Visitors will not be short of things to do on Hamilton Island, the Whitsundays’ biggest resort island.
With its own airport and daily flights from Brisbane and Sydney, Hamilton Island is the most easily accessible island resort in the Whitsunday Islands. The whole island is geared to tourism, with accommodation and activities to suit all budgets and holiday styles.
There are many tours you can do from Hamilton Island out to the main Whitsunday Island attractions such as Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, or further afield to the Great Barrier Reef. In this post, we’ve kept the list of things to do Island-based; activities suited to those visiting Hamilton Island while on a sailing holiday in the Whitsundays.
How to Visit Hamilton Island While on a Sailing Holiday in the Whitsundays
Those sailing the Whitsundays privately or on a bareboat yacht charter can book a berth for a night or more at the Hamilton Island Marina. Staying at the Marina gives boating guests access to the resort’s facilities, and for those on longer charters an opportunity to top up on water, do laundry and use the Wifi.
Stopping in at Hamilton Island is a fantastic and memorable addition to a bareboat charter. If the weather hasn’t been ideal or if your crew members want to enjoy fine dining or a spa treatment, break up your time in the water with a night at a world-class resort.
Please tell our reservations team if you want to book a berth at Hamilton Island and we can arrange it for you.
Hamilton Island Marina Fees
Nightly Rate:
Catamarans: $220 per night
Monohulls: $165 per night
Day Visits:
Catamarans: $115 for up to 3 hours (then $37 per additional hour)
Monohulls: $100 for up to 3 hours (then $32 per additional hour)
(updated 9/1/24 – pricing subject to change at any time, at Hamilton Island’s discretion)
Christmas and New Years attract a higher nightly rate – POA
Those sailing privately can contact the marina radio on
VHF: 68 or phone: 07 4946 8353
Begin your Bareboat Charter from Hamilton Island
When you charter a yacht with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht, you have the option to begin your bareboat charter from Hamilton Island – subject to availability and an additional fee.
If you fly into Hamilton Island, we can bring your catamaran or yacht to the Hamilton Island Marina with your provisioning onboard. One of our briefers will accompany the boat and meet you at the marina for your training, ensuring you’re comfortable with operating the boat yourselves before you set sail to explore the Whitsundays.
Boats can also be returned to the marina, in case you want to book some more Island time at one of the many accommodation options on Hamilton Island before your return flight.
How to get to Hamilton Island
If you’re not on a bareboat charter, getting to Hamilton Island can be done via plane or a ferry from the mainland with terminals in both Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
Visit Cruise Whitsundays for ferry timetables and costs.
Hamilton Island is the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport. There are direct flights onto the Island daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.
Regional charter flights are possible from Mackay, Proserpine and Airlie Beach.
There are also flights from major cities and some regional areas into Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast Airport). From there, take a transfer to the Shute Harbour ferry terminal; This will take approximately 50 minutes.
Transport around Hamilton Island
There are limited cars on Hamilton Island with three modes of transport for visitors. The Shuttle Bus, walking or the very popular golf buggies.
Keep in mind that the overall landmass of Hamilton Island is less than 5 km2, so it’s not exactly fair to walk to pretty much anywhere!
15 Things to do on Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is one giant resort. It is an island focused on tourism, with custom-designed activities and things to do to suit couples, adventure seekers and families.
Visit the Hamilton Island Wildlife and enjoy ‘Breakfast with the koalas.”
Get up close and enjoy the thrill of meeting some of Australia’s most loved and feared (did someone say saltwater croc?) animals. With daily tours, feeding sessions and animal photo experiences, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time at the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park.
‘Breakfast with the Koalas’ runs through the Wildlife Café, where visitors can enjoy breakfast while the koalas do the same!. There’s also an opportunity to hear from an expert ranger.
Tip: Breakfast with Koalas is subject to Covid restrictions.
Guided tours with expert keepers run daily at 10.00 am and 3.00 pm. On the tour you will be able to feed and touch some of the Aussie animals.
Photo C/O Tourism & Events Queensland
Explore the water from Catseye Beach
Think long stretches of sand with palm trees and turquoise water, and then you can picture Catseye Beach, which is one of the best beaches on the Whitsundays. The free sun lounges and nearby poolside cocktail bar make Catseye a great place to relax and soak up the resort vibe.
