Best things to do on Hamilton Island

Island paradises don’t get any easier to access than Hamilton Island – and whatever your choice of activity, they've got you covered.

David Smiedt

4 min read

September 2, 2021 - 2:18PM

Lifestyle

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Hamilton Island has to be Australia’s most complete – and accessible – island holiday destination.

You’d visit Hamilton Island just for the flight in. Direct flights land from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns. Because Hamilton Island sits in the middle of the 74 islands of Queensland’s Whitsunday islands surrounded by the Coral Sea, landing here – among all that blue - could be a tourist attraction in itself.

As soon as you collect your luggage, take a golf cart (most come with accommodation, or hire one – the island is car-free) to your room, past a marina full of yachts, and bars and restaurants set on white sand beaches.

Island paradises don’t get any easier to access than Hamilton Island – and it’s as suitable for families and budget-conscious travellers as it is for those who like five-stars (Hamilton Island has hosted the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Oprah … who has a koala named after her at the local wildlife park).

Where to stay on Hamilton Island

Check into the ReefView Hotel.

There's quite the selection here so bear with us. The entry level accomm is the Reef View hotel. Being the largest on the island it can offer rates that match its footprint. Rooms start from $460 per night and you get free use of non motorised sports equipment, free internet and there is a Kids Stay and Eat Free package too. A step up are the Palm Bungalows, which are great for couples and start at $423 per night. The Beach Club is the next level and from $950 per night, you score an adults only idyll right on beach with a private infinity pool. Finally, the bougiest of bougie is qualia, where rooms start at $1640 per night.

Best things to do on Hamilton Island

Indulge at the spa

The qualia spa is world-class.

There are two ways to do this. The first is at the qualia spa (pictured) but you have to be a guest of that specific property or by invitation only. #fancy. The Spa wumurdaylin is way more accessible but be warned that you will need to book three to four weeks in advance. Is it worth it? Hard yes from us and who doesn’t love a Deep Release massage ($130/30 mins).

Cuddle the animals

Get up close and personal with the bears.

Did you know that Hamilton Island has its own Wildlife Park? Legit. There are snakes, lizards, kangaroos and koalas - plus guided tours that run daily at 10am and 3pm. There is also a VIP tour which gives a small group 30 minutes premium access and includes a photo package. Prices start at $35 for adults and $25 for children.

Hit the fairway

Neighbouring Dent Island is Hamilton's golf course.

If golf is your thing, there are myriad ways to swing a club on HI. On neighbouring Dent Island, for example, there is a challenging 18-hole championship course. It costs $215 for 18 holes. For something a bit more family friendly, a round at the Hamilton Island Mini Golf Course will set you back $21 for adults and $14 for children.

Cruise the water

Rev it up on a jet ski.

You can take a free catamaran, kayak, SUP, windsurfer and dinghy for a leisurely paddle. Alternatively, a guided jet ski tour ($295) will give you a whole new perspective of the island. There are also Jetryder Jetboat Tours ($80) and bunch of luxury charters to take you fishing, sightseeing and snorkelling off famous destinations like Whitehaven Beach. Oh and did we mention the wakeboarding ($95) and tube rides ($40)?

Zoom, smash and strike with the kids

Hamilton is ace!

If you hit a day that’s overcast and not that beachy, check out the Quads for Kids quadbike circuit ($40). There are also three tennis courts on the island for a bit of hit and giggle, art classes and a bowling alley for rainy times.

Take to the skies

The reef is even more magnificent from the air.

Imagine hovering over the iconic Heart Reef and then touching down for an hour on Whitehaven Beach. If you have the budget - $850 per person and a minimum of two passengers - HI will gladly sort you out. You can also do a non-stop aeroplane flight ($235 per person).

Eat, eat, eat

One Tree Hill is a stellar picnic spot.

At last count, there were 16 places to get a feed on Hamilton Island and it will take a special dedication to hit all of them, so here are our reccos. For date night vibes, do Bommie. For views, do Beach Club. For family favourites, do Bob’s Bakery and for breakfast hit up the Pool Terrace. But the ultimate picnic spot is One Tree Hill (pictured).

Hit the road or trail

Don't forget to follow the running tracks off the beach.

While the island is justly famed for its beaches and offshore activities, it is also laced with myriad bushwalking trails. They start opposite Catseye Beach then head to Saddle Junction before branching off into a bunch of excellent picnic spots. Our faves are at Escape beach - obviously - and Coral Cove. If you’re after something more intense, Hamilton Island has its own Parkrun that kicks off every Saturday from Shady Creek Lawn at 7am. Both activities are free.

Sleep on or under the ocean at Reefsleep

Sleep beneath the stars on a ReefBed.

Think of this brilliant pontoon atop Hardy Reef as a day-trip from Hamilton Island. There is nothing quite like falling asleep beneath a crystalline canopy on a comfy double Reefbed (from $925 for two days and one night with all food). You can also stay under the surface in a Reefsuite from $1095 per person twin share.