Name:                        Riley Carter

What is your Resort: Qualia Resort & Spa on Hamilton Island

Where is it?               Situated in the heart of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands and at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

What should a traveler do to feel like a local where you are based?

As an island holiday destination, it is easy to feel like a local on Hamilton Island. In fact, there is a local population – about 800people live here permanently.  Just imagine living full time on a beautiful island with the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep!

Here’s what the locals do:  

-       Venture down to the Marina on a Sunday afternoon to chill out on a picnic blanket with fish & chips and enjoy the live tunes of the local ‘Marina Daze’ Band.

-       Enjoy watching the sunset over the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, mingling with locals and travelers with a cocktail in hand at the ‘One Tree Hill’ lookout.

-       For the more adventurous, an early morning walk up to ‘Passage Peak’ is a must, you may even spot one of the friendly local wildlife – Rock Wallabies !

Top three reasons someone should stay at Qualia:

1)     Experience absolute, world-class luxury of Qualia.  Qualia sets a new pinnacle for luxury in Australia with a sun-drenched northern aspect providing the ideal location to appreciate the passing beauty of each day, surrounding you with some of the most stunning and spectacular waters to be found anywhere in the world.

2)     The easy access of Qualia with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney,Melbourne, Brisbane & Cairns.

3)     Wide range of activities – from scenic flights over Great Barrier Reef & Heart Reef to romantic picnics on Whitehaven Beach.  For golfers, the 18 hole Championship Hamilton Island Golf Club designed by Peter Thomson opens in September 2009 .  The island's natural and rugged beauty,together with its mountainous terrain, affords stunning views in all directions across secluded coves and beaches, adjacent passages and island and the mainland beyond. 

How would you describe your relationship with Corinne and Down Under Endeavours?

Corinne is an expert in selling Australia because she is Australian. What’s better than being able to book your vacation with a local? The whole team at Down Under Endeavours is very knowledgeable. In fact,just ask to speak to Candice if you are keen to know more; she experienced Qualia first-hand last year! 

Why do you do what you do?

I’m very passionate about Australia and love promoting beautiful Hamilton Island and the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the Americas.  Travelling in Australia is a happy and fun experience and Qualia on Hamilton Island provides some of the best experiences that Australia has to offer.