Hamilton Island, nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, is a paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and luxurious resorts. As one of the few inhabited islands in the Whitsundays, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Here’s a comprehensive guide to visiting Hamilton Island and making the most of your stay in this tropical haven.
Table of Contents
Getting to Hamilton Island
By ferry
Regular ferry services operate from the mainland at Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island. The ferry ride is approximately one hour and provides a picturesque introduction to the Whitsundays.
If you’re already at Airlie Beach, you can take the ferry from the wharf. Cruise Whitsundays provides 10 daily transfers between Airlie Beach and Hamilton. You will stop at Daydream Island before reaching Hamilton. The company also offers departures from Shute Harbor with shorter travel time. You can buy your tickets online on the company’s website or directly at the wharf on the day of your departure.
The ferry from Airlie Marina leaves approximately every hour from 7am. The cost is $65 per person (one way). The ferry from Shute Harbour has only 3 departures per day, but the journey time is shorter taking only 35 minutes to reach the island.
By air
To fly to Hamilton Island, you have 2 options. There are two airports in the region. Firstly, Proserpine (Whitsundays Airport) inland airport is approximately 35 minutes from Airlie Beach. Many shuttles or taxis run between the airport and the city. This airport is served by major Australian cities. You can easily find direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, etc. Several flights land and depart from the island daily, operated by Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar. The airport is small, there are a few cafés and it has a very nice aquarium in the centre.
Secondly, Hamilton Island has its own airport, the Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI), with direct flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns. The scenic flight over the Whitsundays is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the coral reefs and turquoise waters.
By Private Boat
For those who prefer to sail, Hamilton Island has a well-equipped marina that welcomes private boats and yachts. It’s an ideal way to explore the surrounding islands and reefs.
Best time of year to go to Hamilton Island
Hamilton is located in the Whitsunday archipelago. It is located above the Tropic of Capricorn and therefore has a subtropical climate.
During the summer (December to February) it is very hot, and there is also more rainfall. Temperatures vary around 30 degrees. Winters (from June to September) are milder with an average of 24 degrees.
So the ideal season to visit is nearer to summer or mid-season (September to November or February/March).
Things to do on Hamilton Island
Make the most of the hotels
Once on the island, you can enjoy many activities! First of all, you can access the hotels and resorts of the island freely and for free (except private resorts). You can enjoy the pools, restaurants, bars and games room of the resorts on the island. You can also access the Wumurdaylin Spa with services starting at 80$.
You can also indulge in a spa treatment at one of the island’s luxury spas, such as Spa Wumurdaylin or the Qualia Spa. Enjoy massages, facials, and other treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate.
Discover the local wildlife
To discover the island’s wildlife and bio diversity, you can visit Hamilton Island Wildlife park which is open daily. You can have breakfast next to the koalas (8.00-10.00am) or discover dingoes, reptiles, kangaroos etc. Admission costs $32 and is valid for the duration of your stay on Hamilton Island.
You can also discover the island through one of its many hiking trails. There are many walks to choose from, depending on your level and the length of walk you want. The shortest one is 1.2 km long and will take you 1 hour including return. You also have walks of several km (3 to 4 km) which take up to 4 hours including return. So bring enough water and snacks just in case!
To see the map and the different steps available on the island, click here.
Do one of the many activities on offer
Catseye Beach is the main beach on Hamilton Island, offering pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or trying out water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. The equipment can be rented for a few hours from hotels on the island.
Hamilton Island also offers many activities within the island. In fact, you can enjoy bowling, the go-kart track, numerous swimming pools or even the mini-golf course. You can also rent a tennis court or explore the island via an Off-road Adventure Tour, driving an all-terrain vehicle ($150 for hire). For families, know that Hamiton also offers many activities for children (painting classes, sports activities for all ages). The Clownfish Club childcare facility is taking care of children from the age of 6 weeks and up to 14 years old allowing you to drop off your children for a little free time.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Hamilton Island offers several walking trails with stunning views of the island and surrounding sea. The Passage Peak hike is a must-do, offering panoramic views from the island’s highest point. Other trails include the walk to Coral Cove and the Flat Top Hill lookout.
