, you can bathe in Red wine or chocolate!!! They also have a boutique where everything is 'designer' and grandly luxe.

You may arrive by helicopter! There is a helipad on the grounds for those who need direct entry due to their impressive social standing! Or perhaps a guest may not want to enjoy a short but scenic boat ride to Whitehaven Beach, so you may be choppered over and dropped off for a picnic, or to maybe go to The Great Barrier Reef. It's Qualia, they will endeavor to fill your heart desires. To be six-star, it must also include a PGA approved golf course. They couldn’t fit that on Hamilton Island, so all you do is pop across by boat or helicopter to the sister island, Dent. It's just across the passage to have a round of golf. This island is fringing with the bee's knee's golf balls, and the golfer's always laughing at having left a plethora of golf balls in ‘shark park.’ This place needs to be seen to be believed. I have seen so much of the Whitsundays and I truly believe the views from Dent Island are the best I have ever seen.

They have a six-star clubhouse with restaurant and bar, and chef's and staff to match the six- star panoramic views. So even if you are not into golf, then leave the hubby or the wife on the golf course while you enjoy some culinary delights.

Qualia means:
(PLURAL NOUN) Philosophy (Latin)

“The internal and subjective component of sense perceptions, arising from stimulation of the senses by phenomena.” (the Oxford Living Dictionary

Qualia is renowned for it peace and privacy, and therefore out of respect (and my employment agreement), I cannot take photo’s to show you. So here is a link instead. It will show you what the powers that be want you to see.

Qualia pics through the resort link

An impressive list of very famous guests have stayed here but out of respect, they will remain nameless, just in case, I'm breaking any rules in my employment contract. I don't want to get the sack!!

After a recent cyclone here named TC Debbie in March 2017, I was fortunate enough to stay at Qualia as I worked on the restoration. There was some intense pulling together to restore her to her six-star glory and I am happy to report, she is back better than ever. I am grateful to have been part of the team to restore her! It was beautiful even as a building site! So that was the 'needle in the haystack' bonus of the cyclone for me! When Qualia opened 9 years ago, she was the worlds no. 1 resort. In my opinion, she’s still up there with the best.

So that’s the most exclusive part of the island off the list, now let’s get down to the other amazing facilities on the island!

The major hotels are:

Beach Club - 5 star
Whitsunday Apartments
Palm Bungalows
Reef View

And there is another 143 places for accommodation on the island, both owned by Hamilton Island Enterprises, and privately. So clearly I’m not going to list them all!! It definitely accommodates all walks of life and gives you all a chance to experience the joys of island life.

To the say the Oatley family are big on boating is a massive understatement, and for three years in a row they have narrowly missed out on winning the Sydney to Hobart, a very prestigious yacht race in Australia.

Hamilton Island Audi Race Week

By far and large, the most important event on the Island's calendar is 'Hamilton Island's Audi Race Week'. Even after cyclone Debbie, we achieved the deadlines to ensure the show went on. There is a buzz for months before as we all race around and prepare for what is the grandest operation for this little town. We pull together as a team to put on an event we are very proud of, all playing our part in the big production that is 'Race Week'.

The marina fills with boats that make your jaw hit the floor, the magnificence of these vessels are so grand! Such opulence and decadence! Audi’s are escorting all the special guests, Paspaley Pearls usually do an amazing event in Qualia, no expense is spared. Nothing is left to chance, everything is prepared and polished for the esteemed event. Anyone and everyone in the yatchie world want to be there! It is the event of all events!

Hamilton island events calendar

Sporting events calander

Hamilton Island holidays and events

There is just so much to do, with the Great Barrier reef on our doorstep, Whitehaven beach and the famous Hill inlet just around the corner, local snorkeling destinations, loads of beach activities restaurants and pools. There are bush walks and an animal reserve, and hell, why not take a stroll down the aisle in the church and get married while your here!! We do plenty of I do's!! If that seems a bit extreme rest assured, we have plenty of other things to do.

