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

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.