Hamilton Island
The largest resort island in the Whitsundays, with an airport, a marina, and several hotels. Getting around means golf carts, and you can get up close to koalas.
Hamilton Island is the only inhabited island in the Whitsundays with a commercial airport, and one of Australia's best-known holiday islands. Accommodation ranges from budget options to luxury, including the top-end qualia resort, beachfront hotels and apartments. The island also has a marina, a dining precinct, shops, and Catseye Beach, which faces Dunk Island. There are no regular cars on Hamilton Island, so renting a golf cart to tour the island is a highlight. Recommended activities: 1) One Tree Hill lookout, the best spot for sunset, with views over the surrounding islands; 2) Wild Life Hamilton Island, where you can enter the koala area with staff guidance, get up close to koalas, gently pat them and take photos (the park does not allow holding koalas, and on-site rules apply), plus kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats and more; 3) a hike to Passage Peak, the highest point on the island; 4) day trips from the island to Whitehaven Beach, the Outer Barrier Reef pontoon, and the Heart Reef scenic flight are all easy to arrange. Getting there: direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. A ferry from Airlie Beach takes about 1 hour. Note: prices on the island are high. During stinger season, wear protective swimwear when swimming at the beach.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Whitehaven Beach
- Cid Harbour
- Hill Inlet Lookout
- Chalkies Beach
- Daydream Island
- Shute Harbour
- Whitsunday Cairn
- Conway National Park