Can you imagine celebrating Christmas and New Year in a bikini and swimming trucks? Forget about a �White Christmas� and instead head for Hamilton Island on Australia�s magnificent Great Barrier Reef for a �blue Christmas� with blue skies and blue waters. The only spots of white will be the white of the sand on Catseye Beach and the nearby world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

The temperature on Hamilton Island in December/January averages around 30 degrees centigrade (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The atmosphere is festive, yet relaxed. There are no last minute Christmas shopping woes, no traffic delays and no stress on Hamilton Island.

Each of Hamilton Island�s ten restaurants will be celebrating the festive season in their own style and special menus are being offered in some venues (including the traditional Christmas fare). However, it just would not be Christmas lunch in Australia without a selection of fresh seafood � and at Hamilton Island the seafood is just that bit fresher and more abundant.

A sample of what�s on offer at Hamilton Island for Christmas and New Year: CASCADES RESTAURANT � traditional Christmas lunch buffet with tasty roast meats, vegetables, a selection of hot and cold dishes as well as delicious salads and desserts. Cost is A$68.50 (approx. �28) for adults and children under the age of 14 eat for free if their accommodation package includes the �Kid�s Stay Play and Eat for Free� component.

BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT � Christmas lunch at the Beach House (Hamilton Island�s culinary showpiece) features a delicious buffet with fresh seafood and many other gourmet delights. Cost is A$125 for adults (approx. �50) and A$62.50 for children (4-14 years - �25).

TOUCAN TANGO CAF� & BAR � overlooking the pool, the traditional Christmas lunch and dinner menu will offer a choice of roasts as well as a selection of fresh seafood and scrumptious desserts. Cost is A$75 for adults (approx. �30) and children under the age of 14 eat for free if their accommodation package includes the �Kid�s Stay Play and Eat for Free� component. TRAILFINDERS (tel 020 7938 3939) can organise a seven-night Blue Christmas package on Hamilton Island for �1,761 per person. This lead-in price includes accommodation on a room-only basis, return international and internal flights (London � Sydney � Hamilton Island) and taxes.

For further information on Hamilton Island log on to www.hamiltonisland.com.au

-ENDS-

For further media information, or an image of Hamilton Island at Xmas, please contact Jovanka Ristich tel 01628 623003, email: ristichj@aol.com or Emma Salvadori tel 01707 871522, email: esalvadori@espr.uk.com