Is Hamilton Island Worth Visiting & 12 Things to Do
The Whitsunday Region seems to be on everyone’s bucket list at least once in their life. However, you’re always stuck with the choices on how best to experience it. While most tourists will base themselves in Airlie Beach, you’re still left with the question: Is Hamilton Island Worth visiting instead?
After many trips to this central Queensland location and two week-long stays, I think it comes down to personal preference and budget. However, this is what we are going to discuss in today’s post and help you make that decision for yourself.
So, let’s get started!
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Is Hamilton Island Worth Visiting?
Key Takeaways:
Absolutely Yes, Hamilton Island is definitely worth visiting! Not only does it give you a chance to experience all that the Whitsundays offer, but it also provides a tropical Island Paradise to stay at. This is suitable for a couple’s vacation, honeymoon destinations, and family getaways.
With its beautiful beaches and magnificent wildlife, coupled with plenty of activities to enjoy, this utopia down under offers a fantastic escape from day-to-day life. Comparable to Airlie Beach, with luxurious resorts and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to have a superb time away.
➡ Compare prices for Accommodation by Clicking HERE for Booking.com
What’s even better is the location and time it gets to other Whitsunday sites. With outer reef tours taking 3 hours from Airlie Beach, this same trip is only 2 hours from Hammo. Therefore, you can make the most out of your day or maybe not get up as early for tours.
Are you not convinced yet? Well, here is all the essential information on some fun things to do during your time there.
Things to do on the Island?
Hamilton Island is part of the Whitsundays and one of your gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s, in fact, the biggest inhabited island located about 26 kilometres off the Queensland Coast from the beautiful city of Airlie Beach.
When deciding on activities to do there, you can choose between Land, Water, and Air. Therefore, I have some suggestions and ideas mentioned below to help round down your list.
➡ Compare prices for Tours HERE for Get Your Guide, or HERE for Viator.
1. Hire a buggy to get Around
The Buggy or Golf Cart is a two-part activity! Firstly being so much fun to drive around all day, but secondly, it’s also the standard way to get around the Island.
What you might not know if there are no cars allowed on the Island, so Golf Buggy transport is the most popular way to go. It’s no different from hiring a car in any city. And unless you plan on hanging out at your hotel the entire time, you will need it.
2. Catseye Beach
Catseye Beach is the main beach and where the resort accommodation centralises around. The beach is curved in a cove and lined with lots of flora and beautiful palm trees. All the hotels will be lining beach chairs or umbrellas on the sand for your convenience.
The snorkelling is very impressive, and we certainly enjoyed checking it out a few times on our trip. Surprisingly, they do get many Turtles swimming around here. Along with large fish and vibrant coral reefs. Plus, the laidback vibe of the beach never fails to make your stay memorable.
3. Tour the Whitsundays from the Air
Seeing the Whitsundays Coral Reef from the air offers an unrivaled view of this incredible island paradise. While it’s one of the more expensive options, it’s also high on most people’s bucket lists.
Heart Reef is one of the rare sights where you can witness the heart-shaped coral and reef formation that looks as if it were carved into the ocean. The stunning sight will leave you mesmerized as you soar through the air, captivated by the beauty below.
Although while it’s one of the best things you can do, it’s essential to pick the best time to take the flight and ensure it’s worthwhile.
4. Bush Walking
For those who prefer to avoid lazing on the beach all day, you have quite a few Bush walking trails to choose from. These range from the short 20-minute hikes to the longer two-hour walking trails.
Visitors can experience plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural environment. This happens more when bushwalking and exploring some of the island’s lush forests and lagoons.
If you would like to check out more details on these hiking trails, please click here.
5. Paddle boarding
Paddle boarding was one activity we found extra fun, and I would have done it more if I had the time. It can be both relaxing and energetic, but mostly a great way to catch those rays and enjoy the views.
With Catseye Beach formed in a half-circle cove, it means the waters contained here are very calm and brilliant for safe water activities like Paddle boarding. Not only that, but there is a lot of room, and the hotels lining the beach are a nice view from the water.
6. Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is absolutely worth checking out and one of the most magical experiences one can have in Australia. Described as one of the best beaches on this continent, one will be delighted by its white silica sand, picturesque aquamarine waters, and stunning views.
Not only will you be able to soak up some stellar Instagram material, but there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like snorkeling and visiting the famous Hill Inlet for views of the swirling sands.
➡ Compare prices for Tours HERE for Get Your Guide, or HERE for Viator.
7. Swim in one of the many pools.
Everyone likes a nice relaxing swimming pool, and you have a few to choose from. This includes taking your pick between the jungle scenes and, even better, one with a swim-up bar!
Run some laps in the morning to start your day off right, or use it for relaxing on the chairs while watching the kids swim. Either way, spending some time at the pool will be worth it to fill some time in.
8. One Tree Hill Lookout
The One Tree Hill Lookout point is the perfect Sunset position for your visit. Admire the views or take a couple of drinks to soak in the serenity while watching the sun go down below the horizon.
Although, remember Buggy driving rules are the same as your car, and at least one person needs to be sober to drive back to the hotel.
