How to have a perfect holiday on Hamilton Island with kids

There's an airport right here on Hamilton Island that services direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne - and if you're flying in, expect a birdseye view of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen.

Challenge the kids to count as many of islands that make up the Whitsundays as they can spy (psst – answer is 74). When you land on "Hammo", as the locals call it, you’ve already ticked off a first – being the only Queensland island capable of taking a commercial jet aircraft.

If you're arriving by boat from Airlie Beach, the short glide from Abel Point Marina onboard one of Cruise Whitsundays fast cats is equally mesmerising. You’ll settle into holiday mode well before you disembark and when you do, you’ll be on island time and en route to your chosen holiday accommodation in minutes.

Family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island

When it comes to where to stay with kids on Hamilton Island there are plenty of options. There's family-friendly rooms with two queen beds at Reef View Hotel overlooking the Coral Sea, and cabins peeping out from the gardens at Palm Bungalows just a short stroll from Catseye Beach.

If you’re holidaying with friends on Hamilton Island, the luxurious Yacht Club Villas will fit larger families and groups, and there’s an array of private apartments and homes scattered amongst Hammo’s hills to consider too.

How to get around Hamilton Island

A bonus of many of the private homes and Yacht Club Villas booked through Hamilton Island is they include a complimentary 4 seater buggy in your tariff. But if you are just here for the day or need an extra buggy to fit more people in, there are plenty to hire on the island too. You can also take the island bus, which is complimentary for in-house guests.

Where to eat with kids on Hamilton Island

Prefer to self-cater your meals with holidaying with the family? The IGA supermarket has a range of fresh food you can pick up to feed the tribe, along with a bakery and Pizzeria and Gelato which will deliver food right to your door - for those nights when you just can't cook. 

Eating out? There are lots of Hamilton Island restaurants, cafes and bistros to tempt you with choices to suit every budget and taste. And if your kids are under 12 they’ll eat free at select restaurants when dining with you and choosing from the kids menu.

Try Popeye’s Fish and Chips, Bob's Bakery, Manta Ray, Romano's or The Marina Tavern: the kids will love it. 

But the true can't miss place to dine with the kids? Breakfast with the koalas. Read on to find out more. 

Best things to do on Hamilton Island with kids

There are over 60 activities to try on Hamilton Island; some free and others offered for a small fee. Here’s our top 10 to get you started.

1. Breakfast with the koalas

Join the cutest crew on the island for a breakfast with the koalas from 7am to 10am at Wild Life. From 10am, take the wildlife tour to meet Aussie animals such as lizards, snakes, a dingo and crocodile and if you kids are over 12 – they can opt to cuddle a koala. Be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen.

Note: this venue is temporarily closed.

2. Quad bike 

Little daredevils aged 6-14 can ride quad bikes especially designed for younger kids. There’s experts at the helm to teach them about safety first, and afterwards they can take the the track for a burn. Closed in shoes and long pants are required and it’s a good idea to  book ahead.

3. Go kart racing

Ready to feel the rush? These Go-Karts are designed for bigger kids with the little kids welcome to join you as a passenger. Tickets are $49.00 for 10 minutes of action. Drivers need to be a minimum 149cm and aged 16 or above and passengers can be as young as four.

4. Hit the trails

For a free activity that the whole family can join in, take one of the many walking trails that weave around Hamilton Island. Expect breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and spy the islands many native residents including wallabies, goannas, kookaburras, kites, ospreys, and sea eagles. You might also spot one of the cheeky sulphur crested cockatoos who do like to visit your apartment and make themselves at home when you are out – so be sure to keep your doors and windows closed.

5. Clock up beach time

Make room for plenty of beach time when holidaying on Hamilton Island with kids. Catseye Beach is the perfect spot to run off some steam, and there's a range of non-motorised activities are available including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing and catamarans. While dependant on the weather and tides, the friendly team at Beach Sports will let you know what is available daily and ensure you have everything you need to enjoy a fun-filled family time out on the water.

6. Go under the sea

Hamilton Island is unlike anywhere else in the world when it comes to aquatic adventures. And the best way to introduce your family to what lies beneath is by snorkelling the coral reef just off Catseye Beach. Join the kids to wade or snorkel in shallow waters while checking out the coral, fish and hopefully spot one of the friendly turtle’s that feed here. Snorkelling gear is free to use for in-house Hamilton Island guests.

7. Have some good old-fashioned fun

Slow it down a little with a family friendly challenge on the tennis courts, at the bowing alley, or on the mini golf course. Kids against parents or team up to take on another family, there are plenty of friends to meet on Hamilton Island and so many  organised activities on offer too – just check in with the activities office or sign up to the Hamilton Island app to find out what’s on.

8. Seek extra adrenalin

For those seeking power over a paddle, Hamilton Island delivers with thrilling options including waterskiing and wakeboarding, private ski boats, tube rides and jetskis. Be sure to pack the go pro to catch all the action.

9. Make your way to Whitehaven

A trip to world-famous Whitehaven Beach is an essential part of any trip to Hamilton Island with kids. Plus, you can get there on an easy half day tour.

Be mesmerised by the swirling sands of Hill Inlet and then bask on Australia’s multi-award winning beach fringed with pure white silica sand spilling into turquoise waters. The kids can swim safely near shore or beach-comb over to Champagne Pools to feel the naturally effervescent waters bubbling around them as they wade.

10. Meet the Great Barrier Reef

While there's so much to do with kids on Hamilton Island, you can't come all this way and not explore the Great Barrier Reef that surrounds these tropical islands. 

Join the crew from Cruise Whitsundays and head out to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef, where you can swim, snorkel, dive or drift to witness the wonders of the reef up close. All ages are catered for with all gear provided. But for those not quite ready to immerse, visit the underwater observatory or take a spin in the semi submersible to see just how special the Great Barrier Reef truly is.

Fun activities for the kids include swimming through swarms of fish, hovering over colourful coral and meeting Maggie – the resident Maori Wrasse who likes to greet newcomers by the stairs. Lunch is provided on board. And don’t forget to pack your reef safe sunscreen.

Don't forget the R&R

The range of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island could keep you busy for weeks on end, but be sure to pop a little free time into your calendar too - the island's beauty shines even brighter if you take a moment to take it all in. 

Need a few hours for parents only? The Clownfish Club will happily look after and entertain children from 6 weeks to 14 years. With a chance to indulge in some couples time alone, sign yourself up for spa therapy at Spa Wumurdaylin, dine in one of the premier restaurants sans kids or just find yourselves under a shady palm tree overlooking those baby blue water views. Its your holiday too after-all.

Not ready to leave? Extend your stay in The Whitsundays and add these family favourites to your itinerary.