The chance to camp out in style and enjoy spectacular Great Barrier Reef adventures will double as of March 2004, with P&O Australian Resorts introducing a second departure for its popular Wilson Island Experience. Launched in September 2002, The Wilson Island Experience is packaged with pre and post accommodation at Heron Island as a complete 5-night escape that offers seclusion in a setting of unrivalled natural beauty.

The package currently operates Thursdays to Monday with a maximum of 12 guests able to enjoy life as a castaway. However, with the 2003 programme completely sold out, the 2004 series which commences in March (after the seasonal bird-nesting closure in February) will allow for two departures each week with a Monday to Friday tour being added to the existing Thursday to Monday itinerary. �The success of Wilson Island has been outstanding�, said Mark Campbell, Managing Director P&O Australian Resorts.

�Wilson has been named as one of the most stylish new resorts in the world in USA Conde Nast Traveler, making the �Hot List for 2003�, and has also appeared on Travel+Leisure Magazine�s Hot List - � The Ones to Watch for 2004� �.

�Wilson has also earned its fair share of admirers locally with the travel industry and of course guests. Demand for The Wilson Island Experience is higher than ever and as such we have decided to introduce a second departure. As of March, two groups of 12 guests will be able to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Wilson Island.�

Travel details: The Wilson Island Experience is priced at $1,750 per person twin share (valid 31 March 2004) and from $1,995 (valid until March 2005).

The Wilson Island Experience does not cater for children under 16 years. The itinerary is not available in February when National Parks closes Wilson Island for the seabird nesting season.

For bookings and further information on The Wilson Island Experience, contact P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 737678 (freecall within Australia) or 61 2 9277 5050. Visit www.poresorts.com or email reservations@poresorts.com

Media Contact: Julia Gauci, P&O Australian Resorts, 61-2-9364-8350, julia.gauci@poresorts.com

Selected images of Wilson Island are available for download from the media section of the www.poresorts.com website. Image discs provided on request. Media release can also be downloaded from the site.

Editor�s Notes:

Wilson Island is a remote coral cay, located 8 nautical miles north of Heron Island (a 40 minute boat ride), Wilson is both part of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by it, its pristine waters host to unimaginable variety of marine life.

A true communion with nature is at the core of the Wilson Island Experience � to live and enjoy life as a beachcomber. Days can be filled snorkelling and exploring the Island, in-season watching turtles and birds nesting along with the birth of hatchlings, or simply lazing in a hammock and enjoying the views. Diving the local reefs is another option with boat charters available.

Six designer-inspired permanent tent sites were established on Wilson Island September 2002. A separate amenities building houses six shower and dressing areas (one designated for each tent) in addition to toilet and vanity areas. Other features include The Longhouse, a spacious open-sided central complex with dining, lounge and bar facilities.

Those that are drawn to the Wilson Island Experience see the pristine nature of the island, its seclusion and the freedom from modern-day living part of its appeal. Wilson Island is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended.

World Heritage Listed Heron Island, located on the Great Barrier Reef, is renowned as a unique natural wonder � a true coral cay. Heron Island is situated, 72 kilometres north-east off the coast from Gladstone, central Queensland, 540 kilometres north of Brisbane, on the Tropic of Capricorn.

Guests travel from Gladstone to Heron Island via launch or helicopter (costs additional). A courtesy coach departs Gladstone Airport each day for transfer to Gladstone Marina and connection with Heron Island catamaran service. (Guests transferring to Wilson Island must be on Heron Island on Thursdays for the first departure and on Monday if traveling on the second departure).

The catamaran transfer to Heron Island is $85 per adult one way. Helicopter transfer from Gladstone Airport to Heron Island is also available - $274 per person one way (valid 31 March 2004)