Skip Global Header to Content
Login to access incredible deals for members!
Hamilton Island Hotels
Surrounded by pristine white beaches and a beautiful array of coral and marine life,
Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous
Whitehaven Beach.
Discover Hamilton Island
One of Australia’s most famous destinations, the Whitsunday
archipelago is a gorgeous chain of 74 islands located in the middle of
the Great Barrier Reef. This is a place of sun, sand and the bluest
sea, where visitors can immerse themselves in some of Mother Nature’s
best work.Perfectly placed for guests to explore the surrounding islands and reefs, Hamilton Island has developed into the largest inhabited island on the chain. With direct flights now offered from major Australian capitals, the popularity of Hamilton Island has exploded in recent years, and the choice of accommodation has followed suit.Ready to book your Hamilton Island adventure, but wondering where to stay? Qantas Hotels allows you to choose from over 200,000 hotel and accommodation options worldwide, including some of the finest in the Whitsundays. You’ll also earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 spent* with Qantas Hotels.So let’s take a look at what you need to know about Hamilton Island and its hotels to make the most of your stay.
Transport
How do you get to Hamilton Island?
- By plane: As Hamilton Island is the only Whitsunday Island with its own commercial airport, guests can travel direct by plane. The island is serviced by daily flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns.
- By ferry: Two ferries service Hamilton Island. One leaves from Airlie Beach and operates nine times a day, the other leaves from Shute Bay with three daily services. Hamilton Island is entirely car free, so if you choose to drive to the ferry you’ll need to find secure parking for your car on the mainland.
- By yacht: If you’re one of the lucky few to have access to a yacht, you can sail yourself right into the Hamilton Island Marina.
What is the best way to get around Hamilton Island?
Hamilton Island is entirely car free - whether you arrive by plane, ferry, or yacht, you’ll be picked up at your port of entry by one of the island’s buggies (golf carts) or shuttle buses. Hamilton Island is small (around 6 km in both length and width), and almost all of the accommodation and services are squeezed into a 2 km strip in the northwest corner. This makes the island relatively easy to walk around, although buggies are available for hire and a regular shuttle bus service is provided to visitors.Places to see
What are Hamilton Island’s must-see attractions?
- Catseye Beach: The main beach on Hamilton Island, the porcelain white sand and glorious row of palm trees will reassure you that you are indeed in paradise. Found on the resort side of the island, this spot is easily accessible from all hotels.
- Passage Peak: While you can take one of the golf buggies offered by many hotels, hiking up Passage Peak makes the view at the top all the more stunning. This is the best place to see the Whitsundays in all their glory, particularly if you can get there for a sunrise.
- Hamilton Island Reef: The island is surrounded by a gorgeous tropical reef, which is easily accessible off Catseye Beach. Grab a snorkel, and start your search for Nemo.
- Escape Beach: For those who prefer their sand more private, Escape Beach offers exactly what it says on the tin. Located on the southeast corner of the island, it’s a quick, nice walk or short buggy ride from the main town.
- WILD LIFE Hamilton Island: Whether you prefer sleepy koalas, cute wallabies or intimidating saltwater crocs, WILD LIFE Hamilton Island has you covered, with the full spectrum of Aussie fauna represented.
Find the right hotel
What is Hamilton Island’s best hotel for solo travellers?
Perfectly private and business friendly, this hotel also offers ample opportunities to socialise should you want them. Check out Beach Club if you’re a solo traveller in Hamilton Island (and earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 spent with Qantas Hotels while you do it!).What are Hamilton Island’s best hotels for couples?
Are you and your partner ready to use your Qantas Points to book your next getaway with Qantas Hotels? Romantic, secluded and luxurious, couples travelling to Hamilton Island could do far worse than experiencing the hospitality offered up by Palm Bungalows.What are Hamilton Island’s best hotels for families?
Heading to Hamilton Island with your tribe? Head to Whitsunday Apartments for a self-contained, family-friendly hotel that will warmly welcome your family and keep even the littlest ones entertained.What are Hamilton Island’s best hotels for location and views?
While every Hamilton Island accommodation option seems to serve up incredible views, those offered by Reef View Hotel, overlooking Catseye Beach and Hamilton Island Reef, almost outdo the lot.What are Hamilton Island’s best hotels?
After the best of the best? Perhaps the most luxurious 5-star escape on Hamilton Island can be found at qualia.Why book with Qantas Hotels?
Frequently Asked Questions
The average price of hotels on Hamilton Island is $400 - $500 per night (be aware that prices may be greater on weekends and at times of high demand).
The peak season for Hamilton Island is during the Australian winter, from May to September. This is when the temperature is the mildest and the days are the sunniest. The heat, humidity and rain reaches its peak during the wet season, from December to March, although sunny skies are still regular. On the plus side, the island will be quieter and prices will be lower during the wet season.
Cruising around or flying over the Whitsundays is one of the world’s most stunning experiences. Be sure to check out Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and the marbled water of Hill Inlet.
Discover more
Queensland
Western Australia
New South Wales
Victoria
Important information
** Businesses earn 1 Qantas Point per AU$1 spent on eligible Qantas Hotels worldwide. Eligible Qantas hotels excludes Classic Hotel Rewards. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for your business. Qantas Points are not earned on any amounts payable directly to the hotel. Conditions apply
You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem points. Membership and points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
* Qantas Frequent Flyer members can redeem Qantas Points when booking hotel accommodation through qantas.com/hotels or holiday packages through qantas.com/holidays, using Points Plus Pay. Members cannot redeem points for additional charges paid to the hotel for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable). Points Plus Pay allows you to choose the number of Qantas Points you redeem above the specified minimum level of 5,000 and pay for the remainder of the booking value with an Accepted Payment Card (including VISA, MasterCard or American Express). Points Plus Pay is not available for Classic Hotel Rewards. View full terms and conditions here
~ Saving is off the hotel's generally available rate for the same property, room type, days, inclusions and conditions.
† Includes fee payable in local currency direct to hotel. Prices in AUD are approx and based on today's exchange rate.
Hotel ratings and reviews provided by
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live and fly.We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.