15 of the best things to do on Hamilton Island

There are plenty more things to do on Hamilton Island than sip on cocktails and catch magnificent sunsets.

While lazing the day away in a beachfront hammock might be enough for some, there are so much enriching things to do in Hamilton Island. From action-packed day trips around the Whitsundays and spectacular hiking trails, to exquisite adults-only experiences and secluded swimming spots, there are surprises in store around every corner.

Here is our selection of the best things to do on Hamilton Island.

1. Embark on a cultural tour

a Cultural Island Discovery with Robbie Congoo tour on Hamilton Island — The Cultural Island Discovery with Robbie Congoo tour takes you through The Whitsundays to Hook Island. (Image: Lean Timms)

Uncover the island’s ancient roots aboard a Cultural Island Discovery with Robbie Congoo tour. Operated by the expert team at qualia, one of the most luxurious Hamilton Island accommodation offerings, the top thing to do in Hamilton Island was launched in January 2025, instantly endearing guests through its scenic motor yacht sweep of the Whitsunday Islands. Just add insightful rock paintings, commentary on native flora and fauna from Ngaro man and tour guide Robbie, and a champagne and canapé reception laced with native ingredients, and you’ve got a remarkable four-hour expedition you won’t forget any time soon.

2. Sink cold ones in palm-fringed beer gardens

the beer garden at The Palms, Hamilton Island — Unwind in the beer garden at The Palms. (Image: Hamilton Island Enterprises)

Forget faux grass and flimsy plastic chairs. On Hamilton Island, beer garden life is pure deluxe, with its outposts providing idyllic water views and warm sea breezes to tousle your hair. The newest in the fold is The Palms , unveiled in December 2024 and located right by the marina. Settle in for a string of slow-cooked meats and live music. There’s also the long-loved Bommie Deck over by the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, a glamorous scene that juts guests out over the water. Get there early enough to steal a seat at sundown when 50 shades of tangerine light up the sky.

3. Live like a star at Hamilton Island Race Week

a yacht sailing during the Hamilton Island Race Week — Come August, fast-cruising yachts sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week.

Roping in an annual influx of hard-core yachties, Hamilton Island Race Week is filled with sensational events. Staged from August 16 to 23, 2025, this year’s celebration will mark 40 years around the sun, so you can expect even more rivalry (and elaborate shindigs) than ever before. As of April, more than 100 entries had registered their vessel, including a Californian-based JPK 11.8 and a first-generation TP52 from New Zealand. If that means nothing to you, you may be far more enticed by the likelihood of roaming margarita trucks, food stalls, mobile champagne and oyster carts and pop-up gin gardens — and that’s before the island’s top eateries unveil their own exclusive events. Trust us, it’s a scene you’ll struggle to part with.

4. Indulge in exceptional fine dining

the fine dining menu at Catseye Pool Club, Hamilton Island — Catseye Pool Club is the ultimate fine dining destination at The Sundays. (Image: Christopher Pearce)

Speaking of Hamilton Island’s best restaurants, don’t miss ticking off your list next time you’re in town. The newest to set the island alight is Catseye Pool Club , located at The Sundays and serving as the first Sunshine State brainchild of Josh and Julie Niland of Sydney’s Saint Peter. Expect flavour bombs tickled with the freshest of local produce when doors open on April 24, 2025. Pebble Beach at qualia continues to dazzle at lunch, while Coca Chu on Catseye Beach is the place to go for big Asian flavours served alongside zesty cocktails.

5. Dabble in some retail therapy

The Deckhouse retail shop, Hamilton Island — Shop for jewellery and fashionable items at The Deckhouse. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

If you’ve brought along extra play money, seize the opportunity to refresh your holiday wardrobe. The Marina Shopping Village on Front Street offers a one-stop-shopping fix, featuring stores like SALT Swim and Resortwear stocking Kivari, Seafolly and Soleil Soleil, Hamilton Island Designs selling designer labels, and The Deckhouse offering up bougie sailing brands and labels including Scotch & Soda, Palm Noosa and Zulu & Zephyr.

