Top 10 Hamilton Island experiences for under $12 Posted by Hamilton Island - 29 May 2017 We’ve gathered ten of our most enjoyable and authentic on island experiences that are wallet-friendly, fun for all ages and are must-do’s for your next visit to Hamilton Island. 1) Sunset and a cocktail at One Tree Hill Making sure you see a Whitsundays sunset is a holiday must-do when visiting Hamilton Island. The best place to do this is accessible to everyone at no expense. Head to One Tree Hill where the lookout delivers stunning views and is the perfect location for watching the sun go down. If you’re feeling fit you can walk up to the lookout from your accommodation or, for those less inclined to take on the incline, catch the complimentary shuttle bus service with a drop off at the top. Sunsets and cocktails at One Tree Hill. Photo by Kara Rosenlund. Once there, find a spot on the grassy hill and get ready for a spectacular display as the sky ignites with vibrant colours farewelling the sun for the day. You can also combine the sunset with a delicious cocktail from the One Tree Hill Bar for just $12. 2) Visit Catseye Beach and try out our beach sports equipment* As a guest staying at Hamilton Island-owned accommodation (Reef View Hotel, Beach Club, Palm Bungalows and Holiday Homes), you can enjoy complimentary use of the catamarans, kayaks, windsurfers or paddle boards from the beach hut on Catseye Beach. So, go on have a go, get wet and test your skills. You’ll have a whole heap of fun and in the process you might discover a new talent. Paddle boarding fun on Catseye Beach. Photo by Kara Rosenlund. If relishing some relaxation is more your cup of tea then lay out on one of the beach or poolside sun lounges, bring your favourite book and let the noise of the waves be the perfect soundtrack for holiday rest. 3) Hike to Passage Peak or the Giant Chair on South East Head The Passage Peak bushwalk or South East Head loop are island favourites for fans of physical activity and hiking enthusiasts. Passage Peak is a 5.3km hike but don’t let the distance fool you. It’s quite the fitness challenge, with a trail climb that takes you 200m above sea level. The loop to the Giant Chair is 9km with incredible views the whole way. Stunning outlook from the top of Passage Peak. Photo by Kara Rosenlund. Rest assured, once you get to the top your efforts will be rewarded. Not only will you feel the sense of achievement that only comes from completing a physical challenge but you’ll also be greeted by stunning Whitsunday views that you’ll remember for life… An invaluable experience! 4) Hamilton Island live music performances We are lovers of live music on Hamilton Island and as such you’ll find a range of musical artists performing across the island every week. Whether you're interested in smooth jazz, classical music or contemporary pop, Hamilton Island offers a wide variety of complimentary entertainment options to help guests of all interests relax and enjoy themselves. Sit back in the Reef Lounge, by the Main Pool or in the Marina Tavern, have a drink with a loved one or friend, and let some of our great music acts whisk you away. Musical entertainment at Marina Daze. For guests looking for a musical highlight during their visit, joining us for Marina Daze is essential. Our visiting musicians stage this concert once a week at the marina. The outdoor venue is open to all island guests to attend and is complimentary. Bring a picnic and rug, and enjoy a few drinks as the sun sets over the island. It’s a great activity for holiday fun and is entertainment the whole family can enjoy together. 5) Moonlight movies Watching a movie outdoors, under the stars on the marina lawn is a fun and novel holiday treat for your family to take part in. The screening is complimentary for all guests, so all you’ll need to do is grab a beanbag, sit back and relax. We’ll take care of the rest, playing a family favourite your gang are sure to enjoy! Check the daily activities list on the Hamilton Island App for session times. Popcorn time at the outdoor movies. 6) Enjoy a holiday treat Being on holidays and the consumption of ice cream go hand in hand. You really can’t have one without the other. The ice cream parlour on Hamilton Island has a fantastic range of options for under $10. Or why not visit the Pizzeria and Gelato Bar and pick from 12 favours changing daily. Ice cream time! Photo by Kara Rosenlund. Our advice would be to avoid holiday stress and go with two scoops. That way you side step trying to narrow it down to just one flavour - a near impossible task! Once you’ve selected your favourites, take yourself and your ice cream over to a bench at the near by marina. Here you can watch on as boats come and go; and the turquoise water sparkles under the sun… bliss! 7) Order a drink from our swim-up bar Our swim-up bar is by far one of the most popular venues on the island and it’s not hard to see why. There is a great deal of fun to be had ordering at a bar where you quite literally have to swim up to it. Pair this with music, poolside lounging and you’ve got a very entertaining daytime activity. With alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on offer there is something for everyone and every budget. Pool + Bar = Holiday fun! 8 ) Sunset Yoga on the Keel Deck It is said that practicing yoga is like being on a body holiday. Why not take that even further and do a yoga session with us while you are on your holiday! Watching the sunset during yoga on the Keel Deck. Photo by Kara Rosenlund. Join our wonderful teacher who takes a relaxed and meditative class on the Keel Deck of our Yacht Club at sunset. This incredible setting looking out over the sea to Dent Island really captures the mind, body and soul experience. All levels of skill are welcome with the goal being to unwind from daily life and to transport you to holiday ease. For guests staying at Hamilton Island-owned accommodation (Reef View Hotel, Beach Club, Palm Bungalows and Holiday Homes), this class will cost you $8. 9) Family fun We haven’t forgotten the enjoyment of our youngest guests, and the Hamilton Island “Fun Team” love to entertain and amuse your young traveller. Face painting and so much more at the "fun zone". Checkout our daily activity guide for a range of complimentary activities. Highlights include our “Fun Zone” with its jumping castle, face painting, party games, arts and crafts. Or joining us for beach sports, tropical trivia, family bingo or the table tennis competition could be the key to your holiday happiness. These and more can be found on the daily “What’s On” guide via the Hamilton Island App. 10) Explore Catseye Beach at low tide Most people think of going to the beach and instantly think of swimming. Catseye Beach is unique and goes further than this by being an incredibly interesting place to explore when low tide appears. Kids and adults alike love the adventure of walking out on the flats at low tide to investigate the sea pools that form and discovering the marine life within them. Turtle saying hello at Catseye Beach. Image by TWS Visuals. Take the chance to play marine biologist and search for as many different types of aquatic life as you can spot. You'll spy a variety of fish, sea snails and hermit crabs. Then for those that are in luck you'll even get the chance to search for our local favorites - sea turtles. If you head out towards the buoys at the back of the beach and keep your eyes peeled (the turtles love to eat the seagrass) you should be in for a treat. For those wanting to snorkel and see these creatures under water, grab equipment from the Beach Sports team free of charge (for guests of Hamilton Island operated properties). About the Author Part of the Whitsundays, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.