Travel
10 surprising things you probably didn't know about Hamilton Island
Why head overseas when you can live out all your tropical island dreams off the coast of Queensland – no long-haul flight required.
By Lana Hallowes
When we think (or dream?) of Hamilton Island, we likely picture swaying palm trees, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets at cocktail hour. But while it’s absolutely a tropical paradise where natural beauty and relaxation await, there’s so much to discover.
Citro’s Managing Director, Ash Frenken visited the island for a whirlwind long weekend in December last year. The first surprising thing for Ash was just how easy it was to escape to a tropical island holiday: “One minute we were battling Sydney traffic to get to the airport and just 2 hours later we were swimming in crystal-clear waters and working on our tans.”
That’s because Hamilton Island is the only Whitsundays island with its own commercial airport.
When you fly to the island you are hit with epic views of the Great Barrier Reef and her jeweled sea as you approach, then you land … and you are there! There is no need to wait around for a boat transfer.
Here are 10 more surprising things you may not know about this luxury island (which may just inspire you to book your flights!).
1. It is of deep cultural significance
The traditional custodians of the Whitsundays are the Ngaro people. Their connection to the aqua sea dotted with islands is strong.
If you'd like to immerse yourself in this rich cultural heritage, Ngaro man Robbie Congoo offers a unique educational experience. Aboard the motor yacht Pebble Beach, you’ll be treated to an island exploration, visiting ancient rock paintings and hearing about the significance of local fauna and flora to Ngara traditions. Robbie will also tell stories which reveal his people’s spiritual connection to Country, while you soak up the stunning scenery.
2. The island is a foodie paradise
There are more than 20 casual and fine dining restaurants, cafes and bars on the island - yes, it’s positively brimming with good things to eat. Two of these have recently been awarded Chef Hats in the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide Awards – Bommie at the Yacht Club and the Long Pavilion, Qualia.
There’s also a new casual dining establishment called, ‘The Palms’. This relaxed alfresco restaurant and bar has a smoky BBQ-inspired menu and features fresh local seafood.
When it comes to a sundowner, you’re spoilt for choice, but Ash recommends One Tree Hill as the perfect place for a sunset cocktail. “It’s perched on the highest point of the island, so you get absolutely spectacular views and a very romantic spot with a drink in hand watching the sunset,” he says. “There's a little bar up there that serves cocktails and drinks around sunset and the island shuttle bus that takes you up there runs regularly if you don't have a golf-cart.”
3. The island is ‘owned’ by the Oatley family
While the Ngaro people are the traditional custodians, the island was purchased in 2003 by Bob Oatley (owner of the famous supermaxi Wild Oats XI).
The story is, Mr Oatley was sailing The Whitsundays during the 1980s when he fell in love with the island. Years later, he and his family purchased it for approximately $200 million and have since splashed out around $400 million to make it even better, including building an 18-hole golf course.
The family considered selling the island for around $1 billion a few years back, but ultimately decided against it and took it off the market.
4. It’s pristine beauty is discoverable on foot… or jetski
Only 30% of Hamilton Island is developed, which means most of it is natural and untouched by humans.
With over 15 kms of walking trails, trekking the island is a wonderful and jaw-dropping way to see it. Visit secluded hideaways and snap photos from many different vantage points as you take in your peaceful surroundings. There are many tables along the walking tracks too, so pausing for a scenic picnic is a must!
More ideas: 5 great walking holidays for any budget and fitness level
If your preferred pace is a little faster, don’t miss taking a guided tour around the island by jetski.
“The jetski tour is a must – we hired one jetski and went tandem,” says Ash. “You tour around the islands and explore all the tiny coves. The water is so crystal clear you can watch sea life simply by looking down – it was absolutely magic.”
5. It’s a Whale Heritage Site
Hamilton Island's clear waters are home to an array of wildlife, including whales! In fact The Whitsundays are 1 of only 2 sites in Australia designated as a ‘Whale Heritage site’ by the World Cetacean Alliance (Hervey Bay, also in Queensland, is the other).
Thousands of humpback whales pass by annually, making the island a great vantage point for whale watching. The best season for this is June through to September.
6. It has its own golf island
Hamilton Island Golf Club, perched on nearby Dent Island, is the only golf course in Australia situated on its own island. It is accessible by a short but very scenic boat ride from Hamilton.
The course with the dramatic views, was designed by 5-time British Open Champion Peter Thomson. It makes for an incredible and unforgettable game of golf.
Tee up: 10 great Australian golf destinations you need to hit
7. The local inhabitants are a surprise
As well as incredible marine life such as vibrant tropical fish, humpback whales and turtles, Hamilton Island also has an abundance of birdlife.
Sea eagles, cockatoos, rainbow lorikeets and curlews can all be heard singing and seen flying overhead.
Local animals include cute koalas, wallabies, possums, flying-fox bats, a variety of snakes (such as green tree snakes), goannas and… deer!
An introduced farming species from the past, the red deer like to hang out on mountain slopes behind the Reef View Hotel. If you spot one it’s certainly a surprise to see it roaming in an Australian tropical paradise.
8. It’s blissfully car-free
Forget emissions, it’s pretty clear as you stroll around Hamilton Island just how much noise pollution cars contribute to our day-to-day life. On this tranquil island cars are few and far between and you can really feel yourself breathe out. So stroll wherever you need to go without fear, jump into a golf buggy or catch the free island shuttle to get around instead.
9. There’s a brand new luxe hotel
Hamilton Island is known for its ultra luxury with award-winning fine dining, spa, yachting and golfing experiences. It is also home to the swanky 6-star (adults-only) Qualia resort.
Soon there’ll be a new, but different, kind of high-end hotel in the mix.
‘The Sundays’ (opens 24 April, 2025) is a resort that promises ‘laid back luxury’ and boasts its own water’s edge pool and restaurant (helmed by the acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland). It also has a yoga deck for early morning zen sessions.
10. Nearby Whitehaven Beach is world renowned
Beautiful Whitehaven Beach was voted Number One Best of the Best Beaches in the World by Tripadviser (Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2021).
That’s a pretty big call when you think about all the spectacular beaches in all the world, but Whitehaven is truly something special. The water is SO blue, the vegetation SO green and the sand SO white – and also cool underfoot as it’s mostly fine silica sand which doesn’t retain heat.
Whitehaven Beach is reached by a scenic 30-minute catamaran ride from Hamilton Island. Not that you’ll be in a hurry to leave…
Feature image: Hamilton Island
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