11 Best Day Trips From Hamilton Island

From scenic flights to yacht charters to total immersion in the Great Barrier Reef, here’s how to make the most of your day trips from Hamilton Island.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and close to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island is the ideal launching pad to explore the wonders of the Whitsundays. And while there’s plenty to keep you entertained on the island itself – think sunset cocktails, bushwalking, spa treatments, pool time and paddleboarding – a handful of off-island adventures can extend holiday memories even further. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from Hamilton Island…

1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a catamaran

It’s the world’s largest coral reef and one of the reasons you’re here, so get acquainted with the Great Barrier Reef in style through Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure.

The Hamilton Island day trip begins with a two-hour catamaran cruise out to Reefworld, a pontoon located on the beautiful Hardy Reef, found 39 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. From there, you’ll spend four hours dipping your toes in a range of activities both above and below the water.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef from the Reefworld Pontoon. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Snorkel to your heart’s content, with all gear including wetsuits and stinger suits included, alongside tropical fish and more than 1,400 types of coral. Alternatively, opt for a guided reef safari to learn more about what you’re seeing.

Take a guided reef safari for a more informed experience. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

If you don’t fancy getting wet, that’s fine too. Take your spot in Reefworld’s 50-seat semi-submarine where you’ll explore extraordinary sea life from a groper-viewing hole in its underwater chamber. The trip includes morning tea, a buffet lunch, and afternoon tea.

2. Sleep overnight on the Great Barrier Reef

Upgrade your Hamilton Island day trip on Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld by staying overnight – above deck, or below at Australia’s first underwater hotel. Once the day’s crowds depart, you’ll have the pontoon all to yourself to relax with a sunset drink and enjoy an al fresco dinner prepared by the onboard chef.

Sleep under the stars at Reefsleep in a pod. (Image: Irjaliina Paavonpera)

Come nightfall, choose the Reefsleep experience to snooze under the stars in one of 12 Reefsleep pods, fitted with a queen-size mattress and complete with a zip-up hood. If you book well in advance, you might instead head below deck to one of the two Reefsuites, which come in either king double or twin single configurations. Your underwater room offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls for an uninterrupted perspective on the Great Barrier Reef. Food and beverages are included in your stay and you’ll depart Reefworld for Hamilton Island at 11am the next morning.

Take in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Irjaliina Paavonpera)

3. Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef

If you’re a particularly keen snorkeller or scuba diver, join Explore’s Full Day Snorkel or Dive Tour which transports small groups to less-visited areas of the Great Barrier Reef.

Soak up the wonder of snorkelling at Bait Reef. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Suitable for both beginner and certified divers, this Hamilton Island day trip includes a stop at Bait Reef, a world-renowned diving location protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and featuring spectacular coral gardens, underwater canyons, swim throughs and breathtaking walls, as well as visits to popular dive sites Stepping Stones, Paradise Lagoon and Banjouras Lagoon.

Bait Reef is a world-renowned diving location. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

If it’s snorkelling that’s caught your eye, the trip also offers incredible opportunities to bobble at your own pace at Bait Reef. The day’s itinerary also includes visits to more of the world’s best dive sites around Northern Hook Island. You’re guaranteed at least three and a half hours spent on location, plus morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

4. Sail out to wonderous Whitehaven Beach

Located just a 30-minute dash on a high-speed catamaran from Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach’s white silica sand and dazzling waters make it one of the jewels in the Whitsundays crown. It’s no surprise that Hamilton Island offers several day trips and tours, however, Cruise Whitsundays’ Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill experience is a standout.

Float in the crystal-clear waters of Hill Inlet. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

This full-day tour includes guided walks to Hill Inlet and Lookout and the Whitehaven Beach Lookout, stinger suits for snorkelling and an array of beach games to keep you entertained.

But if it’s the ‘chill’ and ‘grill’ elements that grabbed you, a fresh-grilled, gourmet burger and the promise to keep you on Whitehaven for up to six glorious hours should satisfy.

Explore Whitehaven Beach at your leisure. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Alternatively, charter your own private yacht from Hamilton Island to discover the hot spot at your leisure.

5. Helicopter or plane ride over the Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, with their otherworldly swirls of creamy sand and turquoise water, are a sight to behold from above – and you can hop on a seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island to see it all for yourself.

Scenic flight above Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach

Take a scenic flight above Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

One to indulge? Hamilton Island Air’s Reef & Beach Explorer by Seaplane is a thrilling two-hour and 45-minute experience that encompasses a scenic flight around the Whitsundays, offering guests a grand sweep of the scale and majesty of the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Heart Reef.

