Hamilton Island, Queensland
Vacation Vacation Vacation
STORY BY VI HUGHES 2012
Hamilton Island is situated in the Coral Sea 890km north of Brisbane Queensland, 1hr 20min flying.
Hamilton Island is one of 74 tropical islands and is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday group.
More than 70% of the island is natural bush land with 20km of scenic bushwalking trails and is home to many Australian animals and bird life.
If you are looking for an island holiday, you need to see Hamilton Island.
STORY BY VI HUGHES 2012
Hamilton Island is situated in the Coral Sea 890km north of Brisbane Queensland, 1hr 20min flying.
Hamilton Island is one of 74 tropical islands and is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday group.
More than 70% of the island is natural bush land with 20km of scenic bushwalking trails and is home to many Australian animals and bird life.
If you are looking for an island holiday, you need to see Hamilton Island.
Climate
The Climate on Hamilton Island is perfect for your island holiday.
A tropical climate with an average temperature of 27.4 degrees, however it is important to know that between December and February tropical showers often occur.
A tropical climate with an average temperature of 27.4 degrees, however it is important to know that between December and February tropical showers often occur.
First impression
When approaching the island from the air the first impression is WOW!
The colour of the ocean is the most amazing shade of aqua, and as we come closer to landing we see the beautiful Hamilton Island harbour, dotted with multi million dollar cruise boats and yachts.
Ferries arrive daily from the mainland but the convenience of being able to fly directly onto the island is a distinct advantage that Hamilton has, saving valuable time when planning a holiday.
Hamilton Island is a true island paradise.
The colour of the ocean is the most amazing shade of aqua, and as we come closer to landing we see the beautiful Hamilton Island harbour, dotted with multi million dollar cruise boats and yachts.
Ferries arrive daily from the mainland but the convenience of being able to fly directly onto the island is a distinct advantage that Hamilton has, saving valuable time when planning a holiday.
Hamilton Island is a true island paradise.
Transport
Transport on the island is predominantly by golf buggies. It’s a quaint feature of Hamilton, very effective and efficient without disturbing the ambience of the island.
Unlike most of the resort islands of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is a true community with a selection of shops, a school, church, medical centre, hairdressers, relaxation centre and a great selection of restaurants.... all with superb views.
This adds authenticity for filming or photographic shoots and is popular with film makers and television commercials.
There are also many privately owned houses on Hamilton Island including the house of Beatles star the late George Harrison.
Unlike most of the resort islands of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is a true community with a selection of shops, a school, church, medical centre, hairdressers, relaxation centre and a great selection of restaurants.... all with superb views.
This adds authenticity for filming or photographic shoots and is popular with film makers and television commercials.
There are also many privately owned houses on Hamilton Island including the house of Beatles star the late George Harrison.
Activities
Activities are plentiful on Hamilton with Grand prix Go-karts, wire flyer, mini golf, target sports, and a golf driving range.
There is also a sports club equipped with squash, racquet ball and tennis courts as well as a full gymnasium facility which includes sauna, spa and aerobic workouts.
I strongly recommend the hike over to Coral Cove on the other side of the Island. The distance is only 1.5km but let me warn you – wear good shoes and take plenty of water.
Once there you will find a lovely secluded beach, quite different from the other beaches on the island. There is also a fairly primitive campsite set up. (worth checking out)
There is also a sports club equipped with squash, racquet ball and tennis courts as well as a full gymnasium facility which includes sauna, spa and aerobic workouts.
I strongly recommend the hike over to Coral Cove on the other side of the Island. The distance is only 1.5km but let me warn you – wear good shoes and take plenty of water.
Once there you will find a lovely secluded beach, quite different from the other beaches on the island. There is also a fairly primitive campsite set up. (worth checking out)
Accommodation
Accommodation on Hamilton Island ranges from 3 star apartments, bungalows and villas to the 5 star Beach Club Resort, or the luxurious 3 bedroom waterfront villas.
The Reef View Hotel is the largest of the hotels with 382 rooms and suites. The Reef View Hotel is a 4 star hotel with private balconies, well positioned and well appointed to accommodate large groups.
The Beach Club Resort
For that extra bit of luxury and an unbelievable level of service I would have to recommend the Beach Club 5 star hotel. With absolute beachfront location, Beach Club is a small boutique hotel offering you some of the finest personal service the Whitsundays has to offer.
The Beach Club only accepts guests over the age of 18yrs, has a 24hr room service and reception, and a VIP Chauffeur driven buggy service.
As a member of Beach Club you also have access to complimentary tennis, gym, spa, sauna and squash court hire.
I found the staff at the Beach Club Resort to be fantastic, always friendly, helpful and efficient. Whatever you want you only have to ask and if it’s physically possible they will accommodate. What amazing service!
The Reef View Hotel is the largest of the hotels with 382 rooms and suites. The Reef View Hotel is a 4 star hotel with private balconies, well positioned and well appointed to accommodate large groups.
The Beach Club Resort
For that extra bit of luxury and an unbelievable level of service I would have to recommend the Beach Club 5 star hotel. With absolute beachfront location, Beach Club is a small boutique hotel offering you some of the finest personal service the Whitsundays has to offer.
The Beach Club only accepts guests over the age of 18yrs, has a 24hr room service and reception, and a VIP Chauffeur driven buggy service.
As a member of Beach Club you also have access to complimentary tennis, gym, spa, sauna and squash court hire.
I found the staff at the Beach Club Resort to be fantastic, always friendly, helpful and efficient. Whatever you want you only have to ask and if it’s physically possible they will accommodate. What amazing service!
Sunsail Yacht Hire
The highlight of my trip to Hamilton Island would have to be the cruise with Sunsail.
We took one of their 48 foot yachts from Hamilton Island to Whitehaven Beach.
I have been to many beaches all over the world but have NEVER ever seen sand like Whitehaven. As it suggests it is WHITE: almost pure silicon. Believe me it is worth the trip just to experience this.
Now I can understand why this is a protected beach and rates on the scale as one of the top spots in the world to visit.
We took one of their 48 foot yachts from Hamilton Island to Whitehaven Beach.
I have been to many beaches all over the world but have NEVER ever seen sand like Whitehaven. As it suggests it is WHITE: almost pure silicon. Believe me it is worth the trip just to experience this.
Now I can understand why this is a protected beach and rates on the scale as one of the top spots in the world to visit.
Feedback
My wife and I went to a wedding on Hamilton Island which was absolutely exquisite. The couple got married in the little quaint church on the hill and they hired a villa for the week. Reception was at Mariners Seafood Restaurant, which was perfect. The beauty of this wedding was that all the guests felt as if they were on their honeymoon. Exotic destination with friends and family, couldn't be beaten. Hamilton Island was a true paradise and we were able to enjoy so many things such as snorkelling, diving, visiting Whitehaven beach and the sunset boat cruises were awesome. Brian & Jocelyn - Auckland New Zealand
We are regular visitors to Hamilton Island. We even got married there. My husband and I visited the island twice a year for many years. Even after so many holidays on the island it is still my favourite holiday destination. Now I have a 3yr old and twins 6mths old and it has become the perfect family destination. Julie & Craig - Brisbane
We are regular visitors to Hamilton Island. We even got married there. My husband and I visited the island twice a year for many years. Even after so many holidays on the island it is still my favourite holiday destination. Now I have a 3yr old and twins 6mths old and it has become the perfect family destination. Julie & Craig - Brisbane