Top Things To Do In Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a resort island located in the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland, Australia. With its stunning beaches, colourful coral reefs, and incredible wildlife, it’s no wonder this tropical paradise has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or a peaceful getaway, you won’t be disappointed by what Hamilton Island has to offer.
The Whitsunday Islands are home to a number of inhabited islands, the most populous of which is Hamilton Island.
It is the only island that has its own commercial airport, and passengers may fly directly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns to get there in a short amount of time.
There are also daily boats that leave from Airlie Beach, and the journey to Hamilton Island on one of these ferries takes around one and a half hours.
Here are 10 must-do activities when visiting Hamilton Island that you can’t miss out on.
Explore Whitehaven Beach
This spectacular beach is one of the biggest draw cards for tourists visiting the Whitsundays. Whitehaven Beach stretches over seven kilometres and features pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue water.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun. You can also take a sailing tour around Whitsunday island to get a unique view of this stunning beach from the water.
Feed Kangaroos at Wild Life Hamilton Island
This is your chance to get up close with some of Australia’s most iconic animals! At Wild Life Hamilton island, you can hand-feed kangaroos while learning about their habitats and behaviours from experienced guides.
You can also see other native Australian animals, such as koalas, wallabies, and emus, up close in their natural environment.
Take a Sailing Cruise Around The Whitsundays
One of the best ways to experience The Whitsundays is by taking a sailing cruise around the islands.
There are many sailing cruises available for all budgets that will take you around The Great Barrier Reef and let you explore some of the more secluded islands in The Whitsundays, like Langford Reef or Whitehaven Beach, from the comfort of your own boat.
Visit Hill Inlet Lookout
A popular spot for tourists visiting Hamilton Island is Hill Inlet Lookout which offers breathtaking views of Whitehaven Beach from above.
Located at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island, Hill Inlet Lookout provides panoramic views over Whitehaven Beach that cannot be seen anywhere else in The Whitsundays, making this spot an absolute must-visit while exploring Hamilton Island.
Amazing Hamilton Island Hikes And Walks
Though it may not be your first thought to explore Hamilton Island by way of its well-trodden trails and treks, you should know that the Island is really 70% unspoiled bushland and that its trails and treks lead to some of Australia’s most beautiful lookouts and hidden gems.
Pack your bag with sunscreen, food, and water and hike the island’s several routes, including the popular one leading to Passage Peak.
The trail begins at the Catseye Beach east end, passes through sea grass and light woodland, and ends with a steep stairway that offers sweeping vistas of the Whitsundays.
Cool Yourself At Hamilton Island’s Tropical Pools
Surrounded by the azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island provides a surreal setting for a number of inviting pools.
The Yacht Club Villas’ pool offers spectacular views of the sunset across neighbouring Dent Island, while the Beach Club’s infinity pool looks out over Catseye Beach. The 35-metre-long Reef View Hotel Pool is also a popular choice.
Main Pool, the largest pool on the island, has a free-form design that allows for plenty of room for water play for younger guests, as well as quiet corners and shady areas surrounded by lush vegetation.
There is also a bar where you may drink while swimming, and there are regular performances by local musicians.
Next to Sails Restaurant, with a view of Catseye Beach and swaying palm palms, lies the very Instagrammable Dolphin Pool.
Jet-Ski Around Hamilton Island
You’ll get to explore the Whitsunday Islands’ waterways on your own jet ski while being led by a professional guide.
If you embark on a jet ski tour of Hamilton Island, your guide will take you to all the greatest sites, including some hidden gems.
You might see turtles, whales, and other marine life on the tour. For those who don’t want to spend their whole vacation lounging by the pool but yet want to get their heart rate up, we strongly recommend this adventure.
One of the best things to do on Hamilton Island, it’s a novel approach to sightseeing.
Exploring Hamilton Island’s Wildlife
Two exceptional activities provide extraordinary opportunities for close encounters with some of Australia’s most famous native species.
On the resort side of the island is Hamilton Island Wildlife, a great place to take the kids to see koalas, kangaroos, snakes, lizards, giant crocodiles, dingoes, and even Freddie the talking cockatoo. The onsite cafe is open every day from 8 am – 4 pm and serves breakfast and lunch.
Catseye Beach is the starting point for the snorkelling adventure Turtle Discovery, which travels to the fringing reefs around Hamilton Island in the hopes of spotting sea turtles swimming above the waves. However, private excursions are provided for families with younger children.
Sup, Sailboard, And Kayak At Catseye Beach
We suggest ending your exploration of Hamilton Island with a splash at Catseye Beach, where a variety of water-based pursuits are available.
This is the public area in front of the Main Pool at Hamilton Island Resort, where you’ll find the Beach Sports Hut.
Snorkelling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and small sailing boats may all be rented from the Beach Sports Hut; if you’re staying at one of the Hamilton Island Resorts, you get all this gear for free.
Booking water sports activities require visiting Catseye Beach during three hours of high tide, so plan your trip accordingly.
Catseye Beach is home to a vibrant marine ecosystem full of wonderful animals, including sea turtles, manta rays, and coral reef fish, that will keep you entertained for hours.
Visit Coral Cove
Last but certainly not least is Coral Cove which offers visitors an opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most diverse coral reefs right offshore from Hamilton Island.
Here visitors can snorkel among colourful corals and fish while admiring the vibrant marine life beneath them, including sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales, during migration season between June and October each year.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing things to do when visiting beautiful Hamilton Island in Australia.
From exploring Whitehaven Beach to snorkelling amongst colourful coral reefs, there truly is something for everyone here, making it an ideal destination for any type of holiday, whether it be romantic getaways or family vacations alike.
You should visit Hamilton Island between the months of April and June. At this time of year, the weather is pleasant, daily rainfall is light, and the sky is bright and blue, making it ideal for spending extended hours outside and seeing the island’s natural wonders.
With the mild temperatures and gentle breezes, this time of year is ideal for sailing and other water activities.
So, why not start planning your trip today? You won’t regret it.
