I like to think we rovers like a bit of historical context, so if you live only for the moment and the future, skip to the third paragraph. Was Hamilton Island the forerunner of the modern tourism industry in the Whitsundays? Probably. In the mid-1970s Queensland tourism entrepreneur, Keith Williams (Seaworld) was so impressed that Hamilton had one of the very few north-facing beaches to be found anywhere on the east coast of Australia that he bought the whole island.
Williams built the commercial airport, harbour and resort from scratch and by the early 1980s it was Australia’s premier tropical island resort destination. For sheer size, ease of access and facilities, and as a jumping off point to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef it still is. Winemaker Bob Oatley and his family bought it in 2003 and continue to invest and improve it to this day.
Direct flights are always a bonus, as is the fact you can take your family and your golf clubs. Yes, there’s a golf course. A very good one. If you like a challenge “wicked winds; impenetrable bushland; people have even called the 14th hole, the ‘Valley of Death’” says the golf club’s website, then slap on plenty of sunscreen and go for it.
Fear not, there’s also a spa for those whose idea of a challenge is to see if it’s possible to be over-pampered.
Luxury Escapes is offering one of its most popular Hamilton Island time-limited offers, four nights in the Reef View Hotel with a Coral Sea View Upgrade starting at A$1,679/room. I’ll let them take over the prose for now. Overlooking Hamilton Island’s turquoise waters, the Reef View Hotel offers an iconic Whitsundays escape.
A tropical paradise where romantic seclusion and family fun exist side by side, this popular hotel is the perfect island break in proximity to one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after destinations, the Great Barrier Reef.
When it’s time to tear yourself away from the comfort of the hotel, you’ll find yourself just a moment away from the sugar-fine sands of Catseye Beach and within close reach of Hamilton Island’s vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment attractions.
Aquamarine underwater adventures in the limpid Coral Sea and iconic Whitehaven Beach are both just a short boat ride from this idyllic island paradise.
Back at the hotel, the Reef View Hotel is a destination that gets the tropical tick of approval. For those looking to relax and unwind, there’s Spa wumurdaylin (additional costs apply) but use your included A$100 credit, which you might choose to use towards a treatment of your choice.
There’s a sauna and several pools to choose from: the Reef View Hotel Pool, Bougainvillea Pool and the 35-metre, lagoon-style Main Pool with a swim-up bar.
Indulge in sumptuous fare at the Pool Terrace restaurant or laze on your private balcony and admire the spectacular sunset.
Highlights
Take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef or nearby Whitehaven Beach for some of Australia’s most picturesque landscapes. Consider a scenic flight (not included) out to the reef, it’s the only way to see Heart Reef without having to use your imagination.
Enjoy access to the tranquil, child-friendly Catseye Beach, with complimentary use of all non-motorised watersport equipment and complimentary shuttle service to discover the island.
For family-friendly fun, journey to the nearby Passage Peak Scenic Trail or get your kids active at the Clownfish Club, a kids’ haven that caters for children six months up to 12 years of age (additional costs apply).
When you’re ready to tear yourself away from the resort, make use of the resort shuttle to explore the island’s shopping and fine dining.
Daily breakfast, guaranteed room upgrade, A$100 hotel credit and two kids play, stay and eat free
During your free time, take to the waters and test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding. Guests who want to dive below the waters will enjoy self-guided snorkelling tours.
To make the most of your Hamilton Island escape make use of the island shuttle to explore every corner of this idyllic paradise – and share every moment with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Whitehaven Beach Upgrade: Cruise through the scenic waterways connecting the picture-perfect isles of the Great Barrier Reef marine park and dipping your toes into the sandy swatch of Whitehaven Beach on this half-day tour.
With seven kilometres of beach to wander, find your perfect stretch of sand to unwind, then launch into the adventures to be had on this slice of paradise – it really is a stunning place.
Slip into the cool water for a swim, sprawl out on a beach towel or check out the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout for exceptional views of the archipelago where you can gaze out at silica sands and unbelievably blue water. Great for explorers of all ages, blend relaxation with adventure on Whitehaven Beach.
Longer Stay Bonus: Stay 6+ nights and you’ll receive A$150 hotel credit to spend on dining, spa and other services.
For all the options and prices, call Luxury Escapes on Call 1300 88 99 00 or CLICK HERE
