March 6, 2003: In a week which marks the 5th Anniversary of P&O Australian Resorts, the celebrations have hardly stopped. Prestigious US business magazine Forbes Global singled out Lizard Island as the savvy traveller�s top choice for 2003 � �the epitome of serenity�. The famed Andrew Harpers 21st Annual Hideaway Report saw Lizard Island the only Australian property nominated in both the Top 20 International Resort Hideaways category (number 3) and the Top 20 International Resort Hotels category (number 8) and last night P&O Australian Resorts celebrated five nominations in the Inaugural HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence with Lizard Island taking out the Island Accommodation Award.

�It has certainly been an exciting week,� said Mark Campbell, Managing Director of P&O Australian Resorts. �We�ve celebrated the 5th anniversary of when the small division of P&O Cruises, P&O Resort Holidays, effectively doubled in size overnight and became a company in its own right and some outstanding award wins�.

�In March 1999 we went from having just three resorts - Heron Island, Cradle Mountain Lodge and Silky Oaks Lodge - to becoming Australia�s largest owner operator of premium nature-based holiday experiences.�

�Taking over the former Qantas properties Brampton, Bedarra and Dunk Islands and a year later, Lizard Island, P&O Australian Resorts became an industry leader. The company�s achievements in the past 5 years and the extraordinary industry accolades and international awards the eight resorts that comprise the P&O Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio have since won, has been very rewarding,� commented Campbell.

�There have been some tremendous acknowledgements of our properties and awards which have paid tribute to the team of dedicated hospitality professionals whose commitment to providing outstanding holiday experiences has given the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio its winning edge.�

Media contact: Julia Gauci P&O Australian Resorts (02) 9364 8350