6. Tackle stunning Hamilton Island hikes and walks

Things to do on Hamilton Island — Climb atop the three-metre-tall timber chair at the end of South East Head Trail. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Walking very far mightn’t be the first thing that comes to mind on Hamilton Island, but its trails and treks offers some of Australia’s most serene vantage points and bushland, which in fact make up 70 per cent of the Island. Fill a backpack with sunscreen and snacks to thoroughly explore a network of trails, including the beloved Passage Peak, sitting pretty at the highest point of Hamilton Island. Starting at the Scenic Trail entrance at the east end of Catseye Beach, it winds through sea grass and light forest before a steep flight of steps takes you to the top and 360-degree views of the Whitsundays await.

South East Head Trail’s grand finale offers another sight to behold – a three-metre-tall timber chair, crying out to be snapped for your holiday slide show.

Meanwhile, the Coral Cove walk follows its lead, steering you to its own main attraction: an enormous swing. Escape Beach’s trail presents its own oversized landmark in a giant hammock, rounding out some of the Island’s most likeable fodder for your social media feed.

7. Laze upon beautiful beaches and coves

Catseye Beach as seen from above, Hamilton Island — Catseye Beach is located in front of the biggest luxury resorts on Hamilton Island.

While Hamilton Island is famed for plenty of things to do, the star of the show is its collection of white sand-dusted coastlines, complete with the perfect spots to swim in. Catseye Beach is arguably the most unmissable pit stop on Hamilton Island. The action-packed main beach that fronts a large portion of accommodation options offers calm waters, dream paddleboarding, snorkelling, or just splashing around with little ones in tow. Plus, when it’s low tide, walking out across the flats amongst tiny, shuffling hermit crabs makes for a tranquil holiday memory.

8. Escape momentarily on an offshore tour

Whitsunday islands as seen from above — Zoom right over the tropical islands of The Whitsundays on a scenic flight.

Press pause on your beach meandering to take in one of Hamilton Island’s best day trips, which span scenic flights and catamaran runs throughout the Whitsunday Islands, snorkelling over the Great Barrier Reef,  fishing charters and picturesque sporting expeditions. A jet ski tour is guaranteed to set pulses racing; they run multiple times daily and last an hour. A breathtaking helicopter tour with Hamilton Island Air will offer an entirely different perspective as you zoom right over Catseye Beach and Coral Cove. Meanwhile, catamarans ride to the world-famous Reef via Cruise Whitsundays’ full-day adventure , or you can throw a line out confidently on board a Topnotch Game Fishing charter. There’s never a dull moment.

9. Take a dip in a lush Hamilton Island pool

an outdoor pool at Reef View Hotel — Cool off at the palm-fringed 35-metre pool at Reef View Hotel. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Great Barrier Reef’s dazzling blue waters surrounding Hamilton Island play a dream-like backdrop to an assortment of pools that beg to be enjoyed. There are the accommodation-specific beauties – such as those at Yacht Club Villas , a prime spot for watching the sunset over neighbouring Dent Island, Beach Club ’s infinity pool overlooking Catseye Beach, and the Reef View Hotel Pool measuring in at 35 metres. Then, there are the gems that invite everyone in. Main Pool is the largest swimming pool on the island and, with its free-form shape, offers space for kids to splash, chilled-out nooks and shady spots flanked by tropical gardens. There’s even a swim-up bar and live music sessions. The highly Instagrammable Sails Pool is located next to Sails Restaurant, with a view of Catseye Beach and swaying palm trees, while Bougainvillea Pool features an adjoining kids’ splash pool.

10. Make furry friends to snap selfies with

a koala smiling at the camera — Spot koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Riley Williams)

Offering remarkably up-close encounters with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, Hamilton Island Wildlife , is a great family activity. Located on the resort side of the island, it’s home to koalas, kangaroos, snakes, lizards, a larger-than-life crocodile, dingoes and more. Head over from 8am-4pm daily, and there’s an on-site cafe open from 7.30am. As a side note, keep your eyes peeled wherever you venture on Hamilton Island, as wallabies, goannas, sea eagles, kites, ospreys, sulphur-crested cockatoos and kookaburras roam free.

