Hamilton Island is one of the most sought after destinations in Australia’s Queensland region. Conveniently located in the Whitsunday group of islands, Hamilton is also one of the main gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. The island has a number of luxury resorts and white sand beaches. These resorts offer wonderful services including restaurants, spa facilities and water sports equipment to make your vacation more active or relaxing.

As mentioned, most important parts of the Great Barrier Reef are easy to get to from Hamilton. This island is also one of the ideal starting points to visit the world famous Whitehaven Beach and other regional attractions such as Hill Inlet and Heart Reef. But you don’t need to leave Hamilton to take part in a wide range of fun outdoor activities. The coral and marine life around the island’s waters make it a prime spot for incredible snorkeling and diving. If you’re a boating fan, you can arrange an excursion at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club. Other activities to consider include sea kayaking, swimming, and sport fishing.

All the excitement and enjoyment is not limited to water sports and activities. On the mainland, you can play a great round of golf at the world-class Hamilton Island Gold Club. The club’s 18-hole championship course is not in Hamilton but on the adjacent Dent Island. This makes this championship course the only one of its kind in Australia. The Hamilton Island Gold Club has impressed golf professionals and fans not only with its location but also with its design and facilities.

Although this Australian island is relatively built for tourism, some of its areas remain uninhabited and unadulterated. These steep parts are full of walking paths that will take you to secluded coves and viewpoints that provide outstanding panoramas of the sea and the nearby island. Walking around this part of the island will allow you to truly explore its natural beauty. Most trails in Hamilton are open at sunrise and closed at sunset. Fortunately for trekking novices, the trails are in a wide range of difficulty and fitness levels.

Some of the popular hiking trails to consider include Resort Lookout, South East Head Trail, and Passage Peak. Resort Lookout, in particular, is accessed via the Scenic Trail and is a great introduction to Hamilton. This viewpoint is actually the second highest point on the island and is just the right altitude for spectacular views of the seaside village, resort area, and surrounding island.

Hamilton is home to a wide selection of restaurants and bars, and hosts several fascinating cultural exhibits and performances throughout the year. When it comes to accommodation, you’ll have no trouble finding something to suit your taste and budget, as Hamilton has multiple accommodation options including couples suites, family apartments, vacation homes, and of course, luxury hotels.

However, you don’t have to stay on Hamilton Island to enjoy the island’s many amenities, as many resorts welcome daytrippers who want to experience Hamilton even for a short time. If you’re one of those who would like to visit Hamilton from the main island of the Whitsundays, it’s easy to catch a ferry from Airlie Beach. Once you arrive in Hamilton, you’ll be in luck, as there is free transportation that takes visitors to various resorts and key locations around the island.