One of our favourite family holidays Queensland destinations is Hamilton Island. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this tropical paradise offers so many things to do in Hamilton Island with kids.
As the largest and most popular of all the Whitsunday Islands (74 of them to be precise), Hamilton Island is easily accessible to get to via various domestic flights and a ferry from Airlie Beach.
And, with a variety of attractions/ activities, dining options and accommodation available it caters perfectly to families.
So, if you’re looking for an amazing family holidays Queensland experience then you need to visit Hamilton Island. You won’t be disappointed!
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Top Things To Do In Hamilton Island With Kids:
1. Jet Ski Hamilton Island Tour
What better way to experience and see the Whitsundays than by jumping on a jet ski tour.
Now, this Hamilton Island activity is best suited to those families with older kids (over 12 years) and is the best mix of adventure and adrenalin.
Operating daily (dependent on weather conditions), the Jet Ski Hamilton Island Tour lasts for an hour and your guide will take you around the Whitsundays to some of the surrounding islands including Hayman Island, as well as, a few secret spots.
During your Hamilton Island jet ski ride, single and double riders will be zipping across the crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays and will give you the chance to try out some zigzagging and sharp turn manurers if game.
Also if lucky you and the family might be able to spot such marine animals as dolphins, turtles and the migrating humpback whales from July to September.
2. See the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Hamilton Island is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef, and one of the best ways to do this at Reef World (Australia’s largest floating pontoon).
As you cruise out to Reef World, this full-day outing takes you and the family to the heart of the reef to explore its beauty and offers a range of underwater and above-water activities.
You can experience such activities as snorkelling around the platform or on a guided tour, going on a scuba diving trip, entering a semi-submarine and underwater observatory and indulging in a massage.
If you and the kids (over 6 years only) want a truly memorable reef experience then you need to do the Reefsleep option.
Staying overnight on the pontoon gives you two incredible days to enjoy this remarkable natural attraction. Once the day-trippers leave, the reef is exclusive to you and a very limited number of people.
At dusk, you can enjoy drinks and canapés while watching the sun go down and the stars rise. This is followed by a delicious al fresco dinner. Here it is at night when the reef really comes to life as the big fish come out to play.
3. Swim Hamilton Island Resort Pools
Yes, it’s simple but when you holiday with kids, spending time by the pool is going to be a top activity. And, when you have the Whitsundays as your backdrop, it’s no wonder it features as one of our top things to do in Hamilton Island with kids.
This island escape does pool play extremely well for all ages as there are numerous pools on Hamilton Island to soak up the sunshine and views of the Whitsundays.
A plus (for the adults) is not having to leave the pool for your beverage as the Main Pool has a swim-up bar – now waiting in line for a drink never felt so good.
4. Go Water Tubing
An adrenaline-pumping, cheap and fun activity has to be water tubing around Hamilton Island. It only lasts for around 20 minutes but you’ll have a great time.
Departing from the marina you and up to three others can be taken out to the warm waters surrounding the island.
Here you’ll be towed behind a speedboat on an inflated round water tube, where you’ll be attempting to hang on for dear life as the driver tries their best to get you screaming, laughing and thrown off.
5. Buggy Hire Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a car-free zone for tourists, so the preferred mode of transport is by golf buggies. Hiring a golf buggy is a lot of fun, giving visitors the chance to see the entire island with its gorgeous Whitsunday views, busy marina and impressive residential and holiday estates.
During peak seasons which are from May to October, April, Christmas and August we recommend you book your buggy hire Hamilton Island vehicles before arriving to prevent missing out. Otherwise, the island has free shuttle buses running every 15-30 minutes.
6. One Tree Hill Hamilton Island
As it’s one of the best views you can get of the Whitsundays, it’s a no-brainer we feature it in our top things to do in Hamilton Island with kids list.
This iconic hilltop lookout is a great spot to visit for a breathtaking family photo during the day. And even better from 3pm it gets busy with visitors wanting to relax, watch the sunset and enjoy some cocktails, coffee plus wine and cheese.
