11 Best Day Trips From Hamilton Island

From scenic flights to yacht charters to total immersion in the Great Barrier Reef, here’s how to make the most of your day trips from Hamilton Island.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and close to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island is the ideal launching pad to explore the wonders of the Whitsundays. And while there’s plenty to keep you entertained on the island itself – think sunset cocktails, bushwalking, spa treatments, pool time and paddleboarding – a handful of off-island adventures can extend holiday memories even further. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from Hamilton Island…

1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a catamaran

It’s the world’s largest coral reef and one of the reasons you’re here, so get acquainted with the Great Barrier Reef in style through Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure .

The Hamilton Island day trip begins with a two-hour catamaran cruise out to Reefworld, a pontoon located on the beautiful Hardy Reef, found 39 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. From there, you’ll spend four hours dipping your toes in a range of activities both above and below the water.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef from the Reefworld Pontoon. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Snorkel to your heart’s content, with all gear including wetsuits and stinger suits included, alongside tropical fish and more than 1,400 types of coral. Alternatively, opt for a guided reef safari to learn more about what you’re seeing.

Snorkel with Explore Great Barrier Reef — Take a guided reef safari for a more informed experience. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

If you don’t fancy getting wet, that’s fine too. Take your spot in Reefworld’s 50-seat semi-submarine where you’ll explore extraordinary sea life from a groper-viewing hole in its underwater chamber. The trip includes morning tea, a buffet lunch, and afternoon tea.

2. Sleep overnight on the Great Barrier Reef

Upgrade your Hamilton Island day trip on Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld by staying overnight – above deck, or below at Australia’s first underwater hotel. Once the day’s crowds depart, you’ll have the pontoon all to yourself to relax with a sunset drink and enjoy an al fresco dinner prepared by the onboard chef.

Reefsuites — Sleep under the stars at Reefsleep in a pod. (Image: Irjaliina Paavonpera)

Come nightfall, choose the Reefsleep experience to snooze under the stars in one of 12 Reefsleep pods, fitted with a queen-size mattress and complete with a zip-up hood. If you book well in advance, you might instead head below deck to one of the two Reefsuites , which come in either king double or twin single configurations. Your underwater room offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls for an uninterrupted perspective on the Great Barrier Reef. Food and beverages are included in your stay and you’ll depart Reefworld for Hamilton Island at 11am the next morning.

3. Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef

If you’re a particularly keen snorkeller or scuba diver, join Explore’s Full Day Snorkel or Dive Tour which transports small groups to less-visited areas of the Great Barrier Reef.

Bait Reef Snorkelling — Soak up the wonder of snorkelling at Bait Reef. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Suitable for both beginner and certified divers, this Hamilton Island day trip includes a stop at Bait Reef, a world-renowned diving location protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and featuring spectacular coral gardens, underwater canyons, swim throughs and breathtaking walls, as well as visits to popular dive sites Stepping Stones, Paradise Lagoon and Banjouras Lagoon.

Bait Reef Snorkel & Dive Tour — Bait Reef is a world-renowned diving location. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

If it’s snorkelling that’s caught your eye, the trip also offers incredible opportunities to bobble at your own pace at Bait Reef. The day’s itinerary also includes visits to more of the world’s best dive sites around Northern Hook Island. You’re guaranteed at least three and a half hours spent on location, plus morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

4. Sail out to wonderous Whitehaven Beach

Located just a 30-minute dash on a high-speed catamaran from Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach’s white silica sand and dazzling waters make it one of the jewels in the Whitsundays crown. It’s no surprise that Hamilton Island offers several day trips and tours, however, Cruise Whitsundays’ Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill experience is a standout.

Hill Inlet Whitsundays — Float in the crystal-clear waters of Hill Inlet. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

This full-day tour includes guided walks to Hill Inlet and Lookout and the Whitehaven Beach Lookout, stinger suits for snorkelling and an array of beach games to keep you entertained.

But if it’s the ‘chill’ and ‘grill’ elements that grabbed you, a fresh-grilled, gourmet burger and the promise to keep you on Whitehaven for up to six glorious hours should satisfy.

SUP Whitehaven Beach — Explore Whitehaven Beach at your leisure. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Alternatively, charter your own private yacht from Hamilton Island to discover the hot spot at your leisure.

5. Helicopter or plane ride over the Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, with their otherworldly swirls of creamy sand and turquoise water, are a sight to behold from above – and you can hop on a seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island to see it all for yourself.

Scenic flight above Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach — Take a scenic flight above Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

One to indulge? Hamilton Island Air’s Reef & Beach Explorer by Seaplane is a thrilling two-hour and 45-minute experience that encompasses a scenic flight around the Whitsundays, offering guests a grand sweep of the scale and majesty of the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Heart Reef.

Elevating your day trip further, you’ll land right off Whitehaven Beach where chilled sparkling wine will be poured as you hit the sand and unwind.

Land at Whitehaven Beach via seaplane — Indulge with Hamilton Island Air’s Reef & Beach Explorer by Seaplane tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Spend the afternoon at Heart Reef

A flyover of the stunning Heart Reef – a coral composition naturally formed into the shape of a love heart – has long been a Whitsundays non-negotiable. But guests of Hamilton Island also have the opportunity to see it from an up-close-and-personal perspective thanks to the exclusive Heart Island , a luxury and sustainably designed pontoon located in a neighbouring lagoon.

