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.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.