The journey up to the lookout is an unforgettable experience, especially if you have your own golf buggy. You’ll see amazing views of not only the Whitsundays but the stunning holiday and residential properties located on the island.
7. Eat Breakfast with Koalas
Have you ever wanted to eat breakfast with koalas? Well, you can do just that on the island and we know the kids will love it too.
Located at the Hamilton Island Wildlife Cafe, this spot offers such an experience (when COVID-19 restrictions are not in place, check their website for the latest update), allowing families to get up and close with these cute creatures.
Many families add this to their Hamilton Island what to do list, and we recommend doing this activity early in your stay to avoid missing out.
After your breakfast with a koala experience, why not enter the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park and see other Australian animals such as kangaroos, cassowaries, dingoes, snakes, lizards, and a large saltwater crocodile. There’s also a bunch of different guided tours to join.
8. Mini Golf Hamilton Island
Now, who doesn’t like a round of mini golf? This family favourite activity will have everyone trying their best to score a hole-in-one.
And, on Hamilton Island, it’s a top thing to do as the Mini Golf Hamilton Island course serves up a maze full of plants and palms as well as your classic putt putt obstacles and challenges.
It’s also great value (priced $17.50 adults and $10 kids), open daily, and is conveniently located at the Sports Club beside the Reef View Hotel.
9. Break time at Clownfish Club
Have you ever wished for some alone time with your partner when holidaying with kids? We all do at some point and on Hamilton Island, you can get just that.
The island offers a holiday child care centre, with friendly and professional staff who will keep your little ones busy enjoying a variety of activities, exploring and learning about the island and its environment and wildlife.
The Clownfish Club child care centre is open Monday to Friday from 8am-1.30pm, and caters for ages from 6 months to 12 years of age. Their half day care costs $80 (6 months to 2 years) and $60 (3-12 years) with morning tea and lunch provided.
10. Go Karting Hamilton Island
In the mood for some racing thrills? Then you’re in luck as this island paradise offers families one exhilarating go karting experience at Go Karting Hamilton Island.
You don’t need a license to enjoy their awesome outdoor racing track, where you and the kids can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour.
Riders can go solo or have a passenger join them with the duo go karts available. This is a good option for those that are a bit hesitant to ride by themselves but don’t want to miss out on all the fun and action.
Single go kart riders must be over 149cm in height and duo go kart riders must be 16 years plus and over 149cm in height. Passengers must be four years and above.
Sessions go for 10 minutes and cost $49 per person.
11. Sail a Catamaran
One of the top things to do in Hamilton Island with kids and one that the whole family will love is zipping across the crystal clear bay waters of Hamilton Island in a catamaran.
And, at Hamilton Island’s Catseye Beach you can hire a complimentary catamaran as part of your Hamilton Island stay at a range of their hotels and resorts.
What is great about this family-friendly activity is it’s suitable for all skill levels and allows you to take your time to find your sailing mojo and cruise around the protected waters of Catseye Bay.
12. Dash to Whitehaven Beach
No visit to Hamilton Island is complete without doing a trip to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. This iconic and magical destination will have you in awe the moment you step onto its soft white silica sand and frolic in its pristine turquoise waters.
Being a popular thing to do in Hamilton Island, there are a bunch of tours that head out to explore and spend some time on Whitehaven Beach. Ranging from a full day to half day cruise to private seaplane rides and catamaran sailing trips – the options are endless.
One option that is great for families is the Reef Ryder Dash tour, taking you out to Whitehaven Beach via a speedboat for the morning and back before lunchtime.
Because when you have kids, especially young ones you don’t have much time before they get restless, hungry, or are approaching nap time! And, this trip is ideal for that only taking 2.5 hours and runs from 9am-11.30am or 1.30pm-4pm.
13. Strike at Island Bowling
On the off chance, you face some rain while holidaying on Hamilton Island, an easy and always fun activity to do indoors is of course bowling.
And, Hamilton Island offers its own version with Island Bowling. Instead of doing ten-pin bowling, they do nine-pin bowling, which dates back to the 11th century.
