July 2003: Lizard Island has scooped three major awards at the prestigious USA Travel+Leisure Magazine�s �World�s Best Awards� held in New York on 24 July.

Lizard Island has been awarded:

� 1st position on the Awards List of �Top 15 Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific Hotels�.

� 9th Place on the �Top 100 World�s Best Hotels� List. � 3rd place on the Awards List for �Top 15 Small Hotels of the World� (hotels with 100 rooms or less).

At the same Awards, Wilson Island was listed as one of fifteen properties to watch for 2004 - a property that Travel+Leisure Editors expect to see on the �World�s Best Lists� next year.

A property new to P&O Australian Resorts Australia�s Natural Treasures collection, Wilson Island was too new to qualify for the �World�s Best Awards� for 2003. However, the Editors of Travel +Leisure Magazine noted that this private Great Barrier Reef hide-away is expected to appear in next year�s �World�s Best Lists�.

On Wilson Island, (introduced late September 2002) a maximum of 12 guests have the opportunity to play castaway, on a National Park island where six designer-inspired tents, up-scale �wash houses� and the communal lounge and dining area �The Longhouse� provide guests with the unique opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended.

�We are honoured to have received these Awards�, said Mark Campbell, Managing Director, P&O Australian Resorts.

�These exciting wins highlight the profound dedication of the Lizard Island team who are committed to providing an exceptional holiday experience for all of our guests, a team that works hard to ensure that every element of the Resort is nothing short of outstanding�.

�Similarly, for our latest venture Wilson Island to be recognised at such a high international level this early in its operational life, is a tribute to the Wilson Island Hosts and the supporting Heron Island team. This Award win points to a positive future for this boutique Great Barrier Reef island.�

At the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, P&O Australian Resorts� Lizard Island represents another successful venture. Since its purchase by P&O Australian Resorts in 1999 and re-launch in 2000, Lizard Island has won numerous accolades in recognition of the premium resort experience it provides.

With only 40 luxurious villas on offer, the intimate setting of Lizard Island is often a vital ingredient that discerning travellers cite as a priority when choosing their holiday destination.

�It is the understated contemporary elegance of the Lizard Island Resort, the Island�s 24 pristine private beaches and beautiful Great Barrier Reef location that make Lizard a unique and indulgent island resort�, Campbell added.

�Similarly, the food on Lizard Island is unrivalled by any other resort. Lizard�s dining experience is highlighted by many guests as one of the Island�s celebrated attractions�. Executive Chef, Mark Long�s daily-changing menu at Ospreys Restaurant � a menu characterised by an innovative fusion of Asia-Pacific and Mediterranean influences � has also been highlighted in the Award wins.

Continuing Lizard Island�s philosophy of success, founded upon continual investment and maintaining product integrity, Lizard Island has embarked on new refurbishment projects to enhance and heighten the experience it offers to guests. Lizard now has a super premium grade of accommodation - The Pavilion - and has expanded its Spa.

�Whilst retaining spectacular views over Sunset Beach and Anchor Bay, many new features have been added to the former Premium Villa 1 - now known as �The Pavilion at Lizard Island�, explained Campbell.

�Additions include an expanded deck with private plunge pool and a daybed area � a hedonistic delight that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy exceptionally beautiful views over the Coral Sea, a view that takes in almost 360 degrees.� Inside, details are also of a superior quality. The sleek interiors lend the Pavilion a subtle sense of elegance, with floor to ceiling glass emphasising captivating views. An expansive living-area including a bar, a spacious sleeping area with a custom-designed �floating� bed and a separate oversized bathroom is part of the new design. Also included is a grown-up�s toy box of entertainments including surround sound system and laptop computer. At Lizard Island�s spa - Azure - four additional treatment rooms allow guests to enjoy an assortment of new treatments as well as the existing range of scrubs, wraps and beauty treatments. A vichy shower, double-massage room and a steam-room have been added extending the range of therapies available and allowing partners or friends to enjoy treatments together.