Play golf
For golf lovers, do not miss the 18 hole course located on Dent Island, very close to Hamilton… A golf course on its own island – definitely a unique experience! The course was designed by the Australian player, Peter Thomson. It embraces the curves of the island with hills, limited landing zones … in short, whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will love this golf course with its incredible landscapes. You can choose to play 9 holes – $ 110 or play 18 for $ 160. You can also rent clubs and shoes. Ferry transfers to and from Hamilton are included in the price. To book your trip, click here.
Take a tour to the Great Barrier Reef
Hamilton Island is the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling, diving trips and cruises to the Whitsunday Islands are available, offering the chance to see colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and even sea turtles.
Spend your day sailing around the Whitsundays. Experience the beauty of the spectacular Whitehaven and Chalkies beaches. Discover Whitehaven Beach and wander across the white sands, take a dip and relax on Australia’s number 1 beach. Snorkel and discover the amazing sea life, including turtles. To book your tour, click here.
There are many tours that leave from the island and are suitable for the whole family. These include days out at Reefworld and trips to the Great Barrier Reef for a few hours. You can also choose to hire a boat from the island to explore the Whitsundays at your leisure.
Take a scenic flight
One of the major attractions to do in the Whitsundays are scenic flight tours. The views over the archipelago are truly spectacular! We have included some of flight options available to get you started:
Scenic flight by plane: 60 minute flight. Departs from Airlie Beach. Several departures daily. Price: from $294/person.
Fly and Cruise Seaplane tour: 7 hour activity. Departs from Airlie Beach. Several departures daily. Price: $379/person.
Helicopter Scenic Flight: Experiences ranging from 40 minutes to several hours. Departs from Airlie Beach. Generally booked for at least 2 people. Several departures daily. Rate: From $249/person.
See the Heart Reef
If you opt for a scenic flight you will probably pass over this iconic heart-shaped reef, a well known feature in the area. It’s a great place to spend some quality time with your loved ones – and take some great photos!
Events and Festivals
Hamilton Island hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including:
Hamilton Island Race Week: This annual yachting event attracts sailors from around the world for a week of competitive racing and social events.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week: Held in August, this is Australia’s largest offshore yachting regatta, featuring a mix of on-water action and off-water entertainment.
Hamilton Island Endurance Series: A series of endurance events, including the Hamilton Island Hilly Marathon, Clash of the Paddles, and the Triathlon, attracting athletes from around the world.
Getting around on Hamilton Island
The island is quite large but only part of it has roads. There are no cars on the island, only electric vehicles. There are several ways to get around once there. To check out the map of Hamilton Island, click here.
The shuttle bus (Shuttle service)
A free bus operates every day from 6.50 in the morning until 11 pm. There are two routes served by the shuttle bus which runs every 15 to 40 minutes. Check the hours and routes of the shuttles here.
Walk
One of the best ways to see the island is to bring your trainers with you! You can easily reach the hotels on foot. Be aware that the island is hilly, so be prepared to sweat a little during your walks. Drinking water fountains are available along the main routes.
Buggy (golf cart)
If you want to explore the island at your own pace the buggy is without a doubt the best solution. You can rent for the day ($59 – rate regressive) with 2 or 4 seats. In addition to being fun, this will allow you to discover Hamilton’s hilly landscapes without breaking a sweat! Remember to book in advance though, because in high season buggies are in high demand and you may not be able to find one at the last minute.
Accommodation options on Hamilton
Hamilton Island boasts a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences:
Luxury Resorts
Enjoy the ultimate in luxury at the Qualia ($1300 a night) or the Beach Club ($740 a night).
More affordable (but still upscale) hotels
Relax in front of a stunning view at the four-star Reef View Hotel ($350 per night), or opt for a self-contained bungalow at the Palm Bungalow ($400).
Self-Catering Options
Hamilton Island also offers a range of holiday homes and apartments for those who prefer a self-catering option, complete with kitchens and living areas.
