8 of the best Hamilton Island beaches and pools for island bliss

It isn’t a tropical escape until you dip your toes into a magical Hamilton Island beach, pool or secluded swimming spot.

When the sun’s beaming, adventure-fuelled day trips and fancy dining experiences are often switched out for a picture-perfect Hamilton Island beach or pool. Situated right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, emerald green and brilliant blue waters prove too tempting to refuse, and so, treasured holiday memories are made while gentle waves wander, sea life drifts and scoots, and cocktails are shaken around you.

Hamilton Island beaches and coves

A small but sensational spread of Hamilton Island beaches and coves offer a calming remedy to thick tropical heat. While the island’s most popular beach is easy to access and houses ample real estate to frolic, more secluded options also beckon. Pick your poison after taking stock of what you’re dreaming about — secluded beauty, once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling, or something in between?

1. CATSEYE BEACH

relaxing in a hammock on Catseye Beach — Relax in a hammock on Catseye Beach. (Image: Jason Hill/Tourism & Events Queensland)

With its soft ocean sway and extra-long stretch of white sand, Catseye Beach will always top everyone’s most majestic Hamilton Island beaches list. Located right in front of many of the Island’s big hotels and boutique accommodation options, it may get busy, but it’s never crammed. When sand flats rise at low tide, young families should seize the opportunity to splash safely with their youngsters. If you prefer swimming and a show, grab a snorkel and flippers from Catseye’s Hamilton Island Beach Sports hut and venture out to multiple Hamilton Island snorkelling spots right off the shore. Sea turtles and even whales are known to drop by, providing cosy company to resident marine life.

2. CORAL COVE

Don’t be surprised if you fail to spot another beach-hopper during your visit to Coral Cove, found via a one-hour, one-way walk from the start of the Coral Cove walking trail’s Scenic Trail entrance (which also made our list of the best Hamilton Island hikes). This paradise on earth is one of the most secluded beaches to explore.

It’s the stuff of holiday dreams – powdery, golden sand, an entire azure colour wheel to slink into, and uninterrupted views out to Lindeman Islands. The icing on the cake is the giant wooden swing, built into the sand and ready to ride.

3. ESCAPE BEACH

two people arriving at Escape Beach, Hamilton Island — Escape Beach offers respite from the heat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re prepared to hot-foot it beyond Coral Cove, Escape Beach is another beautiful Hamilton Island beach dishing up respite from the heat. As the name suggests, you’ll feel completely off-grid here, protected from many natural elements by huge dramatic rock outcrops. Light waves crash with ease, often making for slightly more active swimming conditions than fellow beaches, but like everything on Hamilton Island, the mood on Escape Beach is mellow, welcoming and warm. You’ll also spy a giant hammock to photograph, sure to break up your camera’s all-blue-everything photo roll.

4. HIDEAWAY BEACH

Situated far closer to that Scenic Trail entrance is Hideaway Bay, a gorgeous Hamilton Island beach that offers spectacular views out to the Whitsunday Islands and peaceful waters to wade in. It’s a little bit rockier than Catseye Beach, but the lack of loud groups and constant foot traffic adds to the unmistakable laid-back atmosphere of this secret spot. Even better news, the trail to the beach is flat and easy to navigate, making for a relatively easy journey with your beach gear in tow.

5. SOUTHERN LEADS BEACH

A great option for holidaymakers on the verge of flying out of the island is Southern Leads Beach, located next to Hamilton Island airport. Offering calm swimming conditions, picnic tables, palm trees serving welcomed shade and soft golden sand, the Hamilton Island beach is a quiet stretch that attracts only a few at a time. Glittering waters abound, however, making it a bit of a local’s secret.

Hamilton Island swimming pools

Connecting to nature at a Hamilton Island beach certainly has its place – but so does unwinding in the destination’s luxurious, painstakingly maintained pools. Each one purpose-built for visitors of varying descriptions, the pools shimmer with sparkling clear waters and comfortable, creative ways to keep those trademark views in sight. From infinity and resort-style designs to splash zones for the littlest of bubs, Hamilton Island pools deserve dedicated time of their own.

6. MAIN POOL

the expansive Main Pool on Hamilton Island — The Main Pool has a swim-up bar for an added indulgence. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Did somebody say swim-up bar? If you’ve been craving a quintessential tropical holiday experience, heading to Main Pool ’s swim-up bar to set up shop for the afternoon is highly advised. Mixing up cocktail classics, including non-negotiable frozen Pina Coladas, the thatched-roofed sanctuary is undoubtedly the beating heart of this Hamilton Island pool. It’s open from sunrise to sunset daily. If you can’t manage to squeeze your smaller kids into the nearby Clownfish Kids Club , head to the northern end of Main Pool, away from the bar and right beside a children’s playground, for a less-populated slice of swimming heaven tailored to kids.

7. SAILS POOL

the Sails Pool surrounded by palm trees — Enjoy the unobstructed backdrop of Catseye Bay and mountain-dotted horizon views. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Ready for your pool selfie moment? The tiny-but-mighty Sails Pool can be found in the centre of the action right opposite Main Pool and next to Sails restaurant. While it lacks the sun lounges and vast shade other Hamilton Island pools boast, this pool is treated to an unobstructed backdrop of Catseye Bay and mountain-dotted horizon views. A dreamy spot to immortalise your escape.

8. BOUGAINVILLEA POOL

an aerial view of Bougainvillea Pool on Catseye Beach — Bougainvillea Pool is a tranquil oasis behind Catseye Beach.

Designed with the littlest of humans in mind, Bougainvillea Pool is the place to be for families. A shallow toddler-friendly section is littered with tiny feet and an adjacent splash pool offers further fun, all while ensuring kids enjoy Hamilton Island safely.

Even better, the pool is right behind Catseye Beach, so if attention spans are waning, scooping bubs up and heading to the sand for a change of scenery should do the trick.

Hamilton Island pools for hotel guests

the swimming pool at the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island — The 35-metre Reef View Hotel Pool is surrounded by palm trees. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Craving smaller crowds and convenient on-site access? If you’re staying at several Hamilton Island hotels, exclusive swimming sanctuaries have your name all over it.

Beloved options include the Reef View Hotel Pool , located out front of the hotel’s Pool Terrace restaurant, Beach Club ’s infinity-edge pool, right off Catseye Beach and heated for an optimal cooler month-dips, Yacht Club Villas ’ waterfront pool, and Hidden Cove Hamilton Island ’s infinity pool. Rest assured that if you’re paying top dollar, you’ll be rewarded for it.

Discover the best things to do on Hamilton Island.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.