Move over Tiger Woods and Greg Norman - the world's next golfing super-star might be discovered on Hamilton Island this summer. As part of the island's popular Summer Festival, the new Hamilton Island Golf Club will stage half-day family golf clinics so parents and children can refine their golfing techniques.
"The family that plays together, stays together," jokes Hamilton Island Golf Club's resident golf professional Cherie Alison (nee Byrnes). "It doesn't matter whether you are beginner or polished amateur, we'll cover the technique basics providing skills to improve both long and short games as well as going over golfing etiquette and rules."
Golf clubs will be provided for those who don't have them. Cost is $45 per child and $55 per adult and includes boat transfers, tuition and refreshments.
Other features during Hamilton Island's Summer Festival include an array of free and paid activities for children of all ages. Families with teenagers will love the fish feeding tours, quad bikes, and jet-ski tours as well as more than 60 tours and activities on offer every day.
Those with younger children will delight in free face painting, dance and music classes, cookie decorating, beach sports and magic shows. Even pint-size, adrenalin-junkies can test their mettle on the new kid's quad bike circuit, with miniature quad bikes on a flat safe track providing the littlies with a grown-up thrill.
Summer Festival coincides with the Australian school holidays and starts in mid-December and finishes in mid-January.
Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke said the Festival is all about offering families some top value entertainment options during their annual holiday.
"Christmas and New Year is always a special time on Hamilton Island. The atmosphere is lovely as our small community is dedicated to making the festive time memorable to all of our guests," said Mr Bourke.
Christmas celebrations include Carols by Candlelight held beneath the starry Whitsunday skies and a myriad of Christmas lunch and dinner options ranging from festive buffets through to traditional three course feasts. Santa makes a special appearance resort-side courtesy of the Hamilton Island Fire Brigade, whilst his reindeer graze nightly at a secret location near Reef View Hotel.
Full details and booking forms for all festive functions can be found at www.hamiltonisland.com.au/summer-festival. New Year's Eve, the island will go into party mode - with a street party featuring top Sydney band Martini Club and a midnight fireworks display over the harbour.
Accommodation is available in the Reef View Hotel from $340 per room (for up to four people) including breakfast. For bookings, please go to www.hamiltonisland.com.au