Suppose you’re looking to explore the Coral Sea above or below the water, head to Hamilton Island Beach Sports, located right of the beach. Here you can hire catamarans, paddleboards, windsurfers, kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Guided snorkelling tours run through Hamilton Island Beach Sports, where you can explore the local fringing reef.
Tip: Spending time on Catseye doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. Use one of the hammocks and take a book to unwind for the day.
Photo C/O Tourism & Events Queensland
Fly like a bird and go parasailing
Parasailing is an easy, thrilling activity open to beginners. From the Hamilton Island Marina, take a speedboat out to the pontoon, then off you go, up, up and away. You’ll get to feel like you’re flying and see views usually reserved for the birds (150ft)! Parasailing from Hamilton Island is a fantastic way to see the islands!
Tip: Taking off and landing is from the pontoons, so there is no need to get wet. Bookings essential.
Take a Sea kayak sunset tour
Departing from the Hamilton Island Marina and heading towards the northern end of the Island, the Sea Kayak sunset tours are a peaceful addition to your Hamilton Island visit. You’ll get to enjoy a sunset glass of bubbles and information from a local guide.
Tip: Check that the sea kayak tours are running; some recent changes have occurred due to Covid. Bookings essential.
Photo C/O Tourism & Events Queensland
Catch a Sunset from One Tree Hill
A Sunset at One Tree Hill for an idyllic way to tend the day. You’ll see amazing views of the Islands and be able to get a sneak peek at some of the exclusive private Hamilton Islands properties hugging the coast. From about 3 pm, many people holidaying at the Hamilton Island Resort congregate at One Tree Hill to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a cocktail or wine and cheese from the hilltop bar.
Tip: If you’re visiting on a bareboat, follow the road up the hill from the Marina, and you’ll be at One tree Hill in no time.
Photo C/O Queensland Tourism & Events
Enjoy fitness classes or yoga at the Sports Club
If you’ve been on a yacht for a while you’re missing the gym, check out the Hamilton Island Sports Club. There are six “VIRTUAL group fitness classes” on offer, including RPM, Body Pump, CX Worx, Body Balance, Sh’bam or Body Combat. Facilities include a sauna, plus classes like pilates, yoga or HIIT classes with excellent instructors.
Tip: If you’re staying at Qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, and Palm Bungalows, use of the gym is free.
Hike around Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island has many walking trails traversing the Island.
Passage Peak:
Passage Peak is one of the most challenging and spectacular hikes on the Island. The often steep trail leads to the highest point on Hamilton Island, known as Passage Peak.
Start the Passage Peak walk from the Scenic Trail Entrance.
Grade 3 (Challenging) walk with many steps.
Distance: 2.7km | 1hour (one way)
Hideaway Bay:
Hideaway Bay, not to be confused with the town on the mainland Hydeaway Bay, is a hidden beach close to the Scenic Trail entrance. It’s a lovely spot for a swim and a place to enjoy views over Whitsunday Island.
Resort Lookout:
If you’re looking for a quick, easy walk to get a feel for the Island, do the Resort Walk first. The trail goes through forests and up to the second-highest point on Hamilton Island. With views over the resort, marina village, airport and Islands.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy walk to get a feel for the Island, do the Resort Walk first. The trail goes through forests and up to the second-highest point on Hamilton Island. With views over the resort, marina village, airport and Islands.
The Resort Trail Entrance is at the eastern end of the Conference Centre.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 1.7km | 45 minutes (one way)
Other trails on Hamilton Island include:
- Saddle junction – Grade 3 Moderate walk. Distance: 1.8km | 30 minutes (one way)
- Flat Top Hill Lookout – Grade 3 (Moderate) walk. Length: 1.2km | 30 minutes (one way)
- Middle Head Trail – Grade 3 (Moderate) walk. Length: 3.1km | 1 hour 15 minutes (one way).
- Coral Cove – Grade 3 (Moderate) walk. Length: 3.1km | 1 hour (one way)
- Escape Beach Trail – Grade 3 (Moderate) walk. Length: 3.3km | 1 hour (one way).