Catch a seaplane to Whitehaven Beach with Hamilton Island Air. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Elevating your day trip further, you’ll land right off Whitehaven Beach where chilled sparkling wine will be poured as you hit the sand and unwind.

Indulge with Hamilton Island Air’s Reef & Beach Explorer by Seaplane tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Spend the afternoon at Heart Reef

A flyover of the stunning Heart Reef – a coral composition naturally formed into the shape of a love heart – has long been a Whitsundays non-negotiable. But guests of Hamilton Island also have the opportunity to see it from an up-close-and-personal perspective thanks to the exclusive Heart Island, a luxury and sustainably designed pontoon located in a neighbouring lagoon.

Fly over Heart Reef or stay for a snorkel and swim at Heart Island. (Image: Salty Wings)

A maximum of just six guests at a time are invited on a 30-minute helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef, before disembarking on the pontoon’s private helipad where a staircase awaits to escort the tour to a rest area offering champagne and canapés. From there, 90 minutes can be spent either snorkelling and swimming in the lagoon, on board a glass-bottom boat ride around Heart Reef itself, or simply relaxing on a lounge bed amid the azure paradise before flying back to Hamilton Island.

Arrive by helicopter at Heart Reef Island’s pontoon. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Hire a motorised dinghy to explore the islands

Jumping aboard a motorised dinghy via the Hamilton Island Tour Desk will give you the ultimate freedom to explore the Whitsundays as you please. With six-hour rentals available to groups of up to six people with no licence or experience required, you’re free to sail at your own pace in local waters between Hamilton and Dent Islands. Departing from the Hamilton Island Marina, your charter will give you the perfect chance to snorkel, picnic, fish and swim on beautiful Henning Island Beach, a serene spot within Whitsundays Islands National Park. Otherwise, simply drift along with the gentle sea breeze.

8. Charter a boat to tour the Whitsundays

Keen to go a hop, skip and jump further? Charter a vessel from any number of operators working out of Hamilton Island, including Freedom Charters (good for families and small groups, with a range of boats to choose from), Ricochet Yachting (a boutique sailing experience that’s known for luxurious comfort and high speeds) and Alani (luxury yachts for groups of up to 35). They all come with an experienced skipper or crew, plus the freedom to customise your own itinerary.

Charter a boat and explore the Whitsundays at your own pace. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

For something special, charter the heritage yacht Lady Enid, a beautiful timber boat that was built in 1961. Having competed in five Sydney to Hobart races, the rare historical artefact is available for private hire by groups of up to 24 guests for up to eight hours per day. Enjoy a full day out at Whitehaven Beach and the opportunity to set the sails and helm the vessel yourself, or just kick back and relax.

Sailing the Whitsundays needs to be on your must-do list when visiting Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Learn how to fish

For some, the Whitsundays’ raft of tropical islands, reef drop-offs and estuaries prove the perfect destination to throw a line out – but even the keenest of fishers mightn’t know where to start. Luckily, angling excursions from Hamilton Island with Topnotch Game Fishing offer good guidance.

Join a half-day shared charter or book a half or full-day private charter of its vessel The Pirate, catering for up to eight passengers in addition to two crew members, to help navigate your journey around far-flung Whitsundays hot spots.

Get ready to reel in anything from coral trout, snapper and cod to tuna, trevally, black marlin, and Spanish mackerel, plus whales are commonly sighted between June and September. At the end of the day, the crew will prepare your catch for you to take back to your accommodation, or for an extra cost, they can arrange a local restaurant to cook it up for you.

10. Play golf on Dent Island

One of the most unique – and not to mention scenic – of its kind in Australia, the Hamilton Island Golf Club occupies its very own patch of paradise. Sitting pretty on Dent Island, a five-minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island, its 18-hole championship course designed by five-time British Open winner, Peter Thomson, sits in an elevated position and offers incredible views across the Whitsundays. Follow your game with a long lunch at the Hamilton Island Golf Club Clubhouse, which looks out over Passage Peak and the Coral Sea, and is one of the best spots to see humpback whales during their migration.

Take the 5-minute ferry to Dent Island for a day of gold at Hamilton Island Golf Club. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

11. Zip across the water on a jet ski

Hit the throttle and discover the outskirts of Hamilton Island on a jet ski tour around the Whitsundays’ waterways.

