What is the Best Island in the Whitsundays?
There are 74 islands that populate the waters of the Whitsundays, and of those 74 islands, Hamilton is the best. When each is as stunning as the next and all have their individual little charms, deciding which is best is no easy task. In fact, it’s a task akin to Sophie’s Choice; how does one choose their favourite child? So, how did we come to this conclusion, you may wonder? I’m glad you asked.
And it has to be said, Hamilton Island excels in all of these areas. Not only does Hamilton have all of the comforts and facilities of the mainland, but it has a myriad of added bonuses that come with its status as a luxury tropical island. So, let’s break down why we think Hamilton is the best island in the Whitsundays ...
Accessibility
First thing first, Hamilton Island is beyond easy to get to. it doesn't matter whether you're going for a day, a week or a month, the island will welcome you with open arms and won't make you jump through hoops or island hop to get there. Take a 30-minute ferry, catch a plane and touch down on the airport's landing strip, or fly in style via a privately chartered chopper — ooh la la.
Not only is Hamilton Island hella easy to get to, it's also just as easy to get around once you're there. If you've never ridden in a golf buggy, now is your chance! Buggies are by far the most popular way to get from A to B on Hamilton, and they're available to hire from two shacks, one is Resort Side and the other is by the airport. Buggies can be hired for as little as $119 a day, and will take you almost anywhere you want to go on the island.
Accommodation
It’s no secret that Hamilton is the most well-known island in the Whitsundays, it’s truly in a league of its own. It’s also the largest, which means there is ample space for a larger variety and selection of accommodations — you got options. From hotels to bungalows, holiday homes and Airbnbs, Hamilton doesn’t fall short on places to sleep.
Having the largest variety of accommodation options brings with it a broad spectrum of prices, so no matter how deep or shallow your pockets are you can find something that fits just right. The Reef View Hotel is suited to families with children, while the Beach Club is perfect for loved-up honeymooners and romance-obsessed vacationers. One Tree Hill’s five-star Qualia offers a luxury escape for those with a taste for the finer things in life, as does the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, which is also in extremely convenient proximity to Hamilton Island’s 18-hole golf course.
Activities
Speaking of golf courses, Hamilton Island Golf Club is a world-class, PGA Championship facility designed by golf pro, Peter Thomson — built by golf lovers for golf lovers. So go wild (as wild as you can get on a golf course) and tear up the greens with your hot shots! Of course, golf is just one of the many leisurely activities awaiting you on Hamilton Island. Since we’re in the Whitsundays, sailing, scuba and snorkelling are simply a must, and there are multitudes of tours departing from Hamilton to make the wildest of your nautical fantasies come true. Explore the vibrant coral gardens of the Outer Reef or stay close to the island’s shores and snorkel through fringing reefs. Take it slow and set sail into the sunset on a romantic afternoon to evening boozy cruise through the glory of the Whitsundays, or amp it up and go toe to tooth with wild crocs on a wildlife safari.
Hamilton Island clocks in at about 5km² of land and three-quarters of that is national parkland, making the island a hiker’s paradise. So slip on your walking shoes and explore any one of (or all of!) the nine hiking trails. After you’re ready to cool off, head down to Hamilton Island Watersports to hire a jetski, dinghy, or kayak, or book in for a banana boat ride, tube ride, or parasail. Seriously, there’s almost nothing these guys don’t do!
No matter whether you’re a born and bred Aussie or a tourist from some far-flung land, you couldn't leave Hamilton without getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s most beloved creatures. Head to the Wildlife Park (on the Resort Side) to cuddle a koala and see dingoes, wombats, birds, crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles.
And if your trip coincides with the months of or between June and September, keep an eye out for whales passing through the waters on their annual migration journey.
Dining
Whether you want to keep it casual or you’re keen to get bougie and fork out the big bucks for some fine dining, Hamilton Island has got something in store for your tastebuds. From Asian fusion (Coca Chu) and tried-and-true Italian (Romano’s) to relaxed Australian cuisine (Manta Ray) and endlessly satisfying Mexican (Tako), there’s something to put a smile on every member of the family’s dial. And for the fiscally conscious family, kids eat free at Tako, Sails, Pool Terrace and Manta Ray!
If you’re travelling sans kids (AKA a real holiday), there are also several bars worth stopping by. Hit up One Tree Hill in the midst of the luxury district for a romantic wine and cheese complete with a view, Reef Lounge on the ground floor of the Reef Hotel for a low-key bev, or Island Bar if you prefer your poison with a side of swimming (it’s a swim-up bar, if you didn’t already guess).
For the waking hours, there are a multitude of cafes and eateries to while away your holiday-mode hours and read at or upload your extensive gallery of Insta posts.
