Hamilton Island Accommodation

Hamilton Island is famously car-free, and as such makes for a relaxing and 'get away from it all' holiday destination. With temperatures rarely dipping below 20C even in winter, you can enjoy this tropical island at any time of year. Enjoy days spent snorkelling or just relaxing on the beach, playing golf or spotting wildlife.

Holiday accommodation on the island varies from modern apartments with shared pools, to luxury oceanfront holiday homes with spectacular views and private pools. A luxurious Hamilton Island holiday house brings you to superb tropical vegetation, gorgeous beaches, and comfortable waterfront vacation homes.

Getting to your Hamilton Island Accommodation

One of the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island in Australia's Queensland is a stunning vacation destination, located close to the famous Great Barrier Reef. The distance from major Australian cities to this remote island is very long, so only consider driving if you are up for a long road trip.

Alternatively, catch a flight to Hamilton Island from one of the big Australian cities, such as Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney. From the airport, a free shuttle bus service drops you off close to Hamilton Island vacation rentals. The island is a car-free zone, so visitors mostly get around with the help of golf buggies that can be rented for a daily fee.

Another option to reach the island is to travel by sea. Cruise Whitsundays operates regular ferry rides between the mainland and the island. If you are travelling with the ferry, a free shuttle bus service will bring you from the marina to the resort area where your holiday home awaits.

Eating and drinking on Hamilton Island

Being surrounded by water means that Hamilton has many superb seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean. There are places to suit all budgets and preferences, with vegans and vegetarians well catered for too.

The island has a supermarket in the Marina Village, which is well stocked with provisions for a meal in your holiday accommodation, whether you're preparing a gourmet meal, or just picking up sausages and beer for a barbie. Many of the restaurants also offer takeaway options, for when you fancy a lazy evening in.

Hamilton Island holidays with the kids

Kids will love snorkelling, seaplane trips and hiking as much as adults, but Hamilton Island also offers activities aimed firmly at a family audience. Even novice swimmers can have a go at paddle boarding in the shallow waters off the beach. Or enjoy a family day at the beach swimming, paddling and making sandcastles.

WILD LIFE Hamilton Island is the area's best known wildlife park, where kids and their parents can meet cuddly koalas and learn about Australia's fascinating natural history. The park offers hands-on experiences throughout the day, so check the website for the latest on what's happening. For an experience to remember, why not book in to have breakfast with the koalas?

The island also has a ten-pin bowling alley, and kids of all ages will love the mini-golf too. Or what about a day at the karting track? Specially designed double buggies mean that kids can ride alongside parents.

Nightlife on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island's nightlife scene is nicely laid-back. Most visitors choose to spend the evenings enjoying a drink as the sun sets over the Pacific ocean, or having a meal in one of the island's many fantastic restaurants.

Cruise companies, however, offer memorable sunset cruises with dinner aboard, allowing guests to admire the sunset and the islands from a different perspective. Alternatively, work up an appetite for dinner by booking a sunset kayak tour around the reefs. Wildlife is often more active at dawn and dusk, so keep your eyes peeled for the majestic turtles which live in the shallow waters.

One of the most memorable activities available is spending the night on a cruiser out at sea, by the Great Barrier Reef. As most day-trippers to the reef are gone by late afternoon, staying overnight means you can enjoy this natural wonder of the world without the crowds. Sleep under the stars, and be catered for by the on-board chef who is there to prepare all your meals. The reef's pontoons also have an underwater viewing area and air-conditioned lounges for guests to relax in comfort.

What to do on your holiday on Hamilton Island

The great outdoors is the main draw in Hamilton Island. If you can tear yourself away from the beaches or a lounger beside the pool, you'll find both land and water based adventures on offer nearby. One of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef is by helicopter or seaplane. There are several companies that offer sightseeing trips of various durations. Don't forget your camera as you'll be able to get some amazing aerial shots.

The Great Barrier Reef is also incredible experienced close up, so book one of the many snorkelling trips out into the ocean. Expert guides will teach you the basics and will explain what to look for when you're out in the water.

Back on dry land, there are several scenic hiking trails through the island's bushland. Or take it easy with a round of mini golf, a game of tennis or a hired-buggy ride around the island. For the ultimate in relaxation, book in for a day at one of the island's spas and enjoy a range of beauty, wellness and rejuvenation treatments.

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