Things to do on Hamilton Island

The island has approximately 1500 staff, who are captained by the most personable of CEO's, Mr. Glen Burke, an Australian Olympic sailor, and a really great bloke. The staff on the island come from every walk of life bringing a diversity to the island that makes it very rich in culture and ensures you never feel too far from home.

So maybe you will want to visit, or come here and for work, like me. There is every kind of job you could imagine, just as there is in the real world…. But this is just so beautiful, it's tiny but personal, and grand. It is a wonderful lifestyle and I would encourage every one of you to put us on your bucket list. Now is the time to come and see the Great Barrier Reef, it is one of the seven wonders of the world, so bring your kids, your family and friends. Put it on your bucket list.

Drink some Oatley wine, watch them race the big 'Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race', then pack your bags and come and visit us! It's a world-class venue, and definitely worth your time. There are other islands too, and the gorgeous mainland of Airlie Beach. I could go on and on about where I live, but I will save it for another post. First I had to show you where I work. I hope you're feeling a little teased, so much so that I hope I have inspired you to come and have a tropical holiday amongst the wonderful people who make this Island so great. It will be a trip you won't forget! Come and make some memories and fill your camera up. As you can see it is a photographers delight! I still can't stop taking photo's and I pinch myself daily at the fact that this is where I live!

Follow me @steemsausage - all images by me!

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Steemsausage Has Been Locked Out And Is Contacting Account Recovery.

I Have Been Asked By @steemsausage To Post This Memo So No One Feels They Are Being Ignored.

Steemsausage Will Get Back To All Comments If/When Possible.

WOW that felt like the longest wait, I just really want to say a few thank you's to a few people who helped me get on track to recovering my account. Firstly @ambienthex and @inalittlewhile, who have tirelessly researched and helped me communicate while locked out... My god, I went from elation to devestation in 2 hours... your help was just amazing. @geekpowered and @kettleyer my friends who kept my spirits up, you'll never know what that has meant. @zord and @amarbir for your research and support. @firepower @andrarchy @drakos for answering me and reassuring me... you must have quite a job with so many people in your room with desperate problems, thanks for replying and for the efforts you put in. Finally my rockstar @suesa, for always pointing me in the right direction, straight to stolen account recovery! If i have learnt one very important thing it is, not just about your password.... SAVE a copy of all your KEYS twice, and then a hard copy... Without these, you cannot get back in. Thank you to all my friends in steemit.chat your hopes meant the world to me. So now i can reply to my comments on this post, and will endeavour to at lunch time on my break... Hope I haven't left anyone out... THANK YOU !!! Oops ... @apsu, thanks for being the bread that every sausage needs!!

YAY!!!!!! I'm soooo happy for you!!!!! You don't know how much I feel your pain when u said you've been locked out... I'm glad it's over and settled now!

You my friend, are an absolute legend!!

Woohoo. Party time. Lol.

God my voting power is too immense!! Lol

Mine's no better either. Lol.

WOOO HOOOO I am back!! That was the longest wait of my life... you think waiting for your account is the longest time... waiting to see if your account gets recovered, is horrendous! I was sweating like a gypsie with a mortgage!!

Are you real @steemsausage or an evil troll who captured the account? Send me nudes of yourself so we can verify your identity!

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Its me, but this is for your eyes only @apsu !!

Sounds like @steemsausage has a previous private key which might help with the recovery process. I'm sending @steemsausage 50 steem if creating a new account is the only option for them to get back into the system. @steemsausage is a very generous Steem user who has been giving steem out for trivia games in the chat channels. We'll see how it goes. Hoping for the best in recovering the account with the great content.

