From 24 February guests will be able to take to the skies at Brampton Island with Marine Helicopters providing a new helicopter transfer service. Guests will depart Mackay Airport enjoying a 20 minute flight over the blue waters of the Whitsunday. Enroute to Brampton Island, the sweeping vistas of sky, palm-fringed sandy beaches and sparkling blue seas will be some of the scenic highlights to be enjoyed.

Helicopter transfers are priced on a per seat basis, $188 return or $94 one way* with transfers timed to co-ordinated with the majority of daylight flights arriving and departing at Mackay Airport.

In addition to the new helicopter transfers, P&O Australian Resorts will be increasing launch service to the Island. The launch service from Mackay to Brampton Island will operate daily from 18 February 2003. Launch transfers, including coach transfer from Mackay Airport to Mackay Marina and launch to Brampton Island, take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and are $90 per person return $45 one way **

3-night Brampton Island packages including return helicopter transfers from Mackay Airport, accommodation, all meals and most activities are available from $683 per person twin share. Valid 31 March 2003. For bookings and further information contact P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 73 76 78, email reservations@poresorts.com or see your travel agent.

* Helicopter transfers from Mackay Marine Helicopters to Brampton Island depart Mackay Airport daily except Christmas Day

Baggage restrictions apply - 15kg per person including one piece of hand luggage. Soft luggage is preferred. Lockup facilities for excess baggage is available free of charge for Marine Helicopter passengers only.

Travel agents please note Helicopter transfer rates are nett and non-commissionable

* * Seven day launch transfer P&O Australian Resorts� launch service to Brampton Island operates daily except for Christmas Day.

Guests board a courtesy coach at Mackay Airport at 11am and transfer to Mackay Marina where the Brampton Island launch departs at 11.30am. Guests arrive at Brampton Island at 12.45pm. The return trip from Brampton Island departs at 1.15pm and arrives at Mackay airport (via courtesy coach) at 3.00pm.

Getting to Mackay Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Mackay (MKY) daily, with Qantas(QF) and Virgin Blue(DJ).

Media Contact: Julia Gauci (02) 9364 8350 julia.gauci@poresorts.com Hi-res images are available from www.poresorts.com . Image disc provided on request