7 ways to spend a Hamilton Island honeymoon

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Dreamy scenery to take your breath away and lavish spoils crafted just for couples make a Hamilton Island honeymoon one you’ll cherish forever.

Whether you let the days drift by while swimming in turquoise seas or take part in activities guaranteed to get your heart racing, a Hamilton Island honeymoon is unlike any other. The Whitsundays haven has proven a hit with newlyweds as exceptional dining, elevated accommodation and exhilarating day trips offer lovebirds endless romance. We’ve rounded up some of the standout experiences so you and your beloved can sit back and focus on one another entirely.

1. Book a luxurious couples’ treatment

To assist the gentle transition to Hamilton Island honeymoon life, try the Double Indulgence Package at Spa wumurdaylin . It includes aromatherapy massages, foot and hand rituals, 30-minute ‘Performance’ facials, and head and neck massages.

Spa Wumurdaylin Hamilton Island
Book a treatment at Spa wumurdaylin.

The spa, located within walking distance from Hamilton Island’s Main Pool and tucked right beside the Beach Club, features four rooms designed for couples, in addition to two extravagant Vichy shower rooms that offer a water-jet massage as guests lie horizontally.

Spa wumurdaylin’s signature Soul Temple treatment facilitates the experience to its full potential. The word ‘wumurdaylin’ means dragonfly, symbolising renewal, freedom and beauty, and the spa’s therapists will ensure you and your other half depart feeling completely re-energised.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the exclusive qualia resort, Spa qualia offers its own incredible menu of couples’ treatments just for guests.

spa qualia tranquillity pools
Sample the couples’ treatment menu at Spa qualia. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Choose from three Couples’ Bath Indulgences; the two-hour Botanica, including multiple massages, a bath and a superfood fruit platter, the two-hour Cacao Indulgence, including full-body oil massages, hair and scalp treatments, private use of a Roman bubble bath, a chocolate platter and champagne, and the three-hour Vinotherapie, including full-body massages, body exfoliation and masques, facials, hair and scalp treatments, private use of rain showers and the Roman bath, a fruit platter and your pick of Champagne or pinot noir.

Spa qualia treatment room
Prepare for the ultimate indulgence at Spa qualia. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

2. Hire a stand-up paddleboard

Seeing Hamilton Island’s bewitching blend of towering emerald rainforest and azure seas from a stand-up paddleboard is a seductive proposition, particularly while you’re floating along in your Hamilton Island honeymoon love bubble.

Catseye Beach
Take advantage of the azure waters off Catseye Beach atop a stand-up paddleboard. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Offering a slow-paced start to your day, SUP hire is complimentary for guests while staying at qualia, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, Beach Club and any of Hamilton Island Holiday Homes’ properties.

Stand-up paddleboard near Hamilton Island
Hit the water on a stand-up paddleboard. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

If your honeymoon oasis lies outside of the portfolio, you can still grab gear at the Hamilton Island Beach Sports hut on Catseye Beach, which is exactly where you’ll be cruising out from. The pristine waters of the Coral Sea are teeming with marine life, which is even more beautiful when experienced side-by-side as lovestruck newlyweds.

3. Take a Journey to the Heart Tour

Soaring over Heart Reef, a spectacular heart-shaped composition of coral within the Great Barrier Reef, on a chopper is perhaps the most romantic highlight of any Hamilton Island honeymoon. In addition to providing an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of one of Australia’s most romantic natural wonders, the Journey to the Heart Tour allows couples 90 minutes to explore Heart Reef from the water.

Hamilton Island Air Heart Reef pontoon
Explore Heart Reef from the water on a Journey to the Heart Tour. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

You’ll feel as though you’re living out scenes from a holiday brochure from the moment you arrive at the luxuriously appointed Heart Island Pontoon, complete with a mirrored façade and a small undercover pool. From there, you can snorkel in the lagoon, take a glass-bottom boat tour around Heart Reef, or simply soak up the sun with your lover.

