Top ten experiences on Hamilton Island

1. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef

No Great Barrier Reef experience is complete without a visit to Hardy Reef. It’s where you’ll find Fantasea’s Reefworld, a permanent floating platform in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, take in the sights from the underwater observatory or ride the semi-submersible and skim over the reef surface. Direct tours to Reefworld operate daily and include morning and afternoon tea as well as a buffet lunch. There are also other options including the Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel or half-day Snorkel Safari adventures with H2O Sportz. Or for a more exclusive reef encounter, take a scenic helicopter flight with Hamilton Island Aviation to Reefworld.

2. Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef

The best views of the Great Barrier Reef aren’t just from under water – try 500 feet above it. Hamilton Island Aviation offers scenic flights for a breathtaking birds-eye view of the reef. It’s an unforgettable experience and the best way to appreciate just how large the reef really is (find out why they call it ‘Great’). There are also a variety of other tours and flights to suit every budget and occasion.

3.Visit Whitehaven Beach

‘The Number One Beach To See Before You Die’(according to the BBC) and one of the ‘World’s Best Beaches’ (Condé Nast Traveller online). With 6km of some of the whitest silica sand in the world, Whitehaven Beach is a Whitsundays icon and easily reached from Hamilton Island by boat. Cruise Indigo offers a day trip on the 60ft sailing yacht, Banjo Paterson including morning and afternoon tea, a buffet lunch, snorkelling equipment and beach activities. Fantasea, Watersports and H2O Sportz also offer trips to Whitehaven.

4. Set sail

Sail a yacht or catamaran to a secluded beach, drop the anchor and ponder how good life is. The on-island charter company, Sunsail, provides luxury crewed cruises or yacht charters – along with local knowledge. Cruise Indigo also offer day and twilight sails or, for a more high speed tour, whip through the water on the sleek, purposebuilt Nacra 36 catamaran, Adrenalin Rush.

5. Kayaking around the island

Sea kayaking is a unique way to explore the area’s many secluded bays, coves and islands. Hamilton Island has experienced sea kayaking guides who run trips for beginners as well as seasoned paddlers. Depending on the time of year, expect to see turtles, dolphins and eagles in their natural state – not to mention whales in the winter months.

6. Trek up to Passage Peak

There are more than 20km of walking trails to be explored on Hamilton Island. A guided walk to the highest point on the island, Passage Peak, will give you a fauna and flora lesson along the way and you’ll be rewarded with amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding islands at the peak.

7. Catch your own fish for dinner

Catch your fish and eat it. Renegade Sports & Fishing Charters offers full and half-day private or share charters. All bait and tackle is supplied and the crew will even clean and prepare your catch ready to eat that night. Rapture Sport Fishing also offers half-day fishing trips.

8. Go SCUBA duiiving

With the Great Barrier Reef close by, it’s the perfect chance to try SCUBA diving. H2O Sportz Dive Centre specialise in SCUBA diving and snorkelling in the central section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They offer a PADI diving program for absolute beginners, as well as PADI certification courses and advanced diver courses for the more experienced. Free snorkel and SCUBA lessons are also held in the Main Pool every day, so beginners can get to grips with the basics before they head out to sea.

9. Witness a spectacular sunset

Experience the best that the Whitsundays has to offer as the sun sets atop One Tree Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the Whitsunday Passage and neighbouring islands – cocktail in hand.

10. Play Australia's best new Resort Golf Course

Hamilton Island Golf Club is now open. This stunning Par 71 course has some of the best views in the Whitsundays and is set to become one of the world's must-play courses. Visit the Hamilton Island Golf Club website for more information about how to book your round on Australia's only Island Championship Course.