7/14/2008 at 12:30 PM
Tags: Australia Travel, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland Travel, Active Travel, Photography (all tags)
Although V Australia still hasn't started service from the United States, it's never too early to start planning what to do when you finally arrive Down Under. In fact, you can continue the full Richard Branson experience by using Virgin Blue to fly to Hamilton Island from cities across the nation. The island destination is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsunday Islands off the eastern coast of Queensland.
Visitors can also get there by ferry. Upon arrival there's no need to swing by the car rental counter and decline the damage waiver, since mainland vehicles aren't allowed on the island. Golf carts, or buggies, are going to be your best bet.
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by kjb
1/11/2007 at 4:31 PM
Tags: World's Most Dangerous Airports, Australian Travel, Whitsunday Islands, Airports (all tags)
For the next couple of days we are doing a quick fly-over of the world's most dangerous airports. And by dangerous we mean formidable, adventurous, and fear inspiring. Know a stomach dropping, palm sweat inducing airport we should check out? Send it along.
Dreaming of a holiday on Australia's Whitsundays? Incredibly, the tiny island has been able to build an airport big enough to accommodate jet airliners (mostly Jet Star and Virgin Blue).
Minimum runway length for jets is ~5,000 feet, while HTI clocks in at 5,591 feet, or just a bit over one mile long. Want more? There are hills on both sides of the runway and water at both ends. To line up for the approach, even the most experienced pilots fly straight past the landing strip, then turn back at a fourty-five degree angle.
What is your reward for this harrowing air experience?
Your luggage on arrival is collected by the island taxi/bus service and taken directly to your room in the hotel. Unfortunately you have to carry it to the bus on the return journey and check it in yourself.
S'alright mate. After all, you are spending time in Oz, so it is best you calibrate yourself to the Australian attitude of let-the-chips-fall-where-they-may as soon as you arrive, literally.
YouTube video of takeoff from HTI is after the jump, but it doesn't do the experience justice.
Related Stories:
· World's Most Dangerous Airports [Jaunted]
· World's Most Dangerous Airports [Google Maps]
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by markj