Aerial view of Heart Reef
If there is one tour that should be on your honeymoon itinerary it is this. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

The once-in-a-lifetime tour, which is available to just six guests at a time, also takes in aerial views of magical Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

4. Sip on sunset cocktails at One Tree Hill

Time your arrival to One Tree Hill on a clear afternoon when the aquamarine colours of the Coral Sea have smudged across the surrounding Whitsunday Islands – a truly unforgettable Hamilton Island honeymoon moment. The lookout, located on Hamilton Island’s northern peninsula, features a bar and café that opens from 10am daily, shaking up delicious, summery cocktails and offering dining tables as the sky slowly morphs between red and orange and pink. No filters necessary.

Sunset at One Tree Hill Hamilton Island
Create a truly unforgettable Hamilton Island honeymoon moment at One Tree Hill. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

If you’ve arrived too late to secure a table, it’s all good. Just stroll a few metres over to the grassy hill where you’ll find picnic goers sprawled out with cheese platters and beverages of their own. If you’re visiting without a picnic basket, then snacks, coffees, antipasto boards and other share plates can also be purchased from the café. Plus, the Island Shuttle can get you to the lookout so there’s no stress if you forgot to charge your golf buggy overnight amid all the cuddling you and your partner have been up to.

5. Sail and snorkel Whitehaven Beach

Does the loose agenda of sailing onboard a 47-foot luxury, state-of-the-art catamaran, mooring off empty beaches and exploring tropical islands appeal to you and your new husband or wife? Chartering the magnificent Ricochet vessel has your name written all over it. You don’t need any nautical experience – just a penchant for lazing about, sipping sparkling wine and grazing on gourmet spreads.

Sailing the Whitsundays on a catamaran
Explore tropical islands and deserted beaches on a catamaran. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

There’s a lovely intimacy onboard Ricochet, no matter which charter you opt for, as the vessel accommodates no more than 16 guests. Choose from a Part Day Cruise, operating from 9am to 3.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, a Full Day and Sunset Cruise, operating from 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, or a Sunset Cruise, operating from 4.30pm to 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Couple sit on Whitehaven Beach
Opt for a stop at Whitehaven Beach to take in its beauty together. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Part Day tours sail to Whitehaven and also Chalkie’s Beach for snorkelling excursions on the beautiful fringing reef, while the Full Day option includes a stop at Border Island for snorkelling, the opportunity to walk to Hill Inlet on Whitehaven to spy extraordinary views, and swimming at Betty’s Beach. Both day charters include all snorkelling gear, towels, a gourmet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

6. Book a table for two at Bommie Restaurant

A popular, candlelit spot to pop the question, Bommie Restaurant is also a beautiful venue to celebrate tying the knot. Located within the extravagant Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the waterfront restaurant is moody and sensual, surrounded by sparkling water and filled with fellow loved-up pairs.

Bommie Deck & Restaurant location
Bommie Deck & Restaurant offers the perfect romantic setting for two. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Its kitchen is led by Executive Chef Trent Dawson, who brings culinary experience from a Michelin-starred restaurant in England, and the menu is sensational, showcasing the region’s local produce in sophisticated and innovative ways.

Bommie Deck & Restaurant Drinks
Start your meal with a sundowner. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Elegant floor-to-ceiling sculptures created by artist Glenn Murray dot the dining room which delivers both a three-course menu and a degustation. Further, Bommie is open to guests aged 16 years and over so honeymooners will be free of little ones playing havoc with the ambience.

7. Spend a night with the fish at Reefsuites

Looking for something a bit different? Australia’s first underwater accommodation gives you a unique opportunity to get up and close to the reef’s wildlife without getting wet. Located on a pontoon 39 nautical miles from shore, each suite features floor-to-ceiling views of the spectacular underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to be observed from the comfort of your plush bed.

The bathroom in one of the Reef Suites rooms
Get up close with tropical fish.

To add to the romance, head up to the top deck to enjoy sunset drinks followed by a dining experience under the stars.

Reef suites pontoon near Hamilton Island
An aeriel view of the pontoon.
To discover more activities for the perfect Hamilton Island honeymoon, visit our Hamilton Island hub.
Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

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.

Rockhampton Museum of Art
Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

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.

 Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.