Introduction to the Meeting
About Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays in Queensland, Australia. It is positioned approximately 887 kilometres north of Brisbane and 512 kilometres south of Cairns in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.
Hamilton Island, like most in the Whitsunday group, was formed as sea levels rose creating numerous drowned mountains that are situated close to the east coast of Queensland. 70% of the island is national park, striking a balance between extensive holiday facilities and the island’s striking natural beauty. Hamilton Island is more than just a tourist destination. It’s also a thriving community of around 1,000 permanent residents with an interesting history, some incredible contemporary landmarks, and a great sense of environmental responsibility.
With its idyllic island location, variety of accommodation and range of purpose-built conference facilities, Hamilton Island is a perfect destination for the ABSO 51st Meeting in 2017.
Climate
It's winter in July in the Whitsundays. The weather is mild to warm with some rain showers and an average daily temperature around 23°C. The evenings can still be cool.
Conference attire
Smart casual dressing is recommended during the daytime conference sessions. A jacket is recommended as the evenings can be still quite cool.
Travel & Transport
Flying—book early to avoid disappointment
The only Whitsundays Island with its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island Airport services direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, with Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas.
You may contact Hamilton Island Holidays to book your flights.
http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/airport/book-flights#fBoCBvw7H6LBHMK0.97
Ferry
Ferries cruise to Hamilton Island throughout the day from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour on the mainland. Long term parking is available at the Shute Harbour & Port of Airlie terminals, as well as other parking within the precinct.
If you’re travelling to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns, coaches run to Airlie Beach, and arrive at the Port of Airlie transport terminal, right at the Port of Airlie ferry departure point.
Accommodation
Please book your preferred island accommodation via this link below.
Please note that there are many choices for accommodation.
Before you arrive
Hamilton Island Tourist Guide App
A handy pocket-guide to everything there is to see and do during your stay at Australia’s favourite resort destination – Hamilton Island.
This on-island compendium is optimised for guests staying at Hotels owned or operated by Hamilton island Enterprises, but will be a handy tool to any visitor to the island. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/about-the-island/app#AdFudrYMJgqjpgM0.97
Getting around the island
Hamilton Island has a very unique, relaxed and tranquil ambience and despite the lack of cars, it’s also still incredibly easy and fast to get around. Please see the following ways to get around the Island.
On Foot
One of the best ways to explore the island is by walking. With several activities, restaurants and bars conveniently located on the resort side of the island, it’s also easy to wander from your accommodation to some of the island’s key highlights.
Complimentary Bus Service
A complimentary bus service operates every day, from 7.00am – 11.00pm (subject to change) along three selected routes.
To get more information on the shuttle service please click here.
Buggy
If you want to explore the island at your own pace - or if you’re staying at accommodation that’s further away from the action, you may wish to hire a buggy. There are both 2-seater and 4-seater buggies for hire.
Buggies are not necessary as the meeting venue, the Endeavour Room is located adjacent to the Reef View Hotel and transport is provided to all evening events (if applicable). However the buggies are in demand and sometimes difficult to secure if you wait until you arrive on the island. For more information on buggy hire please see the link below -
Meeting Manager
Ms Lara Malcolm
ABSO 51st Meeting Secretariat
c/- The Meeting People Pty Ltd
PO Box 764, Mitcham SA 5062
International Tel: +61 8 8177 2215
Australia Tel: (08) 8177 2215
lara@themeetingpeople.com.au