- South East Head Trail: Grade 3 (Moderate) walk. Length: 4.4km | 1 hour 45 minutes (one way)
Photo C/O Queensland Tourism and Events, Passage Peak Pictured
Play 9-pin bowling at the “Glow in the Dark” Bowling Alley
The Kegal Bowling Alley offers nine-pin bowling instead of ten-pin bowling (9-pin dates back to the 11th century). The Island Bowling Alley transforms with glow in the dark lanes, pins, balls, and state-of-the-art lighting as the sun goes down. Don’t just go for the bowling; the atmosphere is great fun with bobby tunes, arcade games, a bar and even a slushy machine.
Tip: Family-friendly games, from 1.30 pm – 9.00 pm every day. Booking is recommended but not essential.
Treat yourself at Spa Wumurdaylin
The word ‘wumurdaylin’ – meaning ‘dragonfly’, symbolises renewal, freedom and beauty. Spa Wumurdaylin offers a range of rejuvenating and soothing treatments using Australian made products. Treat yourself or your loved one for some “me time”, an excellent addition to an extended bareboat charter in the Whitsundays.
Tip: You need to book well ahead to avoid disappointment. The spa suggests that if you are travelling in the next few months, browse the Spa Wumurdaylin menu and pre-book your preferred treatment/s by completing the online booking request.
Join an art class at the Hamilton Island Art Gallery
There aren’t many Island resorts where you can join art classes (they have thought of everything on Hamilton Island). Located above the Hamilton Island Art Gallery, there are weekly classes hosted by a variety of resident artists. Classes for kids and adults are available, and classes for beginners or experienced artists.
Child (6 years +) art classes – 9.30am – 11.00am.
Adult (14 years +) art classes – 2.00pm – 4.00pm.
Closed Sunday.
Tip: Artistic materials included. Bring along something to drink and some snacks. Bookings essential.
Swim in the Resort Centre Pools – for free
The Hamilton Island Resort Centre, located in the heart of the island resort, it’s where you’ll find the resort’s hub and main attractions. Renowned restaurants, boutique shops, the Main Pool with its swim-up bar, the Hamilton Island Tour Desk and the Twilight Fun Zone with its soulful Sunday Sessions and eclectic stalls. The Resort Centre is right next to Catseye Beach.
Tip: Most bareboat visitors enjoy spending time at the resort centre for a break from sailing and island hopping. Spending time by the pool or soaking up the atmosphere of the resort centre is entirely free.
Soak up free local live music through Marina Daze
You can catch some local live music on the lawns near Manara Ray on the Marina on selected afternoons. The Marina Daze live music program is complimentary to all island guests. Bring a picnic rug and some drinks while you soak up the family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re on a bareboat, you will probably hear the music from your boat’s deck.
Tip: Music runs from 5:30 – 8:30
Use the Hamilton Island App for music schedule and times.
When on a tropical island, have a cocktail
Holiday cocktails can be enjoyed at One Tree Hill, Sails, Verandah Bar, Bougainvillaea Bar, Reef Lounge, Main Pool Swim-up Bar or Bommie are our picks for cocktails on Hamilton Island.
Tip: If you’re a huge cocktail fan, ask the bar staff to make you one of their Hamilton Island specialities!
Photo C/O Tourism & Events Queensland
Play tennis or enjoy the golf driving range
The Sports Club facilities on top of a gym include tennis courts and a driving range. Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the three island resort tennis courts.
If golf is more your thing, check out the resort’s driving range to test your accuracy by hitting the balls into the drop targets on the lake. There are daily prizes, and anyone from beginners to pros can give it a go.
Tip: Equipment can be hired from the Sports Club between 6 am and 5 pm on weekdays.
Play golf on a world-famous course
A short 5-minute boat ride from Hamilton Island will take you to Dent Island, home to the only 18-hole championship golf course to be on its own Island. If you play golf or not, the Hamilton Island Golf Clubhouse is not to be missed. It’s been architecturally designed to take in the views and is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch.
Tip: Ferries from Hamilton Island Marina depart every hour on the hour to Dent Island and return every hour on the half-hour.
Photo C/O Tourism & Events Queensland
We’ve listed 15 things to do on Hamilton Island, without going into the many tours you can take out to places like Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef. Considering how many excellent activities there are to do in the Hamilton Island Resort, you may not want to leave!
Join us for a bareboat holiday in the Whitsundays, visit Hamilton and enjoy the many things to do
Contact us 1800 075 000 or sales@rentayacht.com.au