TRAVEL DETAILS: Lizard Island Accommodates a maximum of 80 guests in Anchor Bay Suites, Sunset Point Villas and The Pavilion, and does not cater for children under 10 years.

Tariffs at Lizard Island start from $740 per person per night twin share, including a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with a change of menu daily.

The Pavilion at Lizard Island is available from $1,450 per person per night twin share, including a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with a change of menu daily.

3-night Lizard Island packages are available in either Anchor Bay Suites or Sunset Point Villas for $2,700 per person twin share and include accommodation, a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with a change of menu daily, and premium bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. Many Island activities are also included.

The Wilson Island Experience is priced at $1,750 per person twin share. The package commences on Thursdays only and includes 2-nights accommodation on Heron Island (Thursday night and the following Monday night) with all meals and selected activities, 3-nights accommodation on Wilson Island with all meals, selected premium Australian wines, beer and soft drinks. Transfers between Heron and Wilson Island are also included. The Wilson Island Experience does not cater for children under 16yrs and is not be available in February when National Parks closes Wilson Island for the seabird nesting season.

For bookings and further information on Lizard Island and Wilson Island, contact P&O Australian Resorts on 1800 737 678 (free call within Australia), via www.poresorts.com or e-mail reservations@poresorts.com All rates are valid until 31st March 2004.

Editor�s Notes - Travel+Leisure Awards 2003:

Top 15 Hotels Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

1.Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, 2.The Westin, Sydney, Australia 3.Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney, Australia 4.Huka Lodge, Taupa, New Zealand 5.Sofitel, Mekbourne, Australia 6.Grand Hyatt, Melbourne, Australia 7.Park Hyatt, Sydney, Australia 8.Hayman, Great Barrier Reef, Australia 9.Sheraton Towers Southgate, Melbourne, Australia 10.The George, Christchurch, NZ 11.Park Hyatt, Melbourne, Australia 12.InterContinental, Sydney, Australia 13.Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, Aus 14.Stamford Plaza, Auckland, NZ 15.Sheraton Mirage Hotel, Port Douglas, Australia Top 10 of Top 100 Hotels of the World

1.The Peninsula, Thailand 2.Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa 3.Four Seasons Hotel, Turkey 4.Halekulani, USA 5.Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Indonesia 6.Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore 7.Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, USA 8.Ritz-Carlton, Singapore 9.Lizard Island, Australia 10.The Oriental, Thailand

Top 15 Small Hotels of the World (100 rooms or less)

1.Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa 2.Four Seasons Hotel, Turkey 3.Lizard Island, Australia 4.Amanpuri, Thailand 5.Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania 6.Regent Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Thailand 7.Boyer Les Crayeres, France 8.MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa 9.The Connaught, London 10.Post Hotel, Canada 11.Wedgewood Hotel, Canada 12.Hotel Bel-Air, USA 13.Le Sirenuse, Italy 14.Domaine des Hauts de Loire, France 15.Little Nell, USA

15 to Watch for 2004

1.Wilson Island, Australia 2.Eichardt�s Private Hotel, New Zealand 3.Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, USA 4.Montage Resort & Spa, USA 5.Hotel Lucia, USA 6.Wyndham Martineau Bay Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico 7.Rock House, The Bahamas 8.Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso, Mexico 9.Hosteria Nacional Isla Victoria, Argentina 10.Lugger Hotel, UK 11.La Reserve, Switzerland 12.Twelve Apostles Hotel, South Africa 13.Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania 14.Four Seasons Hotel, Japan 15.Amansara, Cambodia

Media Contact: (not for publication) Julia Gauci P&O Australian Resorts +61 (0)2 9364 8350 julia.gauci@poresorts.com

A selection of hi-res images (300dpi) is available on the media section of the www.poresorts.com website. Images can be provided on disc if required.