Pack your bags and the kids for a Hamilton Island adventure, where you’ll find the perfect mix of paradise, relaxation and action for the whole family…
We Australians have paradise right on our doorstep, so if travelling overseas with little ones or teens in tow is not on your agenda, take advantage of our own backyard. The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands just waiting to be explored, and Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited with heaps to do, see and explore for the whole family.
Located on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders, which is a world heritage listed site with the largest coral reef in the world, Hamilton Island has it all. Even better, the island has a Kids Stay & Eat Free program where participating restaurants, cafes and accommodation will let the youngies tag along for zippo. Prepare the family for an adventure exploring stunning landscapes, reefs, secluded beaches and balmy weather.
Here’s 12 things to do, see and explore…
1. Hit the beach!
It wouldn’t be a beach holiday without a little sand and surf now, would it? At Hamilton Island, you can escape the crowds and take advantage of the stunning beaches, take a dip in calmer waters with the wee ones, build the whitest sandcastles ever, race the Hermit crabs and of course, bury Dad beneath the sand!
The most pristine beach on Hamilton Island is Catseye beach, which is located directly in front of Sails Restaurant, resort shops, a watersports activity station and pool – so you’ll have everything at your fingertips for the perfect day out. BYO bucket and spade.
Splish splash and play water tag with little swimmers.
Who’s the king of the sandcastle?
2. Set sail away on a Catamaran
Channel your inner Robinson Crusoe and set sail on a family adventure to neighbouring secluded islands or around Hamilton where you can search for sea life, unique shells, crack a coconut and explore the natural beauties. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a turtle or dolphins.
Not your average family day out!
4. Explore the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach
Enjoy a wine or mocktail and relax in style with a day trip to some of the most stunning waters and reefs in the world. A range of tours are available through Cruise Whitsundays from Whitehaven Beach, where you can enjoy a 30 minute high-speed catamaran, to easy breezy sailing tours complete with snorkelling and reef adventures.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders.
Voted as one of the world’s best beaches, Whitehaven beach has seven kilometres of silky white sand stretches and turquoise waters ever.
4. Cuddle a Koala
Get up close and personal with the ‘locals’ at Wild Life, where children (and mummies and daddies) can have a buffet breakfast and a photo taken with the koalas. After breakfast, explore the wild life park and meet the wombats, crocodiles, snakes, cassowary, bettongs, pademelons, parrots, talking cockatoo and other cool inhabitants.
This koala bear has lots of cuddles to share.
5. Learn to Snorkel!
The Whitsunday’s Islands are an underwater paradise waiting to be explored. Invest in an inexpensive underwater camera and let the kids snap Nemo and friends and underwater coral gardens while they learn to snorkel in one of the world’s most spectacular reefs.
On his way to meet flipper!
Too much to see!
6. Pack a picnic and relax!
Every family holiday needs a little relaxation and bonding. Pack a picnic and pull up a piece of grass under the shady palm trees at Catseye beach and enjoy the perfect mix of food, family fun and frolicking in the sea.
The perfect locale for breakfast, lunch or sunset.
7. Explore the Island
Hamilton Island has loads to discover so if you have intrepid adventure seekers, explore the island and its peaks with stunning views. Hiking tracks are perfect for spotting lizards and other critters, or for little legs, hire a buggy to get around.
The kids will love snapping images of the stunning views. Lucky cameras are digital, they can go wild!
Hamilton Island has a range of hiking tracks suitable for different levels.
Hire a buggy for a fast-tracked zip around the island.
8. Take a paddle!
Give the kids a paddle and kayak some of the most pristine waters for a workout that’s sure to make memories. The island offers a huge range of water sports for all levels, from parasailing and kayaking to paddle boarding and dingy rides.
Paddle faster mum!
Set sail in a dingy!
Tweens and teens can practice their balancing skills on the paddle boards for a glide they’ll never forget – they won’t even miss they’re computer games!
9. Take an aerial flight
Experience a scenic seaplane or helicopter flight over picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and other sites for an air adventure the kids will love. There’s a whole range of options you can book direct through Hamilton Island or check out Cruise Whitsundays.
A seaplane adventure that’s as visually spectacular as it is fun!
Who needs computer games?
10. Have fun!
They’ll be having non-stop fun, but for those who haven’t developed their sea legs, let their competitive streak shine with a game of bowling, round of mini golf, spin on the go-karts, off road adventure buggies or play in one of the activity park set-ups.
Strike!
Have a wheely great time doing laps at the go-karts.
Put your way around the mini golf course.
11. Get crafty at the Clownfish Club
The Clownfish Club is Hamilton Island’s childcare centre, where they can enjoy a load of awesome activities from arts and crafts to outdoor fun. Catering for children from 6 weeks to 14 years of age, the experienced team know how to entertain kids and give mum and dad a break (spa treatment, anyone?!).
12. Take a dip
For littlies who feel safer in the pool than surf, there are ample to choose from – complete with shaded sun loungers, cabanas and dare we say it, pool bars.
If the sand and surf aren’t your style, head for calmer waters – the pools.
Sails Restaurant is a family friendly dining experience complete with post-lunch relaxation, a stunning pool overlooking the beach and ocean.
WHERE TO STAY
The Reef View
The Reef View Hotel is the largest of the accommodation offerings, and is a popular pick for its extensive range of room sizes to suit all budgets and its location – it’s a pebbles throw away from the famous Catseye Beach and is close to many of the island’s restaurants, activities and entertainment.
Reef View Hotel is the largest hotel with stunning views water and island views.
Reef View Hotel Pool.
Reef View Hotel One Bedroom Terrace Suite.
Reef View Hotel Coral Sea Twin.
Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
You’ll be spoilt for choice for a home away from home. Hamilton Island Holiday Homes has more than 100 units, apartments and homes to hire including three and four bedroom abodes that provide maximum privacy for all styles and budgets.
Hamilton Island Resort side Holiday Home.
Hire the Hamilton Island Holiday Home four bedroom deluxe.
Hamilton Island Holiday Home three bedroom deluxe.
Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas
The kids will feel on top of the world making themselves at home at the private and super spacious three and four level Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas.
Uber luxe, these getaways all have stunning coral sea views and are perched Cliffside and just a stroll away from the yacht club, marina and beach. Think luxe!
Holiday in style at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas.
The Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas are perched perfectly for seaside views.
Breakfast with a view.
Tuck the kids in for their siesta and relax in your own slumber sanctuary with stunning views.
The Hamilton Island Yacht Club is designed in the manta ray shape, paying homage to the locals!
Book it!
For more information, visit Hamilton Island or to check out the latest deals and packages, see their special offers.
Jetstar have regular special deals direct to Hamilton Island’s Great Barrier Reef Airport on, or you can get there by ferry in just 30 minutes from Airlie Beach.
