Hamilton Island is one of 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. Its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef makes this island a true tourist hotspot. While it may be the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, even boasting its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island spans just 5km2. This doesn’t deter it from being a world-class holiday destination, offering visitors everything from diving tours to luxury resorts.
Of course, with a landscape made of undulating hills and a coast surrounded by glorious sparkling blue waters and distant islands, there is certainly one thing the island does not lack: perfect panoramic views that stretch for miles. We have a checklist of scenic lookouts not to be missed when you visit Hamilton Island. Read on to find out more!
1. Marina Drive: Perfect views of Hamilton Island Marina below
For a grand view of the tidy marina and its extravagant boats, Marina Drive provides a great panorama. The striking blue waters and neighbouring hulk of Dent Island in the background make for an arresting backdrop.
For a dusky orange glow, try waiting for a good sunset to wash the marina with golden light.
2. One Tree Hill: A hilltop bar with a panoramic view
One Tree Hill grants you the opportunity to take in a spectacular view from the comfort of the island’s iconic hilltop lookout. This lookout doubles as a bar. Sip on a lunchtime coffee or early evening cocktail while you enjoy the cool sea breeze and marvel at the catamarans that make their way around the islands in the distance.
3. Whitsunday Boulevard & Island View Way: The prettiest fork in the road
Just a little ways from One Tree Hill, you’ll come to the crossroads of Whitsunday Boulevard and Island View Way. Here, you’ll find a truly enchanting view of a smattering of islands in the distance, including Plum Pudding Island and Henning Island. And the view is made even better with paradise-esque coconut palm trees that shoot up at the junction.
4. Catseye Beach: An unusual disappearing act
Now here’s an interesting one. When the tide is as low as it gets, you’ll be asking yourself: “Hey, where’d all the water go?”, and it really is a sight to behold at Catseye Beach. With 4-metre tides, the sea recedes so much that many curious folk head down to the sandy shore to check out the sea creatures that get left behind.
On the ground, Catseye Beach itself doesn’t have as much of an all-encompassing view, but from up in the hills, you get to really see how much of the sea recedes.
5. Hideaway Bay: The island’s secluded beach
Cast your gaze east of Catseye Beach and you’ll likely be able to spy Hideaway Bay along the coast. This second beach is kept secluded because of the hiking trail that needs to be conquered first. Fear not, the trail is straightforward and can be done in 20 minutes at a leisurely pace. The view you get at Hideaway Bay is tranquil, the sandy beach oddly studded with large rocks of every colour.
We were lucky enough to visit on a stormy day to capture dramatic scenes of fat rain clouds drifting over the sea.
Transport Tip: How to get around Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a mostly car-free island. Mainland motor vehicles are prohibited, with the exception of island public transport and vehicles used by tradespeople. How, then, does anyone make their way around the island to enjoy all the amazing views? Two words:
Golf buggies.
Available for rent, you’ll find golf buggies everywhere on the island. This turns Hamilton into a cute little community powered by a fleet of little electric carts that bump along the streets at leisurely speeds. Of course, a public shuttle bus also does its rounds, depositing tourists at major points of interest and accommodation sites.
You can fly into Hamilton Island direct from Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne.
Latest Stories
Cafe-style coconut cake donuts with lemongrass, kaffir lime & curry leaf sugar glaze
Homemade Melonpan メロンパン: Perfect soft milk buns with cookie dough crust
Oven-baked zucchini chips + homemade herbed mayonnaise — easiest recipe!
Jungle Sunbird | Rum, jackfruit Campari, curry leaf syrup, pineapple & lime cocktail
Indian Jaljeera Mojito | Tangy spice, lime & rum cocktail with a tamarind twist
