12th April 2017
Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsunday region hard and unfortunately Hamilton Island was not spared from her destructive force. However, due to the resorts’ construction to the highest cyclone safety ratings, her impact on the island has been fairly minimal. The main damage has been to the vegetation and façade of the island, with no significant structural damage to any of the hotels or resorts. Following a concerted clean-up effort, Hamilton Island is looking forward to welcoming its guests back. With the gardens team already planting new greenery all across the island, Hamilton assures guests that the sun is still shining, the island is still beautiful and you will still enjoy a wonderful holiday on Hamilton.
Reef View Hotel
Guests have already begun arriving at the resort and those already booked for the month of April are still confirmed to stay. Although not all suites are ready for arrivals, the majority of the resort has been restored to all its glory and any guests affected have been contacted to make alternative arrangements. As a sign of good faith and in appreciation of your patience during this time, all guests staying at Reef View Hotel will receive a bonus $100 resort credit to enjoy during their stay.
Palm Bungalows
Although this property has reopened, some bungalows are not yet ready to receive guests. All guests arriving now until 15 May have been contacted to confirm your accommodation or make alternative arrangements. Any guests who are unable to stay in a bungalow as planned will receive a complimentary upgrade to alternative accommodation. As a sign of good faith and in appreciation of your patience during this time, all guests staying at Palm Bungalows will receive a bonus $100 resort credit to enjoy during their stay.
Beach Club
The Beach Club is open and fully operational with all guests arriving in April confirmed in their original accommodation. The resort is looking forward to welcoming you on your planned dates to enjoy the island. As a sign of good faith and in appreciation of your patience during this time, all guests staying at Beach Club will receive a bonus $100 resort credit to enjoy during their stay.
Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
Due to the number and variety of holiday homes on the island, assessment is taking some time. Hamilton Island Holiday Homes is committed to ensuring each property is safe and adequate before accepting guests. As such, guests due to arrive up until 14 April have been contacted and offered alternative hotel accommodation, the opportunity to change your travel dates or the option of cancellation with a full refund. Guests due to arrive after 15 April will also be contacted to confirm or make alternative arrangements.
Your safety and the health of the Reef is paramount. As such, tour operators are currently assessing the impact on the reef pontoon and moorings at various snorkelling and dive sites on the fringing and outer reef. Further information will be available in the coming days following a detailed assessment.
A reduced schedule of tours to Whitehaven Beach is currently operating, with more services to be added as conditions permit. The Tour Desk can assist you with tour availability on specific dates if you are interested in booking a tour.
The Wildlife Park on Hamilton Island is currently closed, with a reopening date expected once the damage has been assessed and the extent of renovations evaluated. We are pleased to report that all the animals are safe, with many able to continue living safely on the island. The koalas are enjoying a holiday at Australia Zoo but will be returned to the island once there is an adequate food source for them. The wildlife keepers will continue to care for the other animals and look forward to welcoming the koalas back home.
• Buggies: Available at the regular price of $87 for 24 hours.
• Green Shuttle: Resort to Marina (complimentary) - running every 15 minutes from 7am to 11pm
• Sunset Express: To One Tree Hill at sunset (complimentary) - running from 4.30pm to 7pm
• Resort Link ($8pp per trip) - running from 7.45am to 3.45pm
The Clownfish Club is operational and child minding services are available normal.
• Bougainvillea Pool
• Reef View Pool
• Beach Club Pool (Beach Club guests only)
• Main Pool & Swim Up Bar
All shops and restaurants are operational including IGA online deliveries.
Mariners and Romano’s Restaurants will be re-opened by 1 June.
• Hamilton Island Golf
• Hamilton Island Air Scenic Flights
• Spa Wumurdaylin (operating out of Reef View Hotel)
• Go-Karts
• Quad Bikes for Kids
• Climbing Wall
• Beach Sports including catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and snorkelling equipment
• Jet Ski Tours
• Dinghy Hire
• Tour Desk
• Buggy Hire
• Hamilton Island Watersports including fishing, jet boating, parasailing, water-skiing, tubing and Reef Ryder
• Renegade Fishing Charters
• Ricochet Sailing
• Explore Hamilton Star - Dinner Cruise
• Explore On The Edge - Full and Half Day to Whitehaven Beach
• Explore On The Edge - Sunset Cruise
