​20 Hamilton Island experiences to have at least once in your lifetime

With over 60 things to see and do when visiting Hamilton Island, one could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed with the choices.

So, to help you have the ultimate Hamilton Island experience, we’ve taken the guess work out of the decision-making process and listed here the top 20 experiences for creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime:
 

1) See Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet by helicopter

 
There aren’t many moments in grown-up life where adults get to experience something with childlike wonder. Flying over the naturally forming kaleidoscope swirls at Hill Inlet with Hamilton Island Air is such a moment.
 
You could have seen a thousand pictures and they still wouldn’t do justice to what the moment feels like when you see it with your own eyes! Add landing on Whitehaven Beach, enjoying a Champagne picnic, a heavenly beach swim and suddenly you’ll be forgiven for thinking your childhood dreams of being James Bond have happened all at once.  Put simply this is not an ordinary experience but an extraordinary one.

2) Reefsleep at the Great Barrier Reef 

 
Imagine the Great Barrier Reef is all yours and for a whole night. Join Cruise Whitsundays Reefsleep for an overnight stay on their pontoon and when all the other tourists leave to go back to port, be part of an exclusive group of nine people who stay on and spend the night.  
 
You can snorkel, swim and take in the rainbow of colours on display at your own pace. You’ll truly feel as if you’re in a world of your own, as you study the beauty of the marine life, with only nine other people around. 
 

 
Combine this with sunset drinks, dinner under the stars and then falling asleep with the gentle sounds of the ocean. When you wake it’s a real W-O-W, pinch me, am I dreaming moment… You’re in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef after all!
 

 

3) Degustation dinner at Bommie Restaurant 

 
Dining while on holidays should be different to your everyday life.  It’s a time to sit back and enjoy the moment, let someone wait on you and to sample food that leaves a lasting impression. The degustation at Bommie is perfect for this and a wonderful experience for anyone who has an inviting, broad and adventurous palate.

   

As you enter the luxurious setting of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club with its stunning outlook over Dent Passage, you’ll instantly feel that tonight is going to be one of those magical moments you’ll recall always. The supremely crafted menu by Head Chef Trent Dawson is unique and the flavours unimaginably delicious.  All in all, a remarkable dining experience that treats all of the senses. This, after all, is not just eating and drinking. This is dining.

4) Be a thrill seeker and parasail 

Is that a bird, is that a plane… is that you parasailing? Ever wondered what it would be like to soar 150 feet into the air across the sky?
 
Then it's time to give parasailing a try. You’ll experience a bird’s-eye view of the Whitsundays and feel like you’re flying… which is undoubtedly an adventure moment you'll be able to tell friends about for years to come.
 
It really couldn’t be easier to do either.  You can pair up with a buddy and share the moment. There is no experience required and you won’t even get wet, if you don’t want to… but you’ll probably want to!

5) Experience the ultimate in relaxation with stay at Beach Club 

Come and see why Beach Club resort consistently receives 5 star reviews from departing guests.  With its distinctive take on relaxed luxury Beach Club is like nowhere you’ve stayed before. 
 
Find yourself drinking cocktails by the infinity pool, looking out over the Coral Sea, arranging dinner on the beach with your special someone or relax and unwind in the privacy of your own room (with your very own indulgent bath tub included). Once you’ve stayed at Beach Club you’ll find it hard to ever go somewhere else.   

 

6) Hike to Passage Peak or go find the Giant Chair at South East Head.

 

We’re going to come right out and say it… there are some stairs to climb to get to the top. However, we promise that the climb up those stairs will be entirely worth it!
 
The view you get of the Whitsundays from being 200m above sea level is truly astonishing and well-worth the burn and slight discomfort in your leg muscles to get there.

 

 
You can go at sunrise, during the day or for sunset. It’s a spectacular view no matter the time. And the calories you burn doing the hike… an excuse for dessert later! If climbing to the peak isn't for you then perhaps going out to the South East Head is a better idea. The walking trail loops around with incredible views and at the midpoint you can get a picture on our giant wooden chair which is an awesome momento! 

7) Take a picnic to One Tree Hill and watch the sunset 

 
It’s only on holidays that we realise even though the sun sets every day we don’t often find the opportunity to experience that moment in our everyday lives.  Take the chance and visit One Tree Hill at twilight. Find a spot on the hill to throw down a picnic rug, sip your favourite beverage (cocktails are a popular choice) and watch on as the magic of a Whitsundays sunset unfolds before your eyes.
 

 

8) Meet the locals - come say hello to our koalas and native wildlife

9) Sunset Sail

 
Everyone should find their sea legs when they are at the Whitsundays. The azure waters and incredible landscape truly need to be explored. The magic of the being out on the stunning turquoise water, the sparkle of the sea and the feeling you get from gliding across the ocean is why people quit their jobs and cruise off to become sailors.  
 
The Explore sunset sail departs Hamilton Island Marina and takes you out onto the sea for a fun one and half hours. You’ll sit back, relax and enjoy complimentary drinks as you watch on for the magical moment when the sun dips behind the horizon.

It’s also the perfect way to start your evening plans and when you dock back at the marina, you’ll be buzzing as you head to dinner and recount the experience of quite literally sailing into the sunset!

10) Have a cocktail at our swim-up bar

 
It’s very probable that you’ve been in a pool - and chances are also high you’ve been in a bar… but have you ever combined these two and enjoyed a drink at a swim up bar?
 
