What To Do on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island packs a lot into a short stop on your Whitsunday Escape charter. Berth in the marina for a night and you can climb to the island’s highest lookout, swim in the resort pools, watch the sunset with a drink in hand and eat out, then sail on the next morning. About 70% of the island is natural bushland, so there is far more to explore than the resort strip.

Things to do on Hamilton Island

Climb Passage Peak

Passage Peak is the highest point on Hamilton Island, with views across the Whitsunday Islands from the top. The track starts at the Scenic Trail entrance at the eastern end of Catseye Beach and is about 2.7 km one way. Allow about an hour each way. The last section is steep, so wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Early risers can watch the sun come up over the islands.

Walk to Resort Lookout

Resort Lookout is the island’s second highest point, about 1.7 km one way (allow 45 minutes). It looks out over the resort, Dent Island and the golf course towards the mainland.

There are more than a dozen marked walking trails on the island. They are open from sunrise to sunset, and you can pick up a free trail map from the tour desk. Mobile coverage drops out in places, so tell someone your plans, and stay on the track to avoid the Gympie-Gympie stinging tree.

Watch the sunset from One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is the island’s classic sunset spot, with views west over the islands. A bar opens at the lookout each afternoon for sunset drinks. Grab a picnic table or a spot on the rock wall and watch the light change over the water.

Swim at Catseye Beach and the resort pools

Catseye Beach is the island’s main beach, right in front of the resort. As a marina guest you can also use the resort-side pools, so pack swimmers and a towel. The qualia and Beach Club facilities are not included. From about November to May, wear a stinger suit in the ocean or stick to the pools.

Eat and drink ashore

After a few days of cooking on board, Hamilton Island is the place for a meal out. The marina village and resort have restaurants, bars, a bakery and casual takeaway options.

Golf, spa and wildlife

• Golf: play a round at the Dent Island golf course, across the channel from the marina.
• Day spa: book a treatment at the island’s day spa.
• Wildlife park: see koalas and other native animals up close.

Book golf, spa visits and island tours through the Hamilton Island app, which shows real-time availability.

Getting around

The free island shuttle runs between the marina and the resort centre. You can also hire a golf buggy to reach One Tree Hill, the beaches and the trailheads.

Staff tip: time your Hamilton Island night for the middle of your charter. Walk Passage Peak in the cool of the morning, restock at the marina village, and you are back out to the quieter anchorages by the next afternoon.

A day on Hamilton Island

• Morning: walk to Passage Peak for sunrise, then breakfast at the marina
• Midday: swim at Catseye Beach or the resort pools
• Afternoon: golf on Dent Island, a spa treatment, or the wildlife park
• Evening: sunset drinks at One Tree Hill, then dinner ashore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best walk on Hamilton Island? Passage Peak, the island’s highest point. It is about 2.7 km one way from the Scenic Trail entrance at Catseye Beach, with a steep final section and views across the Whitsundays.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset on Hamilton Island? One Tree Hill, on the island’s western side. A bar opens at the lookout each afternoon for sunset drinks.

Can charter guests use the Hamilton Island resort pools? Yes, when you are berthed at the marina. The beach and resort-side pools, restaurants and bars are open to marina guests. The qualia and Beach Club facilities are not included.

Can I play golf on Hamilton Island? Yes. Marina guests can book a round at the Dent Island golf course through the Hamilton Island app.

How do I visit Hamilton Island on a charter? Book a berth at Hamilton Island Marina before you arrive. See Hamilton Island Marina for booking, fees and berthing tips.