Hamilton Island is a dream island in the middle of the Whitsundays. A bucket list destination in Queensland, Australia that can only be reached by boat or plane. How about a golf course on a separate neighboring island? Moreover, the traffic here consists mainly of golf buggies. Of course, the atmosphere here is relaxed! This is the perfect place to escape from the busy world and completely relax.
Where’s Hamilton Island?
Hamilton Island is barely an hour’s boat ride from Airlie Beach. This island is part of one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, the Whitsunday Islands. It is also the most popular island of all 74 islands. The Whitsundays are part of the state of Queensland on the east coast of Australia. The neighboring islands of Hamilton Island are Dent Island (the golf course), Whitsunday Island, Pentecost Island and Perseverance Island.
Getting to and around Hamilton Island
Airplane
From Sydney you can fly directly to Hamilton Island Airport. For this you float 2.5 hours in the air and the airline Virgin offers you the most options to reach the exotic island. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about your luggage. The accommodation of your choice is guaranteed to pick you up in a golf buggy or minivan.
Boat
Sailing is your second best option. Cruise Whitsundays sails ten times a day from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island. Please note, however, that the transfer costs $62 per person for a one-way ticket.
Protip!Despite the hefty cost of the ferry, there are methods to reduce the price. Look for island transfers on Viator or Bookme. Chances are that they do some of the price. Are you a new customer? Then you get a 10% discount.
Shuttle
On Hamilton Island there are several shuttles you can take to explore the island. You have the Green Shuttle that goes from Catseye Beach to the Marina every fifteen minutes. You also have the Blue Shuttle that takes you from One Tree Hill to the airport and to the Marina. The shuttle is available from seven o’clock in the morning until eleven o’clock in the evening. An ideal way if you want to go for a drink in the evening.
Golfbuggy
In spite of public transport, I recommend only one option to discover Hamilton Island, the golf buggy. This island is well known for it and it puts a smile on your face when you arrive first. As most accommodations come with a golf buggy as standard, you will not need to book one. If this is not included in the package, you can quickly put down $100 a day to drive around with this toy.
Although the golf buggy dominates the island, motorized vehicles still drive around. That is why you have to pay attention to where and how fast you drive on Hamilton Island. The order is strictly maintained here and a nice piece of joyriding is not appreciated here.
Protip!The golf buggy is an electric vehicle, so always make sure your battery is charged. Finally, sockets are available all over the island.
The weather on Hamilton Island
You don’t have to worry about the weather here. Hamilton Island is a tropical island and has an average temperature of 27.5 degrees. December, January and February are the summer months and the mercury easily reaches 30 degrees. The winter months of June, July and August reach temperatures around 23 degrees. Although you can usually enjoy the sun in the Whitsundays it can get very erratic. Since Hamilton Island is a tropical island, it can also experience tropical storms. The chance of this is small but realistic during the summer months.
Staying overnight on the island
Get your wallet upstairs, Hamilton Island is an exclusive destination. The most famous resort is qualia, located at an extreme point on the island.
Reef Hotel View is located on the most popular and largest beach on Hamilton Island. The most famous thing about the hotel is the elevator that can take you to the top floor. This gives you a wonderful view of the bay and gives you a view of the surrounding islands. Like all accommodations this is not a cheap option. Accommodations start from $350 per night.
Upon arrival you will see the jachten in the harbor. Although the price tag is about $1,000 per person, you can get the price down if you rent a boat with some friends. You’ll need about twenty or so.
The most obvious choice is to rent a house or an apartment. A small Google search will give you dozens of options that will all be pricey. Since this is an exclusive location, the price tag will be proportional. Although you’ll feel deep in your wallet, I still advise you to come here. The views and vibes on the island are a once in a lifetime experience and you won’t regret it.
Protip!Hamilton Island becomes a little cheaper if you can book something from four persons. As a couple, this destination is almost priceless.
Sights to see and to do on Hamilton Island
Whether you’re young or old, like to party or relax, everyone can find their niche here. Spend a quiet day at Catseye Beach, drink cocktails at the Main Pool or go hiking early in the morning to Coral Cove, every tourist will be served at his/her beck and call. In addition, you will occasionally drive your golf buggy past a wedding ceremony. This island is extremely popular to give the ‘yes’ word to your loved one.
Those who prefer to take it easy can get a Spa treatment in qualia or Wumurdaylin. The youngsters can brush up on their knowledge of nature and cuddle koalas in Hamilton island Wilflife Park. The active traveller can take the map of Hamilton Island and try to tick off all the bushwalks of the island.
Protip! Do not underestimate the walks and the climate and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Next to that you are of course in the middle of the Whitsundays so booking a tour to Whitehaven Beach and visiting the Great Barrier Reef is not to be missed on your to-do list. In short, this tropical island clearly has more to offer than just lazy sunbathing! If you want to read my top XXX, click here.
Surviving the island
If you’re worried about surviving on an exotic island, there’s plenty on offer to get muddy. We thought we had to do some shopping to survive our three nights. However, this would not have been necessary at all as there is a supermarket that is seven out of seven. The supermarket is IGA and can be compared to Spar.
Furthermore you have a bakery, a pizzeria, a coffee bar, a cocktail bar, fish and chips, restaurants and clothes shops. Although it is not much, it is certainly sufficient.
In case you want to know more about Australia, click here.
No Comments