Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hamilton Island
POP 1209
Hamilton can come as a shock for the first-time visitor, with swarms of people and heavy
development making it more like a busy town rather than a castaway island. Though not
everyone's idea of a perfect getaway, it's hard not to be impressed by the sheer range of
accommodation options, restaurants, bars and activities - there's something for everyone.
Day-trippers can use some resort facilities, including tennis courts, squash courts, a gym,
a golf driving range and a mini-golf course.
From
Catseye Beach
, in front of the resort, you can hire windsurfers, catamarans, jet skis
and other equipment, and go parasailing or waterskiing.
A few shops by the harbour organise dives and certificate courses; you can take a vari-
ety of cruises to other islands and the outer reef. Half-day fishing trips cost around $190
per person with fishing gear supplied.
There are a few
walking trails
, the best being the clamber up to Passage Peak (239m) on
the northeastern corner of the island. Hamilton also has day care and a Clownfish Club for
kids.
Sleeping
Hamilton Island Resort
( 13 73 33;
www.hamiltonisland.com.au
; d from $340; )
Hamilton Island Resort has op-
tions ranging from hotel rooms to self-contained apartments and penthouses. The rates lis-
ted in the following reviews are for one night, although almost everyone stays for at least
three when the cheaper package deals come into effect.
RESORT
$$$
Qualia
( 1300 780 959;
www.qualia.com.au
; d from $975; )
The ultra-luxe Qualia is set on 12
hectares, with modern villas materialising like heavenly tree houses in the leafy hillside.
The resort has a private beach, two restaurants, a spa and two swimming pools.
RESORT
$$$
Beach Club
(
www.hamiltonisland.com.au/BeachClub
;
d from $595; )
Flanking the main resort complex,
the Beach Club has terraced rooms with absolute beachfront positions.
RESORT
$$$
