Hamilton Island Frequently Asked Questions

Hamilton Island is a cashless environment, and we do not accept cash at any of our outlets.
 
The choice to become cashless was driven by the imperative to ensure the safety of our guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, we have opted to continue this approach for the following reasons:

1. Health & Wellbeing: Cashless payments facilitate seamless, contactless transactions, promoting a hygienic environment for the well-being of both guests and staff.
2. Convenience: Embracing cashless payments provides a hassle-free and efficient way for our guests to make payments, eliminating the need to carry cash or deal with change.
3. Security: Prioritising your safety, cashless transactions significantly reduce the risk of loss or theft, offering secure and traceable financial transactions.

Fee-free card payments can be easily processed via EFTPOS by inserting your card and selecting a cheque and/or savings account at the terminal. It's important to note that a 1.25% surcharge applies only to 'credit' and 'tap and go' transactions made on the island via credit or debit cards.
 
Cash deposits and withdrawals can be made using the Bank@Post service at the Australia Post office on Front Street, where cash can also be exchanged for pre-paid or top-up Mastercards.

There are over 65 tours and activities available on and from Hamilton Island. The top-rated experience for Hamilton Island guests is a visit the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, seaplane or high-speed catamaran. No matter how you choose to experience it, you will leave with lifelong memories of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonder. For water-based activities, enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing and stand up paddle boarding off Catseye Beach or get the adrenaline going with off-road adventure ATVs, quad bikes, go karts and more. Some of the more romantic options include a sunset sail through the Whitsunday Islands, a seaplane picnic escape to Whitehaven Beach or a dawn nature walk up to Passage Peak, with 360 degree views of a spectacular Whitsunday sunrise.
 
Land Activities: Hamilton Island Golf Club – 18-hole championship course,  Bushwalking – over 20km of trails, Hamilton Island Wildlife Park, Sunset cocktails at One Tree Hill, Go-karts, Golf driving range, Mini golf, Games arcade , Spa wumurdaylin day spa, Sports club and gym, Tennis, Off Road Adventure Tours, Island Bowling - Kegel 9-pin bowling, Retail outlets, Clownfish Club kids club , Kids Fun Zone - jumping castle, face painting, arts and crafts - every Sunday and more frequently throughout Australian school holidays and Laser tag
 
Air Helicopter: fixed wing and helicopter flights available over the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef
 
Water: Full day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Full and half day trips to Whitehaven Beach, Sailing – bareboat and chartered, Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier, Reef Dive and Snorkel tours, Twilight and dinner cruises, High-speed jet boat rides, Sea kayaking, Game fishing, Dinghy hire, Jetski tours, Whale watching (Jul–Sept), Various island pools, Scuba diving, Wakeboarding and water-skiing, Catamarans, Windsurfing, Kayaks, Snorkelling, Stand up paddleboards, PADI open water learn to dive, Turtle discovery tour.
 
You can also see our daily activity guide for full details on what’s happening, including times and locations, here.

Situated on the same latitude as Honolulu in the northern hemisphere and Mauritius in the south, Hamilton Island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of 27°C.
 
This makes it a great time to visit Hamilton Island at any time of the year. However, there are some unique features of each season that are worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a trip. Find out more here.

We would recommend staying a minimum of 4 days in order to explore  everything Hamilton Island and the surrounding Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef have to offer.
 
There's plenty to do during your Great Barrier Reef holiday on Hamilton Island. You can enjoy a wide selection of bars and restaurants, year-round events, an abundance of water sports and activities - and that's just the start. For sailing enthusiasts, there’s the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, and for keen golfers, the Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island.

Hamilton Island has an IGA Supermarket that is located at the southern end of Front Street in the Marina Village. The store offers a range of products including fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and deli produce, kitchen supplies and pantry items. Keep an eye out for the weekly specials catalogue which can be found in store.
 
The Hamilton Island IGA Supermarket is a plastic bag free store, so we encourage guests to bring their own carry bag. However cloth bags can be purchased for 0.99 cents.
 
View the Hamilton Island IGA opening hours.
 
The Hamilton Island Bottle Shop is located alongside the IGA Supermarket. Choose from a range of local and imported beers, fine wines and spirits, plus non-alcoholic beverages.
 
View the Hamilton Island Bottle Shop opening hours.

Most things on Hamilton Island are within easy walking distance. It is a leisurely 10 minute stroll from Catseye Beach/resort side to the marina. If you are looking to venture a little further, more than 70% of the island remains as natural bushland, and there are a range of bush and walking trails to be explored at your own pace. Discover secluded, sandy coves and natural wildlife, and you can also find our four iconic landmarks on the island’s Icons Trail, including a 3m tall chair, a giant swing, a hammock and a breathtaking panoramic viewing platform. To find out more about specific trails click here.

Situated in the middle of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is a private, 100% Australian-owned island resort, and one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. Often referred to as the aquatic playground of the Whitsundays, on a holiday to Hamilton Island you'll be surrounded by pristine beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.
 
There's plenty to do during your Great Barrier Reef holiday on Hamilton Island. You can enjoy a wide selection of bars and restaurants, year-round events, an abundance of water sports and activities - and that's just the start. For sailing enthusiasts, there’s the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, and for keen golfers, the Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island.  Plus, with a choice of accommodation across the island for families, couples or groups of friends – including hotel and self-catering options from modest to luxury, a holiday on Hamilton Island really does offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning to holiday as a couple, or a group of friends or family, Hamilton Island has six different types of accommodation to choose from.
 
Enjoy the ultimate in Australian luxury at qualia, or an intimate beachside escape at the boutique Beach Club. Relax in large rooms and enjoy magnificent views in the four-star Reef View Hotel or enjoy the convenience of our island style Palm Bungalows. You can also select from our wide range of privately-owned, self-catering holiday homes, or waterfront self-catering Yacht Club Villas.    
 
If you’re looking for a hotel near the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find all of Hamilton Island’s accommodation options ideally situated, and a perfect base from which to explore this wonder of the world.

Whether you plan on arriving by plane, helicopter, boat, ferry or private yacht, there are several hassle-free ways to get to and from Hamilton Island. For more details around these options click here.

The Medical Clinic on Hamilton Island is run by Atticus Health.
 
Appointments can be made by calling 07 4804 5688, via the Hamilton Island App, or online at atticushealth.com.au/location/hamilton-island
 
Atticus Health also offers a GP Telehealth service. Book and pay online at doctorinmypocket.com.au or by calling 1300 268 431.

To view the Medical and Health Centre opening hours and further information, please click here.

Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsunday Islands. The island has a permanent population of around 1,300 people.  This includes staff, business owners, contractors, and numerous private residents who own holiday homes or have retired on the island.