Haha that sounds like something @steemsausage would do! I wasn't aware of that one. That's awesome of you to back up this post like that. Thanks for alerting me, as I haven't heard anything since last night. :)

@steemsausage clarified via chat just now that the funds for the trivia give away came from @sychochicka or @pharesim. My support is a go either way. @steemsausage is a valuable steem member and don't want to see them take such a loss at a time when their posts were taking off.

Looks indeed amazing. Did they compete again last Sydney - Hobart?

@steef the most certainly did, and it is surrounded by controversy... The Oakley boat called 'Wild Oats' crossed the finish line first, by a very large country mile... but a penalty was not adhered to and they were disqualified... its not the most popular subject at present ^^ !!

Hi, this is a great post @steemsausage, so I'm about to spam you with 2 things.

  1. As one of the editors for @steemitworldmap’s daily #traveldigest, I would love to see this post pop up on http://steemitworldmap.com. If you're interested, simply go to the website, search for your location, click on code (down the bottom) and add a short description. It will then generate the code you need to copy and paste into your post (not the comments) to have it show up on steemit worldmap. Then your post will be on the map! There’s also a FAQ section if you need it.

  2. You appear to be Aussie. We have a pretty strong Team Australia community going here on steemit to support each other. If you'd like to be part of it, then please check out this link for the instructions on how to join https://steemit.com/teamaustralia/@choogirl/team-australia-new-recruits-update-17-01-18-and-our-first-team-australia-celebrity

@choogirl did you see the memo? @steemsausage is trying to restore the account after getting locked out. I'm sure steemsausage will want to participate in @steemitworldmap.

No I didn't know that. Good luck!

I know, huh? What a nightmare.

@steemsausage I am so happy for you that your account was recovered successfully! Yay! 😊

The same as @choogirl, I would love to see this post added to the SteemitWorldMap! If you want to do it, EDIT the post before it pays-out and add this line to the bottom:

!steemitworldmap -20.3545219 lat 148.9462555 long Hamilton Island, Australia D3SCR

I have put the correct latitude & longitude & description in the line for you, so all you have to do it copy/paste it into your post! You did a fabulous job with this, both the text and photos, and I am so glad to see it earn a decent amount of money!

#steemitbloggers

Omg!! I added it to steemit world map, are my lats and longs wrong??? Did the link not go in properly?? Thank you so much for your comments! They mean a lot to me!! Cheers for your support!!

It looks like you fixed this.

Also, are you Aussie? I looked through your blog and I think you might be. If yes, we have a pretty strong Team Australia community going here on steemit to support each other. If you'd like to be part of it, then please check out this link for the instructions on how to join https://steemit.com/teamaustralia/@choogirl/team-australia-new-recruits-update-17-01-18-and-our-first-team-australia-celebrity

Yes I am Australian!! I am part of team Australia!

I just checked and officially you aren't. So let me know if you want in.

You did it correctly! I did not realize you had already added it manually, via the SteemitWorldMap site! Your latitude/longitude are fine, I just converted it to a decimal value instead of degrees/minutes/seconds. Sorry for the confusion! Glad you are on the map! 😊

Ohh thank god for that! Lol! Its all so new, I thought I must have stuffed it up!

Ohh my god steemsausage you can get curied for this meaning up to $100

Only if it’s good enough kettle!! But thank you for your kind words... I lost the post once had to do it again!!

It broke my heart!! Sausage down!

I'm back @kettleyer

Steemit has given us this as a test of our friendship!

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@kettleyer, this looks like a pretty cool outdoorsy food court, maybe I'll come and visit we can have lunch there!

OMG!! This is brilliant. I must be there!

Come to visit anytime, we'll be here!!

Congratulations @steemsausage, this post is the most rewarded post (based on pending payouts) in the last 12 hours written by a User account holder (accounts that hold between 0.1 and 1.0 Mega Vests). The total number of posts by User account holders during this period was 2608 and the total pending payments to posts in this category was $7939.76. To see the full list of highest paid posts across all accounts categories, click here.