Fly over Heart Reef or stay for a snorkel and swim at Heart Island. (Image: Salty Wings)

A maximum of just six guests at a time are invited on a 30-minute helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef, before disembarking on the pontoon’s private helipad where a staircase awaits to escort the tour to a rest area offering champagne and canapés. From there, 90 minutes can be spent either snorkelling and swimming in the lagoon, on board a glass-bottom boat ride around Heart Reef itself, or simply relaxing on a lounge bed amid the azure paradise before flying back to Hamilton Island.

Heart Reef Island's pontoon — Arrive by helicopter at Heart Reef Island’s pontoon. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Hire a motorised dinghy to explore the islands

Jumping aboard a motorised dinghy via the Hamilton Island Tour Desk will give you the ultimate freedom to explore the Whitsundays as you please. With six-hour rentals available to groups of up to six people with no licence or experience required, you’re free to sail at your own pace in local waters between Hamilton and Dent Islands. Departing from the Hamilton Island Marina, your charter will give you the perfect chance to snorkel, picnic, fish and swim on beautiful Henning Island Beach, a serene spot within Whitsundays Islands National Park. Otherwise, simply drift along with the gentle sea breeze.

8. Charter a boat to tour the Whitsundays

Keen to go a hop, skip and jump further? Charter a vessel from any number of operators working out of Hamilton Island, including Freedom Charters (good for families and small groups, with a range of boats to choose from), Ricochet Yachting (a boutique sailing experience that’s known for luxurious comfort and high speeds) and Alani (luxury yachts for groups of up to 35). They all come with an experienced skipper or crew, plus the freedom to customise your own itinerary.

Sailing the Whitsundays — Charter a boat and explore the Whitsundays at your own pace. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

For something special, charter the heritage yacht Lady Enid , a beautiful timber boat that was built in 1961. Having competed in five Sydney to Hobart races, the rare historical artefact is available for private hire by groups of up to 24 guests for up to eight hours per day. Enjoy a full day out at Whitehaven Beach and the opportunity to set the sails and helm the vessel yourself, or just kick back and relax.

Sail the Whitsundays — Sailing the Whitsundays needs to be on your must-do list when visiting Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Learn how to fish

For some, the Whitsundays’ raft of tropical islands, reef drop-offs and estuaries prove the perfect destination to throw a line out – but even the keenest of fishers mightn’t know where to start. Luckily, angling excursions from Hamilton Island with Topnotch Game Fishing offer good guidance.

Join a half-day shared charter or book a half or full-day private charter of its vessel The Pirate, catering for up to eight passengers in addition to two crew members, to help navigate your journey around far-flung Whitsundays hot spots.

Get ready to reel in anything from coral trout, snapper and cod to tuna, trevally, black marlin, and Spanish mackerel, plus whales are commonly sighted between June and September. At the end of the day, the crew will prepare your catch for you to take back to your accommodation, or for an extra cost, they can arrange a local restaurant to cook it up for you.

10. Play golf on Dent Island

One of the most unique – and not to mention scenic – of its kind in Australia, the Hamilton Island Golf Club occupies its very own patch of paradise. Sitting pretty on Dent Island, a five-minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island, its 18-hole championship course designed by five-time British Open winner, Peter Thomson, sits in an elevated position and offers incredible views across the Whitsundays. Follow your game with a long lunch at the Hamilton Island Golf Club Clubhouse, which looks out over Passage Peak and the Coral Sea, and is one of the best spots to see humpback whales during their migration.

Gold on Dent Island in the Whitsundays — Take the 5-minute ferry to Dent Island for a day of gold at Hamilton Island Golf Club. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

11. Zip across the water on a jet ski

Hit the throttle and discover the outskirts of Hamilton Island on a jet ski tour around the Whitsundays’ waterways.

Depart for your jet ski tour Hamilton Island — Depart Hamilton Island for a jet ski tour of its picturesque waterways. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Experienced instructors guide Hamilton Island Jet Ski Tours around the calm waters of the Coral Sea where you may spot seasonal marine life such as whales and turtles during your one-hour adventure.

Jet Ski Instructors on Hamilton Island — You’ll be guided by experienced instructors. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You’re also invited to cut the engine as you pull up at hidden beaches around the back of the Island and take in the abundance of lush bushland that blankets 70 per cent of the Island.

Zip around Hamilton Island on a jet ski — The tour will give you a chance to explore a different side of the island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

How to get to Hamilton Island

You’ll feel a million miles away from home once you arrive but thankfully there are several easy ways to travel to Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island Airport sees direct flights with Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, while Hamilton Island Air services direct flight transfers from Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) and Whitsunday Airport (Shute Harbour).

Hamilton Island aerial view of the pool — Bliss awaits on Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Ferries also travel from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island, with coaches running from Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns to the Port of Airlie transport terminal, right at the ferry departure spot.

The Spirit of Queensland rail journey also runs five times a week return from Brisbane to Cairns, to Proserpine, with coach connections to the Port of Airlie and the Hamilton Island ferry.

Prefer driving? The 1,100-kilometre drive north from Brisbane to Shute Harbour will take approximately 12 hours. Follow the Bruce Highway to Proserpine, then take the exit to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

How to island hop from Hamilton Island

Did you know you don’t need a licence to hire a yacht and sail around the Whitsundays on your own? It’s one of the few destinations in the world with such relaxed regulations, so take advantage by chartering your own adventure through Go Bareboating , which offers access to several private charter companies.

If you prefer to let somebody else steer the ship, ferry services through Cruise Whitsundays are a great option. Island transfers are available between Hamilton Island Airport and Hamilton Island Marina, Airlie Beach, Daydream Island, and Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. The vessels are air-conditioned and fitted with bars serving food and beverages to get you to your destinations comfortably.

Planning an island escape? Read more travel tips in our guide to 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.

11 incredible day trips from Hamilton Island