Hamilton Island - Day 2

First morning waking up early in paradise and we were rewarded with a glorious sunrise.  The World Cup football/soccer was also on, so Michael was up early too.  Stepping onto our balcony I could feel the warmth of the day and hear the gentle lapping of waves on the sand.  I made myself a cup of tea and just sat there taking it all in.  When the football was over, Michael joined me on the balcony and we had to pinch ourselves at how lucky we were to be in such a beautiful place.  Then it was time to have breakfast and get ready for the day because we had our first planned activity booked mid-morning and would need to get a shuttle bus there.

One of the first things we wanted to do on Hamilton Island was take an Offroad Adventure Tour.  The island is 70% national park and the tour would take us through bushland right to the top of the island, as well as some secluded areas and beach coves.  Michael got to drive his own ATV with Henry as his passenger.  While myself, Milly and Buster were passengers of one of the tour guides. 

The views from the top of the island were spectacular and the tour guides were well informed on the history of the island and it's surroundings.  There were plenty of stories on the early (and dodgy) developer, the rich family who currently own the island, and the many celebrities who come to holiday here.  As for the ATVs, they were rough and bumpy to drive in and accessed the fire trails of the island so not to destroy the national park.

After our ATV adventure, we got the shuttle bus to the marina and treated ourselves to some ice creams.  It was a very hot day, so we then went back to the apartment to relax in the air conditioning, before heading out later in the afternoon to a different pool area for a cool off and swim.  The main pool at Hamilton Island is large, has a swim-up bar, and music.  This pool was clearly very popular with the younger crowd and those who like to drink and swim, with a smattering of families thrown into the mix.  There was a DJ and it had a party atmosphere.  We could have been on Love Island.  Plenty of young girls in g-string bikinis.  Plenty enough for a teenage boy to stare at.  Michael grabbed some cocktails and we all splashed around in the pool.  

Later on, Milly and I took the buggy down to the marina to grab some fish and chips for dinner.  There was live music, plenty of people picnicking enjoying the light breeze of the warm evening, and waiting to watch the sunset.  Another glorious day in paradise.