Top 13 Things For Families To Do On Hamilton Island

There’s more to Hamilton Island than resort pools and swanky restaurants. For the ultimate family holiday, check out these top activities for young and old.

All yours – sailing the Whitsundays around Hamilton Island (photo: Elise Hassey).

Go sailing

The Whitsundays are renowned Australia-wide for being the perfect place to learn to sail, and plenty of people do, thanks to numerous bare-boating charter options .

Catamaran Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island — One of the great activities on Hamilton Island is catamaran sailing in the protected waters around Catseye Beach

However, if you’re looking for a sailing experience while keeping your feet planted on solid ground (that is, Hamilton) at night, then consider hiring a mini catamaran. Kids and adults can try their hand at sailing these two-hulled catamarans around the safe waters of Catseye Bay.

If that sounds too daunting, sign up for a private or group lesson. Check in with Hamilton Island Beach Sports on Catseye Beach to find out when the wind and tides are suitable, and ask your hotel staff if it includes complimentary hire.

Hire a dinghy

If hiring a catamaran isn’t for you, don’t worry. You don’t have to hoist a sail and learn the ropes to enjoy a day on the water in the Whitsundays. Charter a dinghy from Hamilton Island Tour Desk and take the family on a half- or full-day sightseeing, swimming or fishing excursion.

Pack a picnic and go ashore at a hidden cove for a lunch to remember, or jump overboard for family snorkelling fun.

If you want to go fishing, you can pick up the basics at Hamilton Island Marina. Parents take note: no boating experience is required.

Learn how to fish

If you’re keen to go fishing but don’t know your squid jigs from your spinnerbaits, sign up for a tour. Renegade Fishing Charters runs half- and full-day excursions from Hamilton Island around the Whitsundays, with all gear included.

You can join a shared charter or, if you’re travelling with extended family or friends, book a private charter (children must be aged 6–14 years). Expect to reel in coral trout, snapper and cod, among other species. Once you return to the marina you can organise to have a Hamilton Island chef cook your catch for dinner. Not bad for a hard day at sea.

Day-trip to Whitehaven Beach

It’s the star attraction of the Whitsundays and the subject of thousands of Instagram snaps, but what we love about Whitehaven Beach is how kid-friendly it is. The aqua water meanders away from the white-sand shore, creating a shallow and safe play area for babies and small children.

To get there from Hamilton, you can join a Cruise Whitsundays’ tour , which calls into the island after departing Airlie Beach, the main town servicing the region.

Or, you can join Explore’s Sail & Snorkel Whitehaven and Chalkies Beach full-day excursion (minimum age is five). Running daily (from April) between 8.30am and 4pm, you’ll get to cruise around the Whitsundays, swim at Whitehaven, enjoy an on-board buffet lunch and snorkel at Chalkies (keep your eyes peeled for turtles). Snorkelling gear, stinger suits and life vests are provided.

Snorkelling Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island — A trip to Hamilton Island is not complete without a trip to snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef

Reef snorkelling and diving

If snorkelling at Chalkies whets your appetite for more underwater adventure, Explore also offers a half-day Snorkel & Dive Whitsunday Islands tour . Departing from Hamilton Island, you’ll be taken to the best snorkel sites to spend two hours swimming around the region’s coral reefs.

The tours operate frequently, however certified diving is only available on Mondays and Fridays. The minimum age for snorkelling is five, while divers need to be 14 years or older.

Make time for ice-cream

Put the paleo bars away for an afternoon and shout the kids, and yourself, a treat from the Ice Cream Parlour down at Marina Village. Go all out and order a sundae or double chocolate-coated waffle cone.

If you prefer gelato, there are 12 flavours to pick from at Pizzeria and Gelato Bar across the way. While you’re there, why not grab a slab of pepperoni pizza for dinner, too?

Pool, Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island — The 35m pool at the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island, has plenty of space for families

Swim in the pools or at the beach

There are plenty of pools to enjoy on Hamilton Island, including the popular 35-metre pool at Reef View Hotel .

However, if you’re craving a little sand and salt, you’ll want to head to Catseye Beach.

Catseye Beach Hamilton island — The view of Catseye Beach from the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island

Go for a swim or hire a stand-up paddleboard, catamaran, windsurfer or kayak from Hamilton Island Beach Sports. You can also pick up snorkelling gear here, or join a guided snorkelling tour.

Race around the island on a quad bike or go kart

Who knew quad biking or go karting was a thing on Hamilton Island?

For a tropical adventure that’s bound to get your little ones’ hearts racing, make time for a session or two of Quads for Kids. Children aged between six and 14 can zoom around a quad-bike circuit for 15 minutes.

They’ll get a safety briefing beforehand and be guided by experienced instructors, so there’s no need to worry. The tour times change depending on the season, so ask your hotel information desk when checking in. Riders will need long pants and closed shoes, so don’t forget to pack them.

If they’re smiling from ear to ear after that experience, take the kids along to the go-kart track and ride with them.

The quad biking and go-karting are located at Palm Valley Activities and there are age and height restrictions, so call ahead.

Hit the water on a jet ski

Keep the adrenaline pumping on a jet-ski tour around the Whitsundays.

This is a great family activity, as Mum or Dad can be the main rider, with a child above the age of 12 as a passenger. An instructor will show you the ropes before taking you to some of Hamilton Island’s secret spots and to outer channels.

Aside from the fun factor, the tour is a great way to learn about the aquatic environment and you may be lucky enough to spot turtles and whales. The hour-long tours run daily (weather dependent) and depart from the marina.

Go for a spin in a jet boat

Teenagers will love thrashing around the waters off Hamilton on a jet-boat.

The HI Watersports Jetryder Tour is 30 minutes of high-speed action during which you’re bound to get soaked.

Mini wild ones will have to wait until they’re older for this tour, with children needing to be at least 1.2 metres tall. There is also a maximum age restriction of 65 years.

The tours run regularly from Marina Village and life jackets are provided.

Strike out at bowling

If you’re visiting during the tropical summer (January to March) and get caught in a downpour, or you’re craving time out of the sun, head along to Island Bowling . Open from 1.30pm until 9pm daily, you can test out your skills at nine-pin bowling (yes nine, not 10) at Hamilton Island Resort Centre, next to Beach Club hotel.

Turn up the fun factor by playing at night when the lanes, pins and balls glow in the dark. Ask for the bumpers and ramps if you have young children.

Putt putt with glowing balls

For outdoor fun that doesn’t involve swimmers and sand, enjoy a round of mini golf near the Sports Club.

If you loved night-time bowling then you’ll want to try glow-in-the-dark putt putt, too. It’s on between 6pm–8pm, while daytime hours tee off at 6am.

Meet a koala

Create long-lasting moments for your kids by signing them up for a cuddly koala photo op at WILD LIFE Hamilton Island .

Situated not far from the major resorts, this island animal park is open daily and also includes a breakfast with koalas. If you prefer your animal meet-and-greets not so cute and fluffy, put your hand up for a dingo, snake or bird photo encounter instead.

The park is also home to kangaroos and a crocodile, and you can learn about them on guided tours.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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The 13 best things to do for families on Hamilton Island