Whitsunday ~ Hamilton Island

> With a landmass of 7.69 million sq km, Australia is the world’s smallest continent, and largest island.

> Australia is the lowest, flattest, most stable continent, with desert comprising 35 per cent of the landmass.

> ‘Terra Australis’ was one of the last discovered landmasses. The west coast was ‘discovered’ by the Dutch, but it was the British who staked their claim in 1770 following the arrival of Captain James Cook on the east coast

> The country was inhabited by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for many thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers in January 1788, following an eight-month journey by sea

> It takes several days and 3026 km to travel by road from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory

> Highway 1, which circumnavigates the Australian continent, is 24,000 km in length. More than a million people travel on some part of this road each day

> Australia is home to the longest section of straight railway track (478 km) and the longest straight section of tarred highway (146.6 km) in the world

The Luxurious Qualia Resort is nestled in the Great Barrier Reef on the Hamilton Island. It is a popular place for many visitors to stay. In addition, the Island is an ideal starting point for those who wish to go island hopping to the surrounding islands such as Daydream, Hayman, Lizard and South Molle. Both local and international travellers often choose to fly by way of Brisbane to Hamilton Island; however, the cheap flights and new direct flight are sure to tempt more individuals to find out just how marvelous the Whitsunday Islands are.

"With just over a million Kiwis visiting Australia each year and 92 per cent returning for more of their favourite holiday destination, ‘My Kind of Place’ goes a long way towards satisfying this appetite for Aussie experiences that are unique, authentic and accessible. Getting well known New Zealanders to share why there is nothing like an Australian holiday will encourage more Kiwis to explore regional Australia and stay a little longer." Andrew McEvoy, Managing Director, Tourism Australia.