Nestled in the Coral Sea, Hamilton Island is the largest, most accessible, and probably the most recognisable, location in the Whitsunday’s 74-island archipelago. With its incredible white beaches, coral reefs and lush bush trails, it’s an instagrammer’s delight and bucket list holiday destination for Australians and international visitors alike.  

Whether you’re snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, playing a round of golf, relaxing on the beach or soaking up golden sunsets with a drink in hand, Hamilton Island gives individuals, couples or families an incredible tropical island break away from the daily grind. 

Housing looks at what ‘Hamo’, as the locals call it, has to offer for HIA members who are keen to combine business with pleasure at the HIA 2023 National Conference next May.

Who are you, Hamilton?

In 1770, Captain James Cook passed through a picturesque group of islands, the traditional home of the Ngaro People. Coinciding with the Christian Pentecost festival of Whit Sunday, the explorer and cartographer called them the ‘Whitsundays’.

Hamilton Island is immediately south of Whitsunday Island in the Whitsunday group. Originally charted in 1866, it was shown as part of Dent Island and Passage Island, adjoining the Whitsunday Passage. Two years later, Hamilton Island was described separately and named, possibly after a crew member of the survey vessel.
The evolution of the island as a holiday destination began in the ’70s. Today, it boasts impressive accommodation, restaurants, activities, scenic flights, close animal encounters and more. Its tropical climate makes it perfect – particularly from April to June! – for both outdoor activities and relaxation time. 

Whether travelling by sea or sky, there’s no shortage of ways to get to Hamilton Island. Take a direct commercial flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, or a ferry from Airlie Beach. Connecting coaches run from Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns. For those travelling part way by car, parking at Airlie Beach is available. The island itself is a car- and drone-free zone but a combination of buses, buggies, boats and your good old feet will get you around.

Your stay by the sea

Hamilton Island is home to curated accommodation choices. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or in a family or group, there are six lodgings options. 

• Qualia: This impressive six-star resort is designed for adults only. Located at the northern tip, it can only be accessed by guests. With fine dining, spectacular views and a soothing resort spa – it’s no wonder some of the world's most famous and fabulous have stayed here!
• Reef View Hotel: This four-star option is suitable for all. It does exactly what it claims in its name, offering an incredible ocean vista.
• Palm Bungalows: This private self-contained accommodation in a lush tropical setting suits small families or couples.
• Beach Club: This romantic boutique provides a private restaurant and lounge. Ideal for guests wanting a child-free getaway.
• Yacht Club Villas: Boasting waterfront views, these self-contained villas appeal to families and groups. 
• Holiday homes: These private holiday rentals are a home away from home.

Wherever you choose to stay, there’s a plethora of dining and relaxation options on offer. There’s even an IGA for essentials. 

Treasures by land and sand 

There’s something about the water around Hamilton Island that can truly be described as magical. Scientifically, the colours we see have a lot to do with absorption of light. In this case, when you combine sunshine, white silica sand, tiny granules of gleaming quartz and impurity-free waters, you have a magnificent aquamarine dream.

Take the 7km-long Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, for example. The powder-fine silica sand is often voted among the best in the world and is completely unique to Australia. The beach is a protected natural shallow nursery for young lemon sharks and stingrays. In general, swimming is carefree for humans and sea creatures alike, with no riptides. 

This must-see destination is easily accessible from Hamilton Island. You can arrive within 30 minutes via high-speed catamaran (a ferry departs from Airlie Beach and passes through Hamilton Marina) or depart from the Hamilton Island Air Terminal via a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight, 10-minute helicopter ride or by seaplane.

For keen snorkellers, Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island offers tropical sea life gazing at low tide. This coral enclave grows closer to shore than the more commonly known barrier reefs, but if the sights of the Great Barrier Reef are on your hitlist, day tours are available from the island. 

The natural environ continues inland, with more than 70 per cent of the island consisting of undeveloped tropical bushland. Many chose to take bushwalks on established tracks along the seaside or under canopied bushland. The island skies are home to cockatoos, kookaburras, lorikeets and sea eagles, and (maybe less joyful for some) snakes, goannas and green ants.

Hamilton Island Wildlife Park is centrally located on the resort side with close-up opportunities available with its family of koalas, kangaroos and dingoes.

If you can’t resist taking on action-packed adventures, there are many options on land and sea, including go-cart racing, off-road tours, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing and diving. 

Back to Hamilton Island by popular demand

After finding out why the island is a premier holiday destination, now you can experience much more as a HIA member. It’s time to save the date (18–20 May 2023) and register your interest for the HIA 2023 National Conference and HIA Australian Housing Awards! This will be the ultimate event on the industry’s calendar.

It’s a chance to network, experience world-class keynote speakers and join workshop presentations. Book tickets for yourself, your family and your team, and come along for three days of fun, learning and celebration.

For extra help in getting there, grab the early bird discount and check out the opportunity with RewardPay on the opposite page.

Head to Hamilton Island on points

Need a break? RewardPay and American Express have teamed up to allow business owners to pay their expenses on their Amex and earn membership reward points, even if suppliers don’t accept the card. This is how it works. 

You pay your invoices on the RewardPay portal with your Amex, and RewardPay pays your creditors by EFT or BPAY. You earn extra points for all those expenses you have to pay anyway and get 50+ days interest-free credit, giving you cash-on-hand for longer.

Just by paying your business expenses, you can earn many more points for flights, accommodation, upgrades, gifts and never fly economy again. Maybe a first-class break to Hamilton Island just got closer.

Visit RewardPay or call 1300 473 927 for more information.

Published on 29 November 2022