The Best Beaches On Hamilton Island
Looking for the best beaches on Hamilton Island? We've got you covered! From the iconic Catseye Beach to the secluded coves accessible via scenic bushwalk, Hamilton Island has the perfect beach for your Whitsunday holiday.
Hamilton Island is one of the most popular Whitsunday destinations. It's one of the few islands that combines untouched natural beauty with modern comforts. You can stay in luxury resorts, dine at fabulous restaurants, and golf at world-class courses. But you can also trek through lush forests, lounge on empty strips of golden sand, and snorkel in marine-life-filled waters.
Here is your guide to the best beaches on Hamilton Island, including safety tips for your trip!
The Best Beaches on Hamilton Island
Here are some of the best beaches on Hamilton Island to add to your itinerary. The island is quite small and rugged so there isn't a massive number of accessible beaches, but these few destinations are so stunning that you certainly won't be feeling deprived of any idyllic tropical scenery.
After listing Hamilton Island's best beaches, we'll also discuss how to get to Whitehaven Beach from Hamilton Island! Though Whitehaven is located on a different island, it is definitely worth hopping on a boat to see Australia's most incredible beach during your time in the Whitsundays.
Catseye Beach
Topping the list of the best beaches on Hamilton Island is the fabulous Catseye Beach. This is the most popular and most accessible beach on the island, as it's centrally located near all the shops and resorts. It's also just steps away from the Main Pool, which is a top swimming and relaxing spot on the island.
Catseye Beach has a wealth of amenities. You can hire lounge chairs and hammocks, try water sports, or grab a drink and a bite to eat at the beachfront restaurants. It's the perfect destination for families or those who prefer access to toilets, showers, and shops. Not only is Catseye Beach convenient, but it's beautiful as well! If anyone is wondering, "What is the famous beach on Hamilton Island?", it's Catseye Beach!
- Getting there: Located off Resort Drive, within a 10 minute walk of the Hamilton Island Marina Ferry Terminal
Hideaway Beach
Aside from Catseye Beach, most of the best beaches on Hamilton Island are accessible by hiking. Hamilton Island has an incredible network of trails, so go for a scenic forest hike and reward yourself with a refreshing swim at a spectacular beach!
Hideaway Beach is a serene destination that you can reach via a 2km hike along the Scenic Trail. The walk is easy and flat, and usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour return. So this is one of the shorter beach walks you can try! Once you arrive at Hideaway Beac, you'll be blessed with a tranquil and relaxed beach away from all the crowds.
- Getting there: Located just east of Catseye Beach, accessible via a 2km hike along the Scenic Trail
Coral Cove
Coral Cove is another one of the best beaches on Hamilton Island! To reach Coral Cove, follow the Scenic Trail to Saddle Junction, then follow the Coral Cove Walking Trail. It's about one hour one-way, so wear some comfortable shoes and get ready to immerse yourself in the Whitsundays' tropical rainforest.
Coral Cove itself is a quiet and stunning beach where you can enjoy calm, turquoise waters, soft white sand, and lovely views of the nearby Lindeman Islands. This is an amazing spot for a picnic and a swim, and there is even a giant wooden swing that makes for fun photos!
- Getting there: Located on the south side of the island, accessible via a 50 minute walk along the Scenic Trail. Head to Saddle Junction first then turn off for the Coral Cove trail.
Escape Beach
Another magical spot to escape the crowds on Hamilton Island is the perfectly-named Escape Beach! To reach this destination, head to the Scenic Trail Entrance and walk to Saddle Junction. From here, follow the trail for about half an hour to Escape Beach. At one hour one-way, this beach is also a little mission so be prepared with comfy shoes and lots of water.
Escape Beach is simply stunning. With crystal clear waters surrounded by rugged rocks and fringed with vibrant palm trees, you'll feel like you've found your own hidden paradise. If you're looking for a full-day adventure, you can complete a long loop walk from Escape Beach that also includes panoramic viewpoints such as South East Head and Passage Peak.
- Getting there: Located on the south side of the island, accessible via a 35-minute walk along the Scenic Trail. Head to Saddle Junction first then turn off for the Escape Beach trail.
Visit Whitehaven Beach from Hamilton Island
While visiting Hamilton Island, don't miss the chance to see the breathtaking Whitehaven Beach! Located just a short boat ride away on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach makes a fun and easy day trip or half-day trip from Hamilton Island. You could also hire a private charter and plan your own itinerary for the day!
However you choose to visit Whitehaven Beach, the journey will be worth it. This marvellous natural phenomenon is worth all the hype it gets! With white silica sand that feels like velvet on your feet, and calm sapphire waters that make for a dreamy swim, snorkel, or paddleboard, Whitehaven Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. Make the trek up to Hill Inlet Lookout for the best views of the swirling sands!
Visit Whitehaven Beach from Hamilton Island on a tour or private charter!
Does Hamilton Island Have Nice Beaches?
Hamilton Island has gorgeous beaches that cater to any type of traveller in the Whitsundays! You can have a glorious beach day with water sports, cocktails, and nearby amenities. Or you can seek out a day of tranquillity and adventure as you hike through the national park to reach a remote and uncrowded beach. Whether you want convenience or seclusion, Hamilton Island has both! Both the popular and uncrowded beaches have postcard-worthy tropical scenery as well, so you can't go wrong with visiting any of Hamilton Island's beaches.
Is It Safe To Swim In The Ocean At Hamilton Island?
The ocean around Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays is safe for swimming, just make sure you wear a stinger suit between November and May. Hamilton Island, like all of the Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland, has an annual stinger season where jellyfish inhabit the seas around the Great Barrier Reef.
Despite these little creatures, you can still enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise Coral Sea. Just wear a full-body lycra suit known as a stinger suit. Any boat tours or private charters will provide these for free during the stinger season! You can also hire them on Hamilton Island. These suits protect your skin against marine stingers, but between June and October you don't need to wear one as the waters are clear and safe!
