IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD…
Hamilton Island
The jewel of the Whitsundays is packed with things to do, see and eat, making it perfect for a day trip from the mainland.
WORDS Matt Shea
DO
If you’re wondering how Hamilton Island fits an 18-hole golf course along with everything else on its relatively poky five-square-kilometre rump, it doesn’t. But take a 10-minute ferry ride just across the passage on Dent Island, and you’ll find this par-71 course laid out along the island’s ridges and steep valleys. There’s also a beautifully appointed clubhouse restaurant and bar; it serves a seasonal menu that leans into fresh local seafood. Including the ferry trip, allow five hours for 18 holes and two-and-a-half hours for nine holes.
Once back on Hamilton Island, cool off at Catseye Beach, a protected, palm-tree-lined stretch of sand on the northeastern side of the island. Here, you can simply slip into the azure sea and unwind, but Hamilton Island Beach Sports is located right by the water and has catamarans, paddleboards, kayaks and windsurf boards for hire – it also runs guided snorkelling tours to explore the local fringing reef. In the afternoon, hit the trail for a sunset walk to Passage Peak. This can be a challenging but hugely rewarding hike, with the final steep section leading to the highest point on the island and its jaw-dropping views of the region. It’s recommended to commence the walk from the Scenic Trail Entrance and allow one hour each way, so don’t set off too late in the day.
SEE
Make time during your visit to see all kinds of Australian marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos at Hamilton Island Wildlife. This bucolic little refuge runs two 45-minute daily tours, and there are also special sessions with different animals, including koala and wombat cuddle sessions and the opportunity to spend some supervised time with the park’s three dingoes. Once you’ve toured the park, you can grab coffee and lunch among the koalas at the park’s cafe. Later in the day, hit up the Marina Village, which has a bunch of shops and boutiques peddling everything from everyday conveniences to homewares, jewellery and high-end fashion. Make time for Hamilton Island Art Gallery, which boasts works by Australian artists in a wide range of styles. There’s always an artist in residence, who runs art classes for both adults and children. Beyond its collection of seascapes, contemporary acrylics, abstracts and watercolours, the gallery sells a range of home decor that includes glassware, cushions and sculptures.
EAT
There’s a stack of great restaurants and cafes on Hamilton Island, serving everything from casual eats to elevated Australian dining.
Marina Tavern is popular with its family-friendly menu of generous pub meals such as the Godfather parmigiana with chilli beef or a 300- gram scotch fillet. Kids’ meals include pasta with cheese and Napoli sauce, a cheeseburger with fries, and fish or chicken with chips and salad. For drinks, there’s craft and international beer by the bottle, and a wine list that heroes Australian drops. Where to sit? Outside on the first-floor verandah is best, with its views across the marina. If you’re chasing something more casual, head out for Popeye’s Fish and Chips. It serves a tight menu of fish and chips, with fish coming either crumbed, grilled or beer battered; burgers served with chips; and items “from the fryer”, which include hand-cut fried squid and chicken schnitzel. There’s also a seafood basket including house-made tartare sauce. Take your catch to the nearby Hesperus Picnic Area and enjoy watching the island life as it floats on by.
THE DETAILS
TOUR
Explore everything Hamilton Island has to offer with Cruise Whitsundays. There are a variety of day tours that allow you to explore the island, like the Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island tour from $200pp, Hamilton Island Golf tour from $253pp, and Hamilton Island Freestyle from $130pp. To get there, jump aboard a Cruise Whitsundays’ Resort transfer.