As one guest puts it: “It’s not many places that the dress code is swimmers!” An entertaining holiday treat and whether it’s a mocktail for the kids or a speciality cocktail for the adults… pure holiday fun awaits!

 

 

11)  Swim with turtles at Catseye Beach 

 
Modern science tells us that sea turtles have been swimming the Earth's oceans for well over 100 million years – even pre-dating some of the dinosaurs. These impressive reptiles are known for their gentle demeanor and with their striking shells and photogenic form it’s no wonder why guests jump at the chance to swim alongside them.
 
Half the fun of this experience will be going in search of the turtles and then trying to keep up with them, as they glide across the water with their powerful flippers.
 

 

12) Play a round of golf on our breathtaking 18-hole course 

 

We’re a little bias but we think Hamilton Island Golf Club has the most spectacular views and settings of any golf course in the world.  When you tee off you’ll find yourself partaking in some of the most remarkable holes you’ve ever had the pleasure of playing.

The finish of the course is a large part of its appeal. The last five holes require nerves of steel in order to come home strong and achieve a good round. The reward for taking on this challenge is the mesmerising views of the Whitsundays and the knowledge that you have just played a course like no other.

 

If you’re ready for a fantastic challenge, keen to make improvements to your game and excited by the idea of playing on a course you’ll remember for the rest of your life, then Hamilton Island is for you.

13) Have a group getaway 

Getting a group of your favourite people all together and having a holiday on Hamilton Island is something everyone should experience. It’s extremely special to be able to take time out with the people who make you laugh, smile and feel whole.

   

As a group friendly destination, there are wonderful holiday homes suitable for groups small to large. Once here you’ll find a huge variety of dining options and activities to suit a range of budgets and needs. Have that magical holiday where you create lasting memories together.

14) Take part in one of our sporting events and make reaching a fitness goal your most memorable yet 

 
Location, location, location as they say. If you’re going to train hard to take part in a sporting event like a triathlon, fun run or ocean swim, why not complete that fitness goal in paradise.

 

You’ll take part in a unique event which is extremely well organised, doesn’t come with the overcrowding of mainland events and has a real community spirit under-pinning the entire day. After claiming the victory of achievement, the poolside sun lounges will be waiting to enable your recovery. It’s the perfect excuse to have a mini-getaway… our motto is “Race hard, recover harder” for a reason!

15) Take a yoga class on Dent Island 

 

Find your flow and get a holiday glow. Taking part in a Hamilton Island yoga class outdoors on Dent Island is a great way to find your holiday mojo. The class caters for beginners to pros and is the ultimate way to refresh, relax and unwind your body and mind.

   

The backdrop of the session is a sunrise over the Whitsundays and you really can’t get more zen than that.  Well actually you can… when the class draws to completion there is no rush to get back to Hamilton Island as guests are invited to make their way to the scenic golf Clubhouse, where a delicious and nourishing breakfast awaits. A perfect start to your day in paradise.

16) Book a table at coca chu our most popular restaurant

Time and time again, coca chu is listed as a favourite for dining out when on the island. Guest’s eyes light up as they recount the dishes they dined on and the service they received.
 

With its mix of menu classics and mouth-watering specials there is always something on the menu to tempt your tastebuds…  and the only disappointment you might find is that coca chu isn’t able to be transported home with you and instead remains strictly a Hamilton Island treat.

17) Off Road Adventure Tour 

Taking the wheel of all-terrain vehicle and going for a spin along Hamilton Island’s dirt tracks is an adventure, which gives you a completely different perspective of the island.  You get dirty, entertained, and learn all sorts of trivia about the island as you speed along the tracks, stopping at various lookouts and finding your way to secluded beaches. 

 

You can even go on rainy days (just think of the fun you’ll have with all that mud), which is a great way of getting the most out of your holiday if wet weather has become a factor. 

18) Drive a golf buggy around the island 

New York has yellow taxis, Thailand has tuk-tuks, Italy has gondolas and Hamilton Island… well we’ve got golf buggies!

The humble golf buggy has become synonymous with a holiday to our little patch of paradise. It’s hard not to have a smile on your face when you’re zipping around on one these cute set of wheels, kids absolutely love them and it’s a very relaxed way of getting around. You’ll never want to drive a car again!

19) Catch a fish and have it specially prepared by our chefs! 

If you love fishing then the waters of the Whitsundays are an amazing place to seek out the catch of the day. You can join one of our expert fishing charters, who will take you to their favourite fishing spots and provide guidance on reeling in a fish, or you can hire your own dingy and cast a line out.

   

If you’re lucky enough to reel in a catch, our favourite option is to arrange to have the chefs at Manta Ray cook up a fantastic dish for you.  Imagine sitting at the marina after your day of fishing, enjoying the reward of your labour and having the prefect excuse to recount your day’s fishing tales. 

20) Attend Hamilton Island Race Week 

 
Hamilton Island Race Week is one of Australia’s favorite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar. Competitors, family and friends come together to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival in August. 
 

A dinner under the stars is just one of the spectacular events held during the week.  

It’s the perfect time to join us and see the island come alive with the fun and festivities of having the sailing community gather on Hamilton Island for the week.  If you’re a sailor it’s the perfect time to test your skills on the water and if you adore bespoke events it’s a party you’ll always remember.
 
PS - If you haven't ticked off this list entirely – well, we’ve found the perfect excuse for you to come back again!