Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, named Lizard Island as the winner of the State�s most prestigious travel industry award, the Queensland Tourism Awards� - Chairman�s Award for Excellence.

�This discretionary award has only been presented twice in the history of the Awards and we are obviously delighted,� said P&O Australian Resorts� (POAR) Mark Campbell, General Manager Marketing and Business Development, who accepted the Award from the Premier on 21 July.

�Lizard Island�s achievements in the past 12 months, and the extraordinary industry accolades for the resort, are very rewarding,� commented James Baillie, P&O Australian Resorts� Managing Director.

�To be selected for this most celebrated award is a tremendous acknowledgement of our property,� he said. �It is also a great tribute to the POAR team of dedicated hospitality professionals whose commitment to providing outstanding holiday experiences has given Lizard Island what is now its winning edge.�

Like other properties within POAR�s Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio, Lizard Island offers its guests a high level of service and facilities. Last year�s AUS$15million investment in the property reaffirmed POAR�s commitment to total quality and product integrity.

Amongst it�s many attributes including World Heritage Great Barrier Reef location and exceptional contemporary style, Lizard Island is characterised by its proactive approach to achieving greater levels of guest satisfaction.

�We are delighted that the attention to detail, that has been fundamental to the redesign of the post-modern Lizard, has been recognised by the Chairman�s Award for Excellence,� Campbell said. �Supported by an aggressive marketing strategy, the creation and re-launch of the post-modern Lizard Island has surpassed all expectation. In the last twelve months, Lizard Island has consistently achieved occupancy in excess of 80%, the bulk from international arrivals, and pleasingly, this premium boutique resort has won numerous international awards.�

Mark Campbell, who is to become Managing Director of P&O Australian Resorts in September following the resignation of current Managing Director James Baillie, sites POAR�s total commitment to continual investment and product integrity, unprecedented levels of service, as a major contributor to the resort�s success.

Editor�s Notes: After a AUS$15million six-month refurbishment, (re-opening in late July 2000) the post-modern Lizard is even more spectacular. As Australia�s first boutique Island resort, the post-modern Lizard Island is the epitome of contemporary elegance.

The relaunch of Lizard Island, saw the benchmark in premium resort accommodation raised with Lizard positioning itself as a destination created without compromise on quality, service or guest privacy and comfort.

Accommodation and facilities at Lizard Island are discreet in every aspect, complementing the natural environment and achieving an unprecedented level of style and facility.

Ospreys restaurant, along with other service elements within the resort, has also been redefined in a deluxe contemporary style. New facilities introduced during the refurbishment program included the creation of the Pavilion Spa, a gym and entertainment lounge.

Lizard Island offers 24 private beaches, 40 secluded villas (a maximum of 80 guests) and does not cater for children under 10 years old.

Lizard Island Snapshot: In 1999 Lizard Island was added to the POAR portfolio. The AUS$25million acquisition was a part of the platform on which P&O Australian Resorts� vision for the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio was established. This is a unique collection of boutique resorts world-renowned for offering premium nature-based holiday experiences in some of Australia�s most spectacular locations.

January 2000: Lizard Island closes for six months when the AUS$15million refurbishment program begins and the vision for the post-modern Lizard is launched.

July 2000: The post-modern Lizard Island opens on 22 July and immediately attracts worldwide recognition.

September 2000: Readers of the prestigious USA Travel + Leisure magazine voted Lizard Island as one of the World�s Best destinations. The edition of the USA travel bible which includes the annual reader�s poll (circulation: 1 million plus) saw Lizard qualify as the World�s Best, listing as number 12 in the world.

February 2001: Lizard Island was announced as the Grand Award winner in the 22nd Annual Hideaways of the Year Competition. The 2000 Grand Award was granted by Andrew Harper�s Hideaway Report, the advertising-free USA publication billed as the �Connoisseur�s Guide to Peaceful and Unspoiled Places�. Lizard Island was the only Australian property to win an Award, one of only three properties in the South Pacific Region to be recognised.

P&O Australian Resorts include: Bedarra Island; Brampton Island; Cradle Mountain Lodge; Dunk Island; Heron Island; Lizard Island and Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa. Each property within the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio is a unique window to one of Australia�s World Heritage Listed areas.

Media Contact: (not for publication)

Julia Gauci P&O Australian Resorts (02) 9364 8350 or 0401 713 890 julia.gauci@poresorts.com