Depart for your jet ski tour Hamilton Island

Depart Hamilton Island for a jet ski tour of its picturesque waterways. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Experienced instructors guide Hamilton Island Jet Ski Tours around the calm waters of the Coral Sea where you may spot seasonal marine life such as whales and turtles during your one-hour adventure.

You’ll be guided by experienced instructors. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You’re also invited to cut the engine as you pull up at hidden beaches around the back of the Island and take in the abundance of lush bushland that blankets 70 per cent of the Island.

The tour will give you a chance to explore a different side of the island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

How to get to Hamilton Island

You’ll feel a million miles away from home once you arrive but thankfully there are several easy ways to travel to Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island Airport sees direct flights with Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, while Hamilton Island Air services direct flight transfers from Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) and Whitsunday Airport (Shute Harbour).

Bliss awaits on Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Ferries also travel from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island, with coaches running from Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns to the Port of Airlie transport terminal, right at the ferry departure spot.

The Spirit of Queensland rail journey also runs five times a week return from Brisbane to Cairns, to Proserpine, with coach connections to the Port of Airlie and the Hamilton Island ferry.

Prefer driving? The 1,100-kilometre drive north from Brisbane to Shute Harbour will take approximately 12 hours. Follow the Bruce Highway to Proserpine, then take the exit to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

How to island hop from Hamilton Island

Did you know you don’t need a licence to hire a yacht and sail around the Whitsundays on your own? It’s one of the few destinations in the world with such relaxed regulations, so take advantage by chartering your own adventure through Go Bareboating, which offers access to several private charter companies.

If you prefer to let somebody else steer the ship, ferry services through Cruise Whitsundays are a great option. Island transfers are available between Hamilton Island Airport and Hamilton Island Marina, Airlie Beach, Daydream Island, and Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. The vessels are air-conditioned and fitted with bars serving food and beverages to get you to your destinations comfortably.

Planning an island escape? Read more travel tips in our guide to Hamilton Island.

Evergreen editor Rachael Thompson checked into the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island since 2007.

Designed to deliver an elevated holiday experience with families in mind, The Sundays is the first new hotel on Hamilton Island since the opening of qualia in 2007. With contemporary spaces that echo the island’s surroundings, a world-class restaurant by renowned culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland and spectacular Coral Sea views, The Sundays has positioned itself as the new must-stay accommodation in The Whitsundays. It has successfully filled the gap for families who want a luxurious stay on Hamilton Island without compromising comfort or kid-friendly amenities.

Returning to the island two decades later offered a unique perspective on the island’s transformation, made all the more compelling by the debut of this highly anticipated resort.

Location

View over the pool to Catseye Bay from The Sundays Hamilton Island.

The Sundays looks across Catseye Bay.

The Sundays is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on the reef’s most iconic island, Hamilton Island. The resort sits on the arc of white sand, at the northern end of Catseye Beach.

Hamilton Island is the most accessible and commercially serviced island in the Whitsundays, with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, plus convenient boat transfers from the Queensland mainland. The Sundays is a 15-minute walk from Hamilton Island Airport, or a few minutes drive with return shuttle bus transfers to and from Hamilton Island Airport and Marina are included with all bookings.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with great bars and eateries, scenic walking tracks, beautiful beaches and a year-round average temperature of 27°C. The island is also a prime launching point for two of the region’s must-do experiences: Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef.

Find out everything you need to know before visiting the island in our guide.

Style and character

The modern coastal foyer at The Sundays Hamilton Island.

Common spaces are breezy and channel relaxed coastal vibes.

The Sundays occupies the site of the first Hamilton Island hotel, the Hamilton Island Palm Terrace Hotel, which first opened in 1990. Where a dated property once stood, there is now a breezy, modern resort featuring contemporary rooms that open to Coral Sea views.

Designer Carrie Williams was called upon to infuse the accommodation with laid-back tropical vibes. Drawing inspiration from the island’s natural surroundings, she created interiors that feel both relaxed and refined, using natural textures and a Whitsundays-inspired palette of cool aquas, lush greens, sand-toned floor tiles and blonde timber furniture.

The Sundays partnered with young First Nations and Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg from the Kuku Yalanji/Kuku Nyungkul Warra people, whose large colourful works make a statement throughout the public areas, with smaller pieces elevating the guestrooms.

Facilities

The Coral Sea view from Catseye Pool Club.

Catseye Pool Club is helmed by renowned chef Josh Niland.

At The Sundays, every detail has been curated to feel like an indulgent escape – from the world-class restaurant to the sparkling swimming pool.

