What are the best things to do on Hamilton Island, Australia?
The best things to do on Hamilton Island include Whitsundays cruises, quad bike tours, sunset kayaking and the Hamilton Island golf course.
Hamilton Island in Queensland is the most developed of the Whitsunday Islands. It has its own airport, with scheduled flights from Brisbane, and a series of accommodation options. These range from just-about mid-range to seriously expensive.
The Hamilton Island accommodation may be impressive, and the island location delightful. But what really sets Hamilton Island apart is the range of activities on offer.
Which Hamilton Island accommodation is right for you?
- For families: Reef View Hotel.
- For couples’ romance: Beach Club Hamilton Island.
- For self-caterers: Palm Bungalows.
Things to do on Hamilton Island: Whitsundays cruises
The most obvious Hamilton Island activities are Whitsundays cruises. And there are plenty to choose from. These include sunset cruises, turtle-spotting tours, trips focused on snorkelling, and cruises to the infamously white sands of Whitehaven Beach. You can also see the islands from above on a scenic helicopter flight, or truly splash out by flying to the remote Heart Reef. That’s the tiny reef island you’ve seen in a billion promotional photos.
If you want to see more of the reef, then Hamilton Island offers learn-to-dive courses, and Whitsundays cruises that are more diving-orientated.
3 Hamilton Island experiences worth booking in advance
- Full day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.
- Full day Great Barrier Reef cruise to Reefworld pontoon – with underwater viewing gallery.
- Private charter romantic sunset cruise.
Things to do on Hamilton Island: Watersports
Other things to do on Hamilton Island include watersports at Catseye Beach. There are several options, here. You can take a jetboat ride, go wakeboarding, or get pulled along behind a speed boat in an inflatable tube. Other options include parasailing and kayaking – the sunset kayaking tour is particularly memorable. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for hire, too.
You can also hire a dinghy, go on a jet ski tour, hire a small catamaran or catch game fish on a fishing charter.
Hamilton Island quad bike tours and golf course
On dry land, there are plenty of things to do on Hamilton Island as well. The Hamilton Island golf course is justifiably famous for the splendid views from just about every tee and green. The mini golf course isn’t quite as spectacular, but the kids will enjoy it.
If it’s views you’re after, though, head up to One Tree Hill. This lookout is famous for its sunsets, and there’s a bar serving cocktails.
Non-golfers can go ten pin bowling, take to the tennis courts, try go-kart racing or hire a buggy to explore the island. Should you wish to go a little faster, there are off-road quad biking tours.
Hamilton Island wildlife park
Hamilton Island also has a small wildlife park. Pay a visit if you want to get close to koalas and kangaroos, although stay a suitable distance back from the crocodile.
Most visitors fly to Hamilton Island, although you can also get the Hamilton Island ferry from Airlie Beach or Daydream Island. You can also do a day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island. For full information, visit the Hamilton Island resort website.
More Queensland travel
Explore the Cape Upstart National Park on the Bowen to Townsville drive.
Stay at Sarina Beach on the Yeppoon to Airlie Beach drive.
How long is the Charters Towers to Townsville drive?
Explore Paluma Range National Park on the Townsville to Cardwell drive.
Cruise through Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park near Camooweal.