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Omg!! I am so chuffed! It’s my first real post, and I was really nervous, even lost all my pictures once! Thank you for the words of encouragement! It means a lot!

Im jealous its Winter in Chicago and cold and snowy I want to go to the island!

oh my gosh, book the tickets and get your freezing butt out of there @adamdonmez

Wow yeah it is beautiful! I definitely see what you mean :) This is a pretty impressive post, nice job pulling this all together. Pretty cool you get to live and work in paradise :)

Much love - Carl

Thank you Carl, it is just such a gorgeous place! There is no luck in being here though! I made it happen!! Packed the car and the dog after I saw it once!! To a North Queensland I went!!

Bravo @steemsausage! This is such an awesome post. So much detail in literary description and your imagery is always top notch. I'm impressed.

Cheers! 😃

Thank you @inalittlewhile, that’s a beautiful comment! It’s very thoughtful of you to say! Glad you popped past to have a look!

yea true

Ohhh thank you very much!!!

A beautiful part of the world, indeed. And I agree, I think the local aboriginal tribe 'discovered' it first. Probably thousands of years ago. It would be good to see our history books updated to reflect that truth, wouldn't it?

Wouldn’t it @naquoya! A little bit of true respect and admission wouldn’t go astray! Thanks for popping past and reading my post! I appreciate it!

Happy to visit, it's a great post. And congrats on the curie vote :)

I am stoked about it!! Thank you! @naquoya

On a scale from 1-10... I am 1000 jealous. That is mind-blowingly beautiful and the 6-star resort sounds downright incredible. GREAT post, AMAZING pics!!

Ohhh what a great comment, thank you so much. Just come and visit! It’s not going anywhere!! It’s a photographers paradise!! Thanks for popping by @artibeus

I would love to visit Hamilton Island. Beautiful photos. Upvoted and followed.

thank you so much, I am one happy sausage! @snooway !!

The Island pictures are really great. I like sea and the sea here is beautiful. Thank you for information about the island

You are welcome @atakan57 i pinch my self all the time! So beautiful and relaxing here!

You did an amazing job on the post! I'm not big on vacations, but I found myself wishing I could bring my friend and his family there.

You did a more amazing job of keeping my spirits up when i got locked out!! Thank you @geekpowered!

amazing photos i love Austalie <3 ^^

Ohhh i love it too! Come and visit again? @fenixdragon

@steemsausage please post more from Australia ... would love to go through
regards: future Australian immigrant

I will be posting heaps about Australia @sid9999 so stay tuned!!

It looks beautiful. I'd love to go there! Australia has just been added in my bucket list :) thanks to this post :)

Come over @homehobbies its awesome! You'll love it ! Thank you for popping by to see my post!

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YES!!!!

1998 as the last time i stayed here. and so much has evolved. More of a cosmetic makeover I suppose. Grand post, inspired me to rethink the post I wrote not so long ago. After reading yours I feel like your in the travel journalist category :)

Ohhhh wow, so it must have been nice to see again! There is so much going on here! Its action stations I tell you! Thank you for that awesome compliment! Its very kind, and you to have inspired me to keep going!! Thanks a million !! @bumagoo

beautifully there
:)

@niemarudz beautiful everywhere!!

Heya, just swinging by to let you know you're being featured in our Daily Travel Digest!

I don't think we could have asked for a more extensive post on those islands, haha!

Wow!! Thank you so much!! That's amazing!!

Whoa! This place is just breath takingly beautiful! If I am ever lucky enough to visit here my phone & camera will be filled with pictures on the first day, the water is just so blue!

It is such a gorgeous destination, I pinch myself a lot! Come and visit!! @calliyork

Wow what an amazing place! You're so lucky you get to work there and wake up to those views everyday!

Rest assured I wake up at 4:40 am, commute for an hour and 1/2 and then I am there! I live on the mainland, but I pinch myself daily, and remind myself how lucky I am! Thanks for stopping by my post @lalilands