11. Keep the kids happy from morning to night

the Island Arcade on Hamilton Island — Try nine-pin bowling at the Island Arcade. (Image: Justin Blank)

A holiday haven for parents, Hamilton Island is filled with action-packed activities for families, including heart-stopping adventures on wheels, timeless boredom busters and games galore. Island Arcade is always a hit, with seven lanes and your chance to try nine-pin bowling, an old-school version that originated in the eleventh century. Bumpers and ramps are standing by to help littler ones. Additionally, an amusement arcade with skill testers and games is located right around the corner and directly in front of Sails Restaurant.

Go-kart racing is another smash hit, catering for kids of all ages. Younger ones can ride passenger-side with their parents but strap them in tight. You’ll likely reach speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour.

Don’t overlook the island’s quad bikes , available to children aged 6-14. A purpose-built track offers an adrenaline-filled 15-minute ride. There’s also mini golf , a maze of plants and palms providing all types of challenges and yet another guaranteed party starter.

12. Get active with a range of beach sports

Break up a morning sprawled on the sand with one or more of the beach activities up for grabs at Catseye Beach’s Hamilton Island Beach Sports hut, a must-visit located right by the Main Pool entrance. Windsurfing lessons, while you’re living the holiday dream, are a highlight, available through an experienced team ahead of venturing out yourself at high tide. There’s also snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for you to take your time and soak up every inch of the serenity.

13. Combine views with unique adventures

ATV Tours with Offroad Adventure Tours, Hamilton Island — Experience a thrilling ATV ride with Offroad Adventure Tours. (Image: Hamilton Island Photography)

Secure an ultimate holiday selfie with two memorable activities that take in astonishing views of Hamilton Island and beyond. ATV Tours with Offroad Adventure Tours puts you in the driver’s seat on the road to discovery. A tour guide, who you can also get to drive if you’re feeling nervous, will escort you through the Island’s scenic trails, passing Coral Cove, to Resort Lookout, which sits almost as high as Passage Peak. Here, you’ll be immersed in 360-degree vistas of the Whitsundays.

All Saints Chapel is also worth a visit for so much more than its stained-glass windows, bell tower and immaculate white facade. Located on a hill, the chapel looks over Catseye Beach, offering a sweeping take on Hamilton Island’s most iconic views and perhaps your most peaceful holiday moments.

14. Ditch the kids for adult-friendly indulgences

Spa qualia on Hamilton Island — Seek serenity at Spa qualia. (Image: Lean Timms)

Strawberry swirl sunsets and palm-peppered horizons set the ultimate scene for grown-up fun, with indulgent spa treatments, elegant cocktail hours, electrifying sporting celebrations and plenty more to be discovered. Spa qualia puts the luxury resort’s name – a Latin word for a collection of deeper sensory experiences – into practice in truly tranquil surrounds. It offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, holistic therapies, body therapies and couples’ treatments. Spa wumurdaylin is available to non-qualia guests and provides body scrubs and wraps, facials, massages and several packages.

Once you’re done beautifying, cocktail o’clock beckons. One Tree Hill , located on the other side of the Island, offers legendary Whitsunday views, early evening cocktails and cheese platters, all while the sky turns as peachy as your passionfruit Caprioska.

15. Kick back with a relaxed picnic spread

sunset views from One Tree Hill, Hamilton Island — Soak up spectacular sunset views from One Tree Hill.

While crowds armed with picnic baskets flock to One Tree Hill at sunset, Hamilton Island is spoiled with beautifully positioned picnic areas and barbecue locations. Barbecues are located on a big stretch of lawn on the marina, right near Manta Ray restaurant, and another can be found close to the duck pond. Both feature water views speckled with extravagant yachts belonging to the rich and famous.

Additionally, picnic sites with sturdy picnic tables have been built along many of the Island’s walking trails, including Passage Peak and those at Coral Cove and Escape Beach.

Planning a holiday to Hamilton Island? Read more travel tips in our guide to Hamilton Island.

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.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.