48 hours on Hamilton Island

Arrive in The Whitsundays – the heart of the Great Barrier Reef – and our warm Queensland air will greet you the moment you step off the plane. That’s just the beginning of what’s to come over the next two days.

While Hamilton Island is just 5km long at its longest point north-to-south, it pays to get your own transport. For a free run of this car-free island, book a golf buggy for the weekend and you can zip quietly around all its corners and soak up the scenery at your own pace. Those without a buggy can make use of the free shuttle bus that operates daily from early morning until 11pm.

Take your pick of Hamilton Island accommodation – from five-star luxury to affordable self-contained apartments – and you’ll feel right at home. From qualia (awarded the World’s Best Resort by Conde Nast Traveller) to Reef View Hotel’s irresistible balcony panoramas or the lush surrounds of Palm Bungalows, the living really is easy.

1PM: Have a splash about

Diving into island time is easy when you’re surrounded by the many pools and beaches that beckon you to throw down the towel and bliss out in the sunshine.

Drop your bags and head to the white sands of Catseye Beach for your first dip in the Coral Sea. If you’re ready to raise your heartrate, the beach sports centre offers snorkelling equipment and kayak or SUP hire, along with the opportunity to windsurf or rent your own catamaran when the conditions are right. The water around Catseye Beach is generally calm, and paddlers have been known to spot turtles from time to time.

When hunger strikes, wander to Beach Pavilion where you can grab a bite to eat, a cocktail, or takeaway to tuck into under the shade of palm trees. 

– or splash out

Looking for a truly unique start to your Hamilton Island weekend? Guests of Hamilton Island Resort can treat themselves to a truly unforgettable experience, Journey to the Heart. This three-hour luxury tour includes a return scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and surrounded islands before touching down at the exclusive Heart Reef pontoon, where you’ll indulge in sparkling wine, sea views, glass bottom boat tour and snorkelling the colourful fringing reef. As far as Whitsundays experiences go, this is one of the best. Be sure to reserve your spot well in advance as availability is limited.

6PM: Dine the night away

Toss the camera and a bottle of wine into the buggy and roam over the island to get your bearings. Hamilton Island is famous for being hilly so that buggy will be put to good use finding all the best views.

When the sun dips low, head to Hamilton’s Bommie Deck, where afternoon cocktails are part of the daily routine. Located within the Yacht Club, Bommie takes its name from the Aboriginal word ‘bombora’, which describes a shallow area like a reef or sandbank that large waves break over. It’s perfect for a place where people mingle and sip while watching the sun slowly set over The Whitsundays. Keep your eye out for turtles swimming in the waters below the deck.

Grab dinner here at Bommie Restaurant, or traipse back over to the eastern side to dine at Coca Chu - Hamilton Island’s direct line to South East Asia. The designed-to-share menu balances Queensland seafood and produce with punchy Asian flair, and the jungle curry or salt and pepper cuttlefish pairs perfectly with the views of Catseye Beach. And a glass of wine, of course.

Day 2

8AM: Set sail to explore the islands and reef

You’re in Australia’s sailing mecca – so don’t miss out on the chance to experience it for yourself. One of the most exhilarating ways to spend a day with the wind in your sails is on board Explore Group’s catamaran adventure that incorporates two of The Whitsunday’s most iconic experiences: exploring Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling at Chalkies Beach on nearby Haslewood Island.

The full day tour is action packed from start to finish, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon provided to fuel adventures as you sink your toes into the silica sand of one of the world’s most famous beaches. Whitehaven is the definition of picture-perfect stretch of coastline, where just over 7km of sparkling white sand meets the azure water. What makes the waters of the Whitsundays so captivating is their particular shade of blue: caused by light reflecting off fine particles of siliceous sediment suspended in the water. This marine phenomenon doesn’t occur anywhere else in the world, and geologists are stumped as to where the siliceous sand comes from.

Later in the day, pop on snorkel and fins to explore the marine life at Chalkies Beach. Not only will you be face-to-face with the kaleidoscope of marine life thriving on the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in reef research yourself, logging your findings with the Eye on the Reef program.

Embrace the calm of the sail back to base at Hamilton Island.

5PM: Soak up sunset views

If you want to put your feet up after a day at sea, reconvene at One Tree Hill bar, Hamilton Island’s beloved spot for sundowners. Marvel at the dramatic orange and yellow hues in the evening sky - with a drink in hand - as the sun sets over the Whitsunday Islands.

End the evening at one of Hamilton Island’s many restaurants, from a Mexican feast at TAKO to a decadent tasting menu at Beach Club Restaurant.

Day 3

7AM: A special way to end your Hamilton Island weekend

Rise and shine for your final morning in paradise and get the blood pumping with an invigorating hike. Hamilton Island’s walking trails wind down to secluded beaches, summit with ocean views, and are dotted with plenty of picnic spots along the way. Grab your swimmers and pick up takeaway breakfast - coffee tastes better with your toes in the sand, and offers an enriching bookend to an action-packed Hamilton Island weekend.  

For a private morning swim, the Hideaway Bay track branches off from the Scenic Trail to deliver you to a secluded bay of tranquil waters. Up for a more challenging track? Passage Peak rewards its hikers with views from Hamilton Island’s highest peak, while South East Head Trail is another great sunrise spot to take it all in.

Staying longer? Here’s some more of the best things to do on Hamilton Island or how to tackle it with the kids in tow.