Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has officially opened two new multi-million dollar venues on Hamilton Island.

Now open: Hamilton Island Yacht Club

The opening of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Golf Course coincided with the beginning of the 26th Audi Hamilton Island Race Week and was attended by state dignitaries and some famous faces, ready to enjoy both the on and off-water festivities.

The opening of these two major developments is part of an ongoing commitment by Hamilton Island owners, the Oatley family, who purchased the island in 2003.

Since that time they have invested over $200 million in the destination, including the development of qualia, the 60 pavilion luxury resort, recently awarded Best Resort and Best Hotel of the Year at the 2009 HM Awards.

“It’s no wonder Hamilton Island is a popular tourist destination with such a multitude of activities for visitors to participate in and today we see that list of attractions and experiences expand,” Bligh said.

“Hamilton Island is now not only a popular domestic retreat, it has become increasingly renowned as a desirable holiday destination with international visitors,” she said.

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club, due to open its doors to members in November, was designed by renowned Australian architect Walter Barda alongside famed yachtsman, Iain Murray.

The venue, housed under an iconic starfish-shaped copper roof, promises to be a centre for lifestyle as well as boating, with first-class dining, wellness and pool facilities. 

As part of the complex, a luxury 35 villa residential development is being built adjacent to the marina. Using natural timbers and sweeping lines, Barda’s vision for the villas is to capture an informal ambience and beauty that makes the most of the unique setting of the Dent Passage waterfront.

The Golf Course, designed by the famous Peter Thomson, has been tipped to quickly gain a reputation as one of the best courses in the world. The 6,083m, par 71 course sits on its own island, just a five minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island and has panoramic views of the Whitsundays from all 18 holes.

The opening proves timely for Thomson, a five-time British Open winner, who celebrated his 80th Birthday on August 23.