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

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.