Blog reader Diem Le recently returned from a family trip to Hamilton Island and is keen to share her holiday experiences with others.
Thanks so much Diem, this is just the kind of at-the-school-gate information sharing that works so well for families. Much appreciated!
Where Is Hamilton Island?
Our Family Holiday on Hamilton Island
My husband and I and our five-year-old son, who has special needs, were looking for a sunny destination to escape the Sydney winter.
We chose Hamilton because of the number of restaurants, accommodation choices covering every budget and the range of activities and facilities on the island.
Hamilton Island Family Accommodation
What I tend to look for is a self-catering option, space and an outdoor area. It gives us flexibility to eat in when we feel like it and having a growing boy it helps to have snacks at hand.
We stayed in a two-bedroom two bathroom apartment on the North end of the island with use of a buggy for our stay.
This was the quieter end but only five minutes from the main area. We had a ground-floor apartment with a lawn so that was great for my son.
Hamilton Island Deals on Booking.com
Booking.comThe Island Layout
The North end also has One Tree Hill for the sunset (and cocktails). Getting around is by foot, a buggy or the island shuttle.
The Marina has various shops – clothing, a few gift shops, a liquor store, a newsagency, a bakery, fish shop and a grocery store and several restaurants. The prices are island prices.
There are several pools to choose from and are available for all guests of the island. Most accommodation also have their onsite pools.
We spent a lot of time in the main pool in the Resort Centre. There is also a small playground there.
There is also a spa called Spa Wumurdaylin. Nearby, there is also a fitness centre, tennis courts and mini golf. The main resort area also has retail shops and a restaurant.
There is a weekly activity guide that lists all the various activities. There are lots of water activities on Catseye Beach, for example catamarans and kayaks.
There is also a bowling alley and a wildlife park.
In the afternoons they had kids’ activities such as a jumping castle and face painting. During the holidays they also had circus training, a disco and movie night.
There was also a childcare centre (Clownfish Club) catering for 6 weeks – 14 years
Hamilton Island Eating Out and In
A big tick for us was that Kids Eat and Stay Free.
For dining, Manta Ray and Coca Chu were great. The bakery we also frequented as well as the fish shop and the grocery store.
The island grocery store prices were a bit of a shock to the system. There is an option to pre-order from Coles Online for direct delivery to your property.
Family Activities at Hamilton Island
During our seven-night stay, there was enough to occupy us on the island but we did venture out to do a day tour to Airlie Beach and Daydream Island.
Overall, we thought there were activities catering for the entire family. The highlight for my son seemed to be riding in the golf buggy and the pools.
For me, having a massage and the warm weather was wonderful and for hubby as long as he could read the paper and have a glass of wine he was happy.
Search Hamilton Island Specials Here
Booking.comThanks so much Diem, there’s nothing like hearing about a holiday from a real family that’s been there.
We stayed on Daydream Island many years ago, and so flew into Hamilton. My mum and I once sailed around the Whitsundays in an old wooden yacht, and visited Hamilton.
It does sound a good spot for a really relaxing family holiday. And who doesn’t need one of those!?
Have you stayed on Hamilton Island?
Of course it’s on the list!!!! My question is : can you make a coral reef trip from there? xx cathy
I think you can BUT not to the best part of the Reef, if I recall correctly. Townsville, Cairns and Port Douglas best places to depart for the GBR>