The Hamilton Island Bowling alley features seven lanes with bumpers and ramps, arcade games, and a fully licensed bar to have you and the whole family spending a couple of hours perfecting your bowling game and trying to achieve the highest score.
Places To Eat In Hamilton Island?
A common question when visiting this destination is what are some of the best, affordable and family-friendly places to eat in Hamilton Island.
Luckily the island caters to families needs extremely well with not only accommodation, activities but also places to eat.
They have a well-stocked IGA grocery store allowing you can pick up all your favourites for a delicious home-cooked meal and snacks.
For those times when you’re not in the mood to cook, then you can indulge at a variety of restaurants and cafes on the island. Some of our top picks include Pizzeria and Gelato Bar, Marina Tavern, Pool Terrace, TAKO and Sails.
While if you just want to grab something on the go top takeaway options include Popeye’s Takeaway, Marina Cafe and Bob’s Bakery.
Also with a few of the Hamilton Island hotels, apartments, and resorts they include daily breakfast for guests, which will help the hip pocket. They also offer deals for kids to eat free at participating restaurants as well. Even better!
How To Get To Hamilton Island?
Located in Far North Queensland and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. You may think getting to Hamilton Island would be a difficult and expensive activity.
However, that couldn’t be further from the truth as the island caters extremely well for domestic flights, ferry and boats. But hey if you can afford to travel by helicopter and private yacht they cater to that too.
To help you plan your family’s trip to Hamilton Island below are the travel times and most convenient travel options when looking at how to get to Hamilton Island:
- Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island – Distance 27km. Take the 60mins ferry from Port of Airlie Marina or Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island Marina.
- Brisbane to Hamilton Island – Distance 892km. Fly direct (1.5hrs).
- Sydney to Hamilton Island – Distance 1,518km. Fly direct (2.5hrs).
- Canberra to Hamilton Island – Distance 1,659km. Fly to Brisbane then direct (4.5hrs).
- Melbourne to Hamilton Island – Distance 1,978km. Fly to Sydney then direct (4.5hrs).
- Adelaide to Hamilton Island – Distance 1,911km. Fly to Melbourne then direct (5.5hrs).
- Hobart to Hamilton Island – Distance 2,508km. Fly to Melbourne then direct (5.5hrs).
- Darwin to Hamilton Island – Distance 2,118km. Fly to Sydney stay overnight then direct. (10hrs+)
- Perth to Hamilton Island – Distance 3,526km. Fly to Sydney stay overnight then direct (10hrs+).
When To Visit Hamilton Island?
We’ve covered how to get to Hamilton Island but what about when to visit Hamilton Island? This is another popular question for visitors and families.
Being located in tropical North Queensland it doesn’t only have peak and low seasons but its weather should be considered when you look to book your family holiday.
All year round Hamilton Island is pretty good to visit, but the best time to visit is from August to November.
Note: From January to March it is cyclone/ wet season in the region.
Hamilton Island Resorts, Hotels and Apartments
The great thing about this island paradise is there are plenty of Hamilton Island accommodation options for families to book, making it an easy Queensland holiday destination for families.
One of our favourite places to stay in Hamilton Island is at the Whitsunday Hamilton Island Apartments. Not only is it central and good value for money, but it offers gorgeous views of Catseye Beach, all the way out to the Whitsundays.
There are plenty of other amazing family-friendly Hamilton Island hotels, resorts and apartments to book for your Hamilton Island stays:
- Reef View Hotel
- Beach Club Hotel Hamilton Island
- Palm Bungalows
- Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
- Pinnacle Apartments Hamilton Island
- Yacht Club Villas
- qualia (luxury resort Hamilton Island)
For more Hamilton Island hotels, resorts and apartment options be sure to check out this Hamilton Island accommodation deals page.
MORE: Want more family holidays QLD hotspots to visit? Then you need to check out Coolangatta further down south in Queensland. It’s another ocean paradise destination and will have you and the family enjoying its beach city vibes all day long.
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