Hotels in Hamilton Island

Exploring Hamilton Island

Set in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands archipelago, offshore from Queensland, Hamilton Island itself is a dream holiday resort forming part of the Great Barrier Reef. The north of the island boasts resorts, spas, hotels, a great choice of restaurants, and upscale nightlife, while the southern part of the island is a haven of unspoiled natural beauty. Due to its popularity as a resort destination, the island has it own airport which is large enough to handle jet aircraft.

The marina is the place to see and be seen, and water sports are the main activities here. Although Hamilton Island has no reef, the best snorkelling and diving spots on the Great Barrier Reef are just a short boat trip away. Sailing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular, and the sunsets are spectacular, especially when seen from One Tree Hill while sipping at a cocktail. As regards accommodation, it’s here at levels to suit most pockets, from self-catering in holiday homes to luxury spa resorts such as the Reef View Hotel and the beachside Qualia.

Sights nearby

Hamilton Island’s development is very recent and due entirely to its tourism and holiday home potential. Sights here are mostly of the natural beauty, beach, and marine life variety, with the Great Barrier Reef itself the amazing highlight and one of the world’s major landmarks.

- Great Barrier Reef

Hamilton Island is one of the gateways to the awesome undersea beauty of the world’s largest coral reef and its spectacular marine life. Its diving opportunities are unbeatable, and even snorkelling gives a fascinating overview of this unique ecological system. Boat trips from the island’s marina are easily arranged.

- One Tree Hill

For an unforgettable view across the island and the Pacific Ocean, head for the high point of One Tree Hill. A free bus or buggy ride gets you to the peak, and if you’re there at around 16:30, cocktails are served on most days, weather permitting.

- Whitehaven Beach

Stunning Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island can be reached by a day cruise from Hamilton Marina via a former racing yacht, the

- Banjo Patterson . Passengers get to spend around three hours on this pristine, unspoiled, sparkling white-sand beach with its unrivalled snorkelling and total peace and quiet.

- The Marina

Chilling out, people-watching, and admiring the luxury yachts of the rich and famous make for a fun, relaxing late afternoon and evening at the Marina. Daytime activities include fishing, and an evening seafood treat at one of the marina’s restaurants won’t disappoint.

- Hamilton Island Fauna Park

The 50-acre park is just a short drive from the beach and its hotels, and is a great day out for families with young children. Here, you’ll find a selection of indigenous Australian reptiles, mammals, and bird life, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, and dolphins, all in a natural setting.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Most of the resorts and hotels offer restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, and there’s a good choice of varied world cuisines served by eateries backing the marina. For excellent modern Australian recipes, the signature restaurant in the post-modern Yacht Club building is as good as it gets and, for food on the run, take-away outlets are the answer. Fresh seafood dishes are at their best on the island, and the famous Australian steaks are a firm favourite. For sunset seafood meals on a traditional schooner, there’s the Star Dinner Cruise. Shopping here is upscale and found mostly in the marina area and the boutiques in the resort hotels.

Public transport

Getting from the airport to your hotel is straightforward by shuttle bus. Cars are forbidden here, with golf buggies the acceptable and fun form of transport. They’re easily hired by the day, although you’ll need a driver’s license. Free shuttle buses operate between the resorts and the marina, as well as along two cross-island routes.