How To Have The Perfect Family Holiday On Hamilton Island

It’s the dream of every parent: the perfect family holiday, where tears and complaints are left at home, replaced by smiles and squeals of excitement. Well, we reckon it’s achievable; all you need is a bangin’ Hamilton Island itinerary.

Arrive in style

Hamilton Island is one of the easiest Great Barrier Reef islands to get to, and there are options to suit every budget.

The most direct way is to fly to Hamilton Island Airport. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

If flight times don’t suit or you want to see Airlie Beach on the mainland as well, book a flight to Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as Proserpine Airport), and then get a shuttle or hire car for he 30-minute trip to Airlie.

You’ll then need to catch a ferry to Hamilton from Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour.

Settle into your hotel

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

When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options depending on the age of your children.

We can’t recommend Reef View Hotel highly enough, as it has everything from twin rooms to two-bedroom suites.

Twin room Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island — A twin room with Coral Sea views at the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island

There is also a large swimming pool and on-site restaurant that serves a great buffet breakfast.

Hamilton island Yacht Club Villas families — The self catering Hamilton Island Yacht Club villas are perfect for families

For somewhere quieter and suitable for self-catering, consider Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas or Palm Bungalows .

Bungalow exterior, Hamilton Island — The affordable Bungalows on Hamilton Island are idyllic island accommodation among palm trees, perfect for families.

If you have a teenager aged 16 or over and are keen to splash out, you won’t want to go past qualia , Hamilton Island’s most prestigious property, if not Australia’s!

qualia Windward pavilion bath — The sumptuous free standing bathtubs with a view of a Windward pavilion, qualia.

In the meantime, adult children (18 and over) and their parents will love the serenity of Beach Club .

Pool, Beach Club Hamilton Island — The infinity edge pool at Hamilton Island’s Beach Club overlooks Catseye Beach.

Buggy time

Now that you’re on Hamilton and bags are unpacked, it’s time to explore, and the best way to get around this car-free paradise is with a golf buggy.

Rest assured that when it comes to getting around with kids, no mode of transport will put bigger smiles on their adorable faces than these open-air vehicles.

Golf Buggy Hamilton Island — The roads on Hamilton Island are all designed for golf buggy transport

Book one with Hamilton Island Buggy Hire and be sure to request a child seat or capsule if you’re travelling with anyone under the age of four.

Enjoy lunch at Marina Village

Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries at Marina Village but one place that will keep everyone happy is Marina Tavern .

Marina Tavern Lunch, Hamilton Island — The Marina Tavern on Hamilton Island serves up relaxed pub food.

Think generous pub meals in a laid-back atmosphere.

For focaccias, juices and barista coffee, chill out at Marina Café , where you’ll find plenty of other families enjoying the easy-going vibe.

A sweet treat

After lunch, pop into Hamilton Island Ice Cream Parlour (after all, it’s highly likely the kids have already spotted it).

All your classic flavours are available, along with double-dipped chocolate waffle cones, overloaded sundaes and milkshakes.

Beach time

Climb back into the buggy and make your next stop Catseye Beach , one of Hamilton’s main attractions.

Burn off lunch with an afternoon swim or call into Hamilton Island Beach Sports for water-sports fun.

Hire a catamaran, paddleboard, kayak, windsurfer or simply grab a mask, snorkel and flippers to explore the underwater treasures just off shore.

Out on the water

If you want an injection of adrenaline, there are a tonne of activities to suit all ages.

Family fun on the Great Barrier Reef. Float plane tours from Hamilton Island take you to a private slice of the Great Barrier Reef.

Hamilton Island Watersports, at Marina Village, can take you parasailing, with all children required to be accompanied by an adult, and kids as young as four allowed to join in the fun.

You’ll also have a hoot taking the kids tube riding, wakeboarding or water skiing, all of which are also offered by Hamilton Island Watersports and are offered daily.

If neither of those takes your fancy, there are also jet-ski, jet-boat, fishing and sailing tours.

Soak in the sunset

After all of that action, you’ve earned some down time and one of the best places to enjoy it is atop One Tree Hill .

One Tree Hill Sunset, Hamilton Island — Definitely do not leave Hamilton Island without enjoying at lease one sunset from the top of One Tree Hill.

Roll out a blanket and snuggle up as you soak in the views of the Whitsundays as the sky turns tangerine.

Parents can enjoy a glass of Champagne or cocktail from the bar, too.

Island dining

Before you fall asleep or are tempted by another beverage, take your buggy back down the hill to the marina for dinner.

TAKO Food Hamilton Island — TAKO at Hamilton Island’s marina serves Mexican shared plates.

For something a little different, grab a table at TAKO , where you can enjoy share plates of regional Mexican cuisine.

Try the signature dish, octopus taco, and don’t be shy to ask about the kids-stay-and-eat-free deal.

TAKO Interior Hamilton Island — Share Mexican food on the deck at Hamilton Island’s Tako restaurant Marina.

If you’re not a fan of Mexican, pull up a chair at Romano’s , where you’re guaranteed to find a pasta dish the kids can’t fault.

Romanos Hamilton Island Food — Romano’s home made pasta with bruschetta is served on the deck overlooking Hamilton Island’s Marina.

Or, if you’re there on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday, unfurl your picnic rug at Marina Daze and chow down on a char-grilled barbecue while listening to live music. Bliss.

For the rest of your stay, all you need to do is eat, sleep and repeat.

Or, you can try some of Hamilton Island’s other fun-filled activities. Check out our family-friendly guide here.

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.

How to have the perfect family holiday on Hamilton Island