You’ll almost have time to do this every night, and it’s a brilliant addition to schedule in before going out for dinner. Not only that, but during the day, it will also have the best 360-degree views on the Island.
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9. Driving range or Mini Golf.
Mini Golf or the Driving range is an excellent family-friendly activity that’s worth trying out while you’re there. Even if you have never done it before, it’s always great to try new things or have a blast knowing how bad you are at it.
I must admit I wasn’t the best at the driving range, and Matt and I couldn’t stop laughing! With that said, the Mini Golf is always the more popular choice and doesn’t take too long to get through the course.
10. Quad Bikes or ATVs
If action and adventure is your thing, then you’re going to love the Quad Bike tours! The bikes come with all the safety essentials required, such as helmets and safety briefings.
Therefore, strapping on a helmet is just the start of your wild ride, and you’ll be able to take in the sights, sounds, and smells as you make your way around the islands’ secret trails. This is the perfect way to explore the unique bushlands of the Whitsunday Islands.
11. Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
Tick off more from your bucket list and go on a snorkelling trip to the pontoon and Outer Reef. The water is so pristine and inviting that you can’t help but feel at ease from the moment you submerge beneath the waves.
Around every corner there is something new to see, like turtles floating peacefully, reef sharks gliding through the turquoise depths, and of course, lots of fish swimming amongst the amazing coral.
12. Take a cruise at Sunset.
Is this trip for a special occasion, or are you looking for a romantic scene with your better half? Why don’t you cruise around the Whitsunday waters, enjoying the views while sipping champagne? All in the arms of your loving partner.
Leave the busy island life behind and cruise slowly in the stillness of your boat, with only the sound of waves lapping against the sides keeping you company. Keep an eye out for some wildlife, like the dolphins, whales, or even a sea turtle!
Where to Stay?
The Island’s resorts are ready and willing to spoil you with luxury and endless amenities. Still, if you’re looking for something more secluded, there are private bungalows tucked away in beautiful areas where you can nestle in for some quiet time.
➡ Compare prices for Hamilton Island Accommodation HERE for Booking.com
Both times I’ve visited the island, We have stayed at the Reef View Hotel, which has some stunning views to wake up to every morning on Catseye Beach. But word of warning to keep the balcony door shut at all times, even when you leave the lounge area for 5 minutes. Cockatoos frequently enter rooms and fly off with your gear! So, Stay alert!
How do you get there?
Getting there is surprisingly simple, with direct flights available from Brisbane, Cairns, or Proserpine. This is probably the easiest way and what I used for both of my visits.
On the other hand, you could fly into Proserpine, take a shuttle bus to the Marina or Shute Harbour, and take one of the 60-minute Ferry rides to the Island’s Marina. While this has some transfers and will take longer, it’s more suitable for those on a budget.
How do you get around?
As mentioned before, the Golf Buggy’s or carts are your best way to Get around. These electric buggies offer an open-air view, making them perfect for groups of friends or families.
Alternatively, there’s also a daily complimentary shuttle bus service that transports guests about every 10 minutes between the resorts and marina village. I never had a chance to use these myself, but I certainly saw them running around the Island a lot.
➡ Compare prices for Hamilton Island Tours HERE for Get Your Guide, or HERE for Viator.
How many days should you spend on the Island?
I think four days to a week is the ideal length of stay, but this obviously depends on what you’re planning to do. This could be a honeymoon destination or a way for you to unwind and relax. Otherwise, you could be booking all the tours and sites to see at this time.
Best time to visit?
Since the island located in the northern areas of Queensland, this ideally makes it a year-round holiday destination. Although, the best time to visit is similar to Airlie Beach and could be determined by cost or fewer crowds.
With that in mind, I like to visit in the Autumn and Spring shoulder Seasons, especially out-of-school holidays. However, that doesn’t mean the other seasons aren’t suitable to visit.
You’ll find that the Summertime between December and March is popular for overseas tourists, but you do need to be mindful of the Jellyfish precautions and when they are at their worst.
Can you walk around the Island?
This is one of the largest inhabited Islands in the Whitsunday network. While there are walking trails and bush hiking to get you to see more, there are better ways to get around than walking. E.g., Golf Buggy’s!
Do you need a passport to get there?
If you’re travelling from Australian Shores, then No – You don’t need a passport to get to Hamilton Island. Although the passport is still a preferred form of ID, you’ll find most people using it for checking into flights.
Wrap up – Is Hamilton Island Worth visiting, and the best things to do?
Thanks for reading this blog post today and finding out if Hamilton Island is Worth visiting. I hope you found the information you were looking for, but f you’re still researching, please find other Queensland Blog suggestions here for inspiration.
Alternatively, The Airlie Beach region has much to offer and is still a brilliant way to see the same area. This has more options and sometimes cheaper accommodation in comparison.
Furthermore, if it’s the Islands you’re looking for, then you can dive into other Queensland Island information here. You’re lucky that I have visited most of these and lots of personal advice and tips involved.
Read More Articles:
Ultimate 10-Day Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road Trip Itinerary
Amazing Beaches in Queensland you need to explore
Cairns Vs. Airlie Beach – Which one is better for you to visit?
