Top 10 things to know about Hamilton Island before leaving home 

Slide seamlessly into your holiday happy place by ticking off the things to know about Hamilton Island before you go.

Hamilton Island is one of—if not the—most iconic islands in The Whitsundays. And, with a bit of insider knowledge and forward planning, you will be well on your way to enjoying a dream holiday.

Here’s the heads-up on the things to know about Hamilton Island before you go.

1. The island’s dedicated website is excellent

the Main Pool, Hamilton Island — The Main Pool is a swimming heaven from sunrise to sunset.

The dedicated Hamilton Island website has curated everything from the best deals on accommodation to expert local knowledge. It’s a great resource for holidaymakers looking for exclusive discounts, too, and includes everything from information on what to see and where to eat and drink to facts and figures about the idyllic destination. You’ll also find accurate trading hours, which comes in super handy while hunting down another round of cocktails once Main Pool’s swim-up bar shuts at sunset.

2. You will get around in a golf buggy

exploring Hamilton Island on a golf buggy — Explore the island at your own pace in a golf buggy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hamilton Island’s iconic electric golf buggies offer a convenient and fun way to get around the island at your own pace. If your accommodation doesn’t include exclusive use of a buggy, you can hire one on the island (which is car-free), otherwise you’ll need to pack some seriously comfortable walking shoes  — it’s pretty hilly in many parts and attractions are rather far-flung. We recommend booking your buggy ahead of time. It’s also worth noting that the maximum speed on the island is 20 kilometres an hour, forcing you to instantly shift down a few gears into holiday mode. Child restraints are also hireable, and all buggies come with drink holders and canopies.

3. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment

the Clownfish Kids Club, Hamilton Island — Even the young at heart will enjoy the family-friendly activities at Clownfish Kids Club. (Image: Riley Williams)

Hamilton Island is an extremely popular destination, so it’s important to book all your activities and restaurants ahead to ensure you don’t miss out. Couples holidaying on Hamilton Island should plan their date day ahead of their arrival, which includes booking those kids into the Clownfish Kids Club if you’re keen for lunch or dinner without them. Spa treatments, one of the best things to indulge in while visiting Hamilton Island, should also be locked down well ahead of time as there are just two day spas on the island and one of them is exclusive to qualia guests.

4. Get across what to expect weather-wise

view of Catseye Beach from The Sundays, Hamilton Island — Go paddleboarding on the calm waters of Catseye Beach. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Thankfully, the temperature ranges from 23 to 30 degrees year-round, so any time is a great time to visit Hamilton Island. January to March are the warmest months of the year, with an average temperature of 30 degrees, but travellers should note that tropical low-pressure systems develop around this time so the risk of cyclone activity is higher. April to June offers minimal rain, with the average temperature sitting at 24 degrees, while July to September throws up an average of 23 degrees and October to December is hot and sunny with an average temperature of 28 degrees. Water activities depend on the tides at Catseye Beach, so you’ll need to check in with your accommodation or the Hamilton Island Beach Sports team to suss out current conditions. More weather information can be found here .

5. Timing your visit right is crucial

a female triathlete running at the Hamilton Island Triathlon — The Hamilton Island Triathlon includes a five-kilometre run through the island’s Marina Village.

The busiest times of year include school holidays, when additional activities run for the kids, and the festive season, which offers the likes of Christmas lunches and dinners, and often a visit from Santa. If you have children or want to outsource the stress of preparing for Christmas, these times are highly recommended. To avoid crowds, travel outside of school holidays and the festive season, as well as major events like August’s Hamilton Island Race Week and November’s Hamilton Island Triathlon .

6. It’s easy to spy whales

whales swimming at Hamilton Island — Spot whales from June to September. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Whale season in The Whitsundays flows from June to September so keep your eyes peeled for the majestic mammals making their way across the island’s shores. Migrating up to warmer waters to birth their calves, whales manage to thrill delighted crowds dotted along the north-easterly facing Catseye Beach, especially, year after year.

7. You don’t have to be a yachtie to enjoy Race Week

the Hamilton Island yacht week — Don’t miss out on one of the world’s most famous yachting events. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Hamilton Island Race Week is held every August, proving an extremely popular event with spectators and yachties alike. Converging to cheer on participants in Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta, crowds also lap up a range of onshore events throughout the week. Think fine dining events, food trucks and pop-up bars.

8. You need to download the Hamilton Island App

The handy Hamilton Island App is an electronic pocket guide detailing everything to see and do during your stay. From information on daily activities to flight arrival times and departure information, the app even has live weather updates and self-guided audio tours. An incredibly helpful tool to help you navigate your adventures, available via iPhone and Android app stores.

9. Packing right equals drama-free escapades

diving the Great Barrier Reef — Hamilton Island is the perfect base point for scuba diving tours in the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Darren Jew)

In addition to all the water-based activities, there are some incredible hikes offering up the most spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands. If you’re staying and playing on Hamilton Island, smart casual is key. Pack sundresses, jeans, lightweight skirts, cargo pants and chinos, swimmers, a broad-brimmed hat, and stylish activewear to sort you for everything from snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to dining out with newfound friends. You can expect a few tropical rain showers from December through to May, so pack a lightweight raincoat, too.

10. Getting there is a cinch

a Virgin Australia plane to Hamilton Island — Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Hamilton Island. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Hamilton Island is the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport (Prosperine’s Whitsunday Coast Airport is mainly used for flights to and from the mainland). It services direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas. Travelling with a baby for the first time? Hamilton Island can provide all the essentials to help you pack lightly with just carry-on luggage.

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie-Lau Adams

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.