Hamilton Island Visitors Information

Hamilton Island

Location

Hamilton Island is one of the 74 tropical islands in the Coral Sea, between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, positioned nearly half way between the coastline of Mackay and Townsville. For a detailed map of Hamilton Island Resort, please click here

Climate

Hamilton Island lies on the equivalent tropical latitude as Honolulu in the northern hemisphere and Mauritius in the southern hemisphere. It has a year round warm tropical climate with an average temperature of 27.4 degrees Celsius. Its maximum summer temperatures (December, January and February) are around 30 degrees Celsius, with maximum winter temperatures (June, July and August) around 23 degrees.

Hamilton's tropical climate means the days are warm and the atmosphere is very relaxed. A light jacket or sweater may be required for evenings during the cooler months. Beachwear and casual attire is suitable during the day.

Hamilton Island Monthly Average Temperatures:

 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Av Max°C313029282624232526283131
Av Max°F888684827975737779828888

Whitehaven Beach

Events

Hamilton Island Endurance Series

Why relax when you can push yourself to the limit in paradise! The Hamilton Island Endurance series spans four endurance events from May through to November. The Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, Great Whitehaven Beach Run, Hamilton Island Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim will test athletes on every level.

Hamilton Island Race Week

Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia's largest offshore yachting event. It consistently attracts record numbers of competing yachts both nationally and internationally. Annual event in August.

Golf

Hamilton Island sometimes hosts the very exciting PGA Professionals Championship at the Hamilton Island Golf Club. The 36-hole Amateur Golf Championship stableford event is also played at the Hamilton Island Golf Club during the PGA Professionals Championship.

Getting Around

The complimentary resort shuttle services approximately 80% of the island and operates from 7am to 11pm daily. Alternatively buggy hire is available on the island which is the main mode of transport. If you are staying in one of the Holiday Homes or Yacht Club Villas then a buggy is included in your rate. Hire prices start from AU$59 for 2 hours or AU$87 for a day (prices subject to change). A drivers licence must be held and drivers to be aged 21 years or older to be able to operate a buggy on the island.

Buggy

Getting There

Virgin Australia offers direct to Hamilton Island from Brisbane and Sydney with connecting flights from Melbourne. Virgin Australia also fly to Whitsunday Airport (Proserpine) and Mackay Airport, which are the closest mainland airports to Airlie Beach. From Whitsunday Airport there are transfers available to and from either Shute Harbour or the Port of Airlie to meet launch transfers which operate to Hamilton Island Marina.

Flight Times:

Sydney 2 hours and 25 minutes
Melbourne 3 hours and 25 minutes
Brisbane 1 hour and 45 minutes
Cairns 1 hour and 5 minutes

Shopping

Hamilton Island features fantastic shopping with 20 boutiques and specialty stores throughout the Marina Village and resort centre, including general store through to local art and fashion.

What to Bring

Forget the phone, leave your watch at home, no razor scooters or skateboards, but do remember to bring along swimming costumes, sunscreen, sun hat, light weight/water proof jacket during the cooler months, day pack, comfortable walking shoes, smart casual attire for dining out, and definitely that book you've been meaning to finish!

Tips for travelling to Hamilton Island

Check in time is 2.00pm. If you are arriving on a flight before 2.00pm, we recommend that you carry a 'day bag' with swimming costumes etc. Lockers, change rooms, and shower facilities are available in the Hospitality Lounge which is located in the lobby of the Reef View Hotel.

Guests will only be granted access to their buggies if they present a full and valid driver's licence. The Buggy and keys must be returned along with the room key on check-out at 11.00am.

Credit card details will be required on arrival to set up room charge accounts. Please note charge back facilities are not available for guests staying at Hamilton Island Holiday Properties.

Cockatoos and other birds are natural island inhabitants. Please do not feed the birds as this interferes with their digestive system. Please keep all doors and windows closed to reduce the likelihood of birds accessing in-room items.

If scuba diving is on your agenda, please bring along a medical certificate, or if more advanced proof of diving certification is strongly recommended.