The Sundays is focused on delivering against the challenges and realities of family holidays via some practical but thoughtful services and amenities that set it apart from other accommodations. The deck area has magnificent views of the entire bay and sea, and also serves as a stage for kids’ activities like movie nights and family morning yoga. Poolside private cabanas feature family-sized day beds and amenities that allow one to spend a relaxing day soaking up the views and holiday vibes. The Ice Cream Happy Hour is a hit, offering an alternative to a turn-down service, where kids and families are offered a complimentary cone or cup with a scoop or two – kids will delight at seeing the small gold coin used to pay for the ice-cream scoop that appears in your room each day.

Complimentary transport around the Island makes things smooth, while complimentary non-motorised watersports, including stand-up paddleboards, catamarans, kayaks and snorkelling equipment, will keep active ones entertained.

Prams, cots and the whole accoutrements that a family may need are on hand.

Rooms

A sliding window looking out the balcony with Coral Sea views.

Soak up stunning water views from your room.

59 generously-sized rooms (including eight family connecting rooms and three accessible rooms) make way for sparkling Coral Sea views. A sliding window separates the bathroom from the living area and can be drawn back to reveal the palms and Catseye Beach. Every bathroom features a freestanding bath with bath salts – the perfect way to end your day. There are also luxurious Leif hair and body products, robes, umbrellas and yoga mats,

Each room includes a large balcony or terrace to make the most of the view and enjoy the fresh coastal. I stayed in one of the terrace rooms, which open onto the grass, offering easy access to the restaurant and pool. If your priority is a fabulous view, opt for one of the balcony rooms with beds that face the sea. Kitchenettes with sinks DeLonghi kettles/coffee machines, and microwaves are particularly useful for young families.

The Sundays Hamilton Island bathroom with a freestanding bath.

Every room has an indulgent freestanding bath.

I was pleased to find how carefully considered the mini-bar was, offering a range of treats I indulge in at home. Tony’s Chocolonely, Cobs popcorn, FUNDAY lollies, Kettle chips, corn chips and salsa, The Everleigh Bottling Co’s pre-made cocktails, Charles Heidsieck (the island’s preferred Champagne) and juice. They were hard to resist, and frankly, I didn’t. Milklab milk – full cream, oat and almond – and T2 tea are complimentary.

Food and drink

The restaurant’s menu appeals to both adults and children alike.

Hamilton Island was ready for a new dining experience, and Cateseye Pool Club has more than filled the gap. Helmed by Josh and Julie Niland, this restaurant unsurprisingly delivers big on flavour. Unlike the pair’s fine-dining Sydney restaurant Saint Peter, Catseye Pool Club offers a more approachable menu that appeals to a wider audience

Lounge by the pool while enjoying laid-back bites and punchy cocktails, including the refreshing house salad tossed with goat’s feta, avocado, tomato, radishes, gem lettuce, and mint or the satisfying souvas packed with garlic yoghurt, fries, tomato, onions and parsley.

Indoors, you’ll find a menu featuring a mix of local seafood, native ingredients and elevated comfort food in the form of share plates. Expect pillowy pizza bread, perfectly cooked coral trout, Tweed Heads Eastern Rock Lobster, grilled Elgin Valley chicken skewers and battered fried wild fish tacos with fermented pineapple hot sauce — the latter a standout I won’t forget anytime soon. The meal was perfectly rounded off with a raspberry and coconut trifle.

It’s worth noting that the menu heavily focuses on seafood and meat, with only a few vegetarian-friendly plates.

Ice cream at The Sundays Hamilton Island.

Enjoy a complimentary scoop of ice cream every day.

Breakfast is complimentary, and watching the sunrise while tucking into the best zucchini fritters I’ve ever eaten definitely put me in a good mood. Freshly baked pastries are also on the menu – I heard multiple people rave about the chocolate croissants.

Every day from 2-4pm, take your MerMoney gold coin down to the pool and treat yourself to complimentary scoops of ice cream.

Does The Sundays have access for guests with disabilities?

There are three rooms specifically designed to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

Is The Sundays family-friendly?

The view from The Sundays swimming pool to the rooms.

The al fresco area features poolside private cabanas feature family-sized day beds.

Spacious connecting rooms, a kids’ club and family-friendly dining make The Sundays about as family-friendly as hotels get.

Details

Best for: Families

Address: 10 Palm Terrace Way, Whitsundays

Price: From $891 per night.

Discover the best things to do on the island while you’re there

11 incredible day trips from Hamilton Island