Hamilton Island Overview
Hamilton Island is the complete Whitsunday Island and one of our personal favourite holiday destinations.
It offers accommodation options ranging from 3 star self catering to palatial 5 star luxury and when the ' 6 star' resort is completed, Hamilton Island will also have the ultra exclusive accommodation market covered too.
The current owners, the Oatley family, (who founded Rosemount Estate wines) are investing heavily in the island and some of the current projects include the Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club and the premium luxury 6 star ‘Qualia’ Resort (both currently under construction).
Many people leave Hamilton Island and start planning their next visit. We can understand why.
Food for All Tastes
Food is another aspect of Hamilton Island that we just couldn't fault. Depending on your package there is even a choice of venue for breakfast, some offering an extensive all you can eat breakfast buffet.
The Toucan Tango Cafe has indoor and outdoor eating areas. The pool and beach side tables have stunning views over the Coral Sea and outdoor guests may also be entertained by the uninvited cheeky rainbow lorikeets (although they are discouraged) who will try to share your breakfast at any given chance!
User Friendly
We found Hamilton Island to be a very user-friendly experience from the minute we landed at the quaint palm tree fringed airport. Our luggage was transferred to our hotel accommodation with the minimum of intervention from ourselves and on check in at the hotel we were offered a facility whereby most purchases on the island could be charged to our room.This proved to be very convenient, as we never had to carry a wallet or purse. To make a purchase at any of the Island’s stores, book an excursion or pay for a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants and eateries it was as simple as showing our room key (conveniently on a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck) and answering an identification question.
The only occasion we needed a credit card was when we secured a deposit for our buggy hire.
Getting Around
It is evident that great lengths and consideration has been given to making the guests stay as easy as possible. We were given an extensive island directory, maps, events listings and a copy of the island (Hi) magazine on check in which proved invaluable during our stay. Getting around the island is also very simple. Free shuttle buses run on a scheduled timetable on two routes between the resort and marina and also around the accessible parts of the island.
The most popular and amusing mode of transport was the cute golf buggies, which are available for hire. These are great fun and a must have for your stay. (You can even buy a toy buggy as a souvenir!).
Activities
As well as exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island can offer a host of other activities. There is a regular schedule of events and these are posted throughout the resort and in the various accommodation receptions.
Most non-powered water sports such as canoes and wind surfers are free to resort guests. Other activities include: jet-skiing, para-sailing, the 'Flying Fox Hang Glider', go-karting, clay and target shooting a golf driving range. The island also offers extensive bush walking trails.
Helicopter and light plane flights fly all over the Whitsundays islands and seeing this cluster of islands from the air is quite magical. A boat trip to Whitehaven Beach is a must.
The Safari BBQ includes a 4WD ride to a secluded beach, a BBQ, Australian outback games and ends with singing round the campfire. Great Fun.
the Great Barrier Reef
Weather permitting, Fantasea Jet Cats depart daily to Reef world, which is moored alongside one of the many The Great Barrier Reef, reef systems.
There are several ways to see the Great Barrier Reef including scuba diving, snorkeling, 'mini submarine, on board viewing galleries and even by helicopter.
Where To Stay
Most of the holiday accommodation is located at the resort side of the island.
This includes the 5 Star Beach Club, which is located directly on Catseye beach and offers its residents absolute beach front accommodation and an infinity beachside pool.
The 4.5 star Reef View Hotel and adjacent 4 star Whitsunday Holiday Apartments overlook Catseye Beach and the Coral Sea.
The 3 star Palm Bungalows are set in tranquil manicured gardens near the resort centre and are naturally shaded by tall palm trees.
The popular 3 star Palm Terrace is near Catseye Beach and the Resort Centre
If you prefer to be more independent and further away from the resort, consider the 4 star Hamilton Island Villas or 3 star Hamilton Island Apartments
Location
Hamilton Island is situated off the Queensland coast, in the heart of the Whitsunday's and The Great Barrier Reef and is approximately 3 Km wide by 3Km long. (See interactive map)
The Island is privately owned and predominantly developed as a dedicated holiday resort with some land set aside for luxury housing.
Direct Flights
Despite its size, Hamilton Island has its own domestic airport which is serviced by two airlines, Jetstar and Virgin Blue. They operate almost 50 flights a week from the Australian mainland.
An alternative method to reach the island is to take a Fantasea ferry from Shute Harbour on the Australian mainland.
Marina Village
At the beginning of the Marina is a well-placed ice cream shop and the Fantasea ferry terminal. In the harbour a variety of yachts, cruises and super yachts are moored and the Jet Cats can be seen coming and going to other islands or the Australian mainland.
The quaint Marina has a buggy hire centre, general store, a dive shop, a couple of real estate agents, a souvenir shop, a homewares store, some fashion boutiques, a post office, a deli, a sail charter booking office, a bottle shop, a bakery.
Located at the far end of the village, and definatley worth a look, is the show room and studio for an island sculptor, Foot Young. He produces some stunning, moving and original marble, bronze and stone sculptures.
Resort Side
The resort is less than a 1km from the marina and includes the Resort Centre and its large lagoon pool, one of the focal points of the island. This palm tree lined pool is surrounded by scores of sun loungers, has many nooks and crannies, a hidden spa, quaint bridges and an Island Bar, ( a swim up bar). Also at the resort centre is the Toucan Tango Café and Bar, a resort shop, a booking desk, function rooms, the relaxation centre, hairdresser, a music / DVD shop and a ‘ kids’ club.
Catseye Beach
At Catseye beach, if the tide permits, a variety of watercraft, such as wind surfers, hobie cats and kayaks can be enjoyed. There are also straw umbrellas to relax under if you just want to gaze at the tropical island vistas or watch the coloured sales glide by.
Food for All Tastes
Food is another aspect of Hamilton Island that we just couldn't fault. Depending on your package there is even a choice of venue for breakfast, some offering an extensive all you can eat breakfast buffet.
The Toucan Tango Café has indoor and outdoor eating areas. The pool and beach side tables have stunning views over the Coral Sea and pools. , outdoor guests may also be entertained by the uninvited cheeky rainbow lorikeets (although they are discouraged) who will try to share your breakfast at any given chance!
Climate
The Whitsundays are tropical islands. Their latitudes are approximately 20 deg south, which is north of The Tropic of Capricorn.
Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):25 / 76
Spring(Sep-Nov):29 / 84
Summer(Dec-Feb):31 / 89
Autumn(Mar-May):29 / 84
Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 43
Spring(Sep-Nov): 39
Summer(Dec-Feb): 232
Autumn(Mar-May): 198
