Hamilton Island, Australia

Hamiton is the largest of the 74 Whitsunday islands in northeast Australia.  It was purchased by Robert Oakley, an Aussie winemaker, in 2003 for $200 million.  He then invested over a billion dollars to make this a high-end tourist destination.  The beaches have white sand, the landscape is lush and tropical, and the water is the most spectacular turquoise color.  We spent a few hours swimming and paddle boarding in the Coral Sea, then took a quick tour of the island.  Only a few cars and buses are allowed on the island; everyone else gets around by golf cart.  A beautiful stop on our way to Cairns and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.

A panoramic view of Catseye beach on Hamilton Island; it was 102 degrees

Rick paddle boarding

Bev paddle boarding

Panoramic view from the highest point on the island

Looking down to catseye beach from high on the island