For couples looking to simultaneously indulge different interests whilst on holiday, Hamilton Island, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offers a variety of choices. For sporty partners (ranging from beginner to advanced) options include sailing, sea kayaking, golf, scuba diving and fishing. For more artistic partners there are cooking, painting and photography classes to choose from.

A sample holiday package is Hamilton Island�s �COUSTEAU & ROUSSEAU� package which allows one partner to scuba dive whilst the other takes painting classes.

BEGINNER�S SCUBA DIVING COURSE (COUSTEAU) - Hamilton Island offers four- and five-day P.A.D.I Openwater Certification Courses which include dive manual (posted prior to arrival on island for preparation), dive tables, log book, equipment rental, boat trips, five pool dives, four ocean dives at Bait Reef, P.A.D.I Openwater Certificate.

PAINTING CLASSES (ROUSSEAU) - four times a year Hamilton Island�s artist in residence, Greg Wardle organises week-long programmes suitable for both beginners and advanced students. These courses consist of five painting classes with personal tuition and the opportunity to paint in the studio, on the beach and at the marina. Topics covered include land and seascapes, portraits and still life. A variety of mediums are also covered - oils, acrylics and watercolours.

Another option is the �HOOK & COOK� package which allows one partner to go fishing whilst the other takes part in a cookery class, perhaps even preparing a partner�s catch of the day.

TAILOR MADE TRAVEL (tel 0845 456 8050) can organise seven-night holidays to Hamilton Island with prices starting form �1,889 per person, twin share, for travel up to 31st March 2005. Price includes five-star accommodation on a b/b basis, international and internal flights.

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

For further media information please contact Jovanka Ristich tel 01628 623003, email: ristichj@aol.com or Emma Salvadori tel 01707 871522, email: esalvadori@espr.uk.com