Have a question? Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about Hamilton Island? Here we’ve assembled some answers to some of your clients’ most common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions


How do guests get to a holiday home if there are too many people to fit in the buggy?

An escort is provided by the Hamilton Island Holiday Home team.

What pools do hotel and holiday home guests have access to?

They can use all four main pools (Bougainvillea Pool, Sails Pool, Main Pool and Reef View Hotel Pool).

Is the Reef Suite two levels? What is the bedding configuration?

Yes, either 2 x queen or 1 x king. Preferences can be requested, however all requests are dependent on availability.    

On the Hamilton Island Holiday Homes website, how can you tell which homes are in which category?

Yes, there is a note at the bottom of each property page stating their category.

Are there DVD players in the Reef View Hotel?

Yes, these can be provided upon request.

Do the Hamilton Island Holiday Homes have air-conditioning throughout?


Can you add meal plans to bookings?

No. However, the 4-night Dine Around Package can be booked through our Reservations team.

Are there laundry facilities at Beach Club?

No, but there are at Reef View Hotel and they can be used by all island guests.

How much is it to hire a cot and a high chair?

They are provided free of charge.

How central is the Reef View Hotel?

The main restaurants and Marina side of the Island are all about a 10-15 minute walk from the Reef View Hotel. All guests can also use the Island Shuttle buses to get around the island.

Do the Hamilton Island Holiday Homes have security gates for infants?

No, we are unable to provide these.

Do the Palm Bungalows have ocean views?

No, they are located in a garden setting.

Can guests get another buggy for their Hamilton Island Holiday Home ?

Yes, they can hire an additional buggy for a fee. Buggies can be pre-booked via the online form or at Buggy Hire once they are on the Island.

Does the Reef View Hotel provide free WIFI in the rooms?

Yes, however download limits apply.

Will there be someone at the airport to pick guests up?

Yes, all flights are met by our transfer buses.

If there is only one adult travelling with two kids, can both kids eat free?

Yes, as long as they are under 12.

What is the bedding in the Beach House at qualia?

There is one king bed in the main house and one king split in the guesthouse.

Can you smoke at Beach Club and the Reef View Hotel?

There is a designated smoking area at Beach Club reception. However, there is no smoking in the rooms. At Reef View Hotel you can smoke outside, opposite the foyer.

Do you have any packages that include all meals?

The four night Dine Around Package includes breakfast and dinner daily. We do not have any rates that include lunch.

Where can guests go for breakfast if staying in the Palm Bunglows?

Guests can go to Sails Restaurant, Wildlife Park or the Pool Terrace Restaurant at the Reef View Hotel.

How do you get to Dent Island?

A ten-minute ferry departs from the Hamilton island Marina at regular intervals throughout the day.

What are the best months to travel?

September to November and April to June are generally considered the best times to visit. However, the weather is mild all year round.

Are there any bikes on Hamilton Island?

Yes, these can be hired on the island.

If a guest is travelling alone, where should they stay?  

The Palm Bungalows or the Reef View Hotel.

What is the most appropriate room for a large family of more than four people?

The Reef View Hotel’s family room, or a Hamilton Island Holiday Home.

What is the difference between the Leeward and Windward Pavilions?

The Leeward Pavilions are open plan and studio style, with a sundeck. The Windward Pavilions are bigger with a separate bedroom, bathroom and living area, and a spectacular plunge pool.  

If there a microwave and fridge in the Palm Bungalows?

Yes, there is a microwave and bar fridge.

Do guests need to hand over a credit card or provide cash on arrival?

A credit card is required as a guarantee for each reservation.

What if guests don’t have a credit card?

A cash deposit of $100 can be provided.

Are all restaurants fine-dining?

No. Hamilton Island offers a range of restaurants, cafes and takeaway options to suit all budgets.

What coffee facilities are in the rooms? Do you have proper coffee?

Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the hotel (instant coffee). There are also countless spots across the island where you can pick up a great coffee.

Is it better for guests to book tours in advanced or should they do it once they are on the island?

While the Hamilton Island Tour Desk is very happy to arrange bookings once guests arrive on the island, we highly recommend pre-booking as many activities as possible - to ensure availability. This even includes making dinner reservations in advance. 

What restaurant is closest to the Palm Bungalows? 

The closest restaurants to Palm Bungalows are Sails Restaurant and coca chu, located alongside Catseye Beach.

How can guests get to Hamilton Island from Airlie Beach?

Cruise Whitsundays operate a 20 minute ferry from Airlie Beach, several times a day.

What is the main difference between Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, and the hotels?

Hamilton Island Holiday Homes are all self-catering - making them ideal for families or groups of friends. Each Holiday Home also comes with a four-seater buggy (excluding Whitsunday Holiday Apartments).

How do guests get to their accommodation from Hamilton Island Airport?

Hamilton Island provides transfer buses that meet every scheduled flight that arrives at the Hamilton Island Airport. These transfers are included in accommodation rates.

What is the difference between a Garden View and Coral Sea View room at the Reef View Hotel?

Garden View rooms are on levels 1- 4 and Coral Sea View rooms are on levels 5 - 17, with guaranteed ocean views.

Do you have to bring beach towels?

Only if you are staying in a Hamilton Island Holiday Home. All our hotels provide beach towels.

Can guests swim on the Marina side of the island?

No. Guests can swim at Catseye Beach, which is located on the resort side of the island.

Can guests include breakfast in their accommodation packages?

Yes, they can pre-purchase breakfast when booking accommodation.

Can guests reserve a catamaran for a full day?

Yes. Catamarans can be hired from Hamilton Island Watersports on Catseye Beach.

Is there a buggy included with each property?

A buggy is included with all Hamilton Island Holiday Homes (excluding Whitsunday Holiday Apartments), the Yacht Club Villas and qualia. Buggies can be hired at a cost from Hamilton Island Buggy Hire. They can also be pre-booked online.

What provisions are in the Hamilton Island Holiday Homes on arrival?

All linen, toilet paper and kitchen utensils are supplied. Beach towels are not included.

Are there porta-cots available?

Yes, porta-cots are complimentary. However, they do need to be requested at the time of booking.  

What is the cost for extra adults?

There is a cost of $55 per extra person per night for all accommodation on the island, except Hamilton Island Holiday Homes. (Rate valid until 31 March 2015).

Which restaurants do not allow children?

Bommie Restaurant does not cater for children under the age of 12.
Long Pavilion is also for guests over 16 only.

Is there a spa at the Reef View Hotel?

No. However, Spa wumurdaylin is just a short walk from the Reef View Hotel.

Does spa wumurdaylin offer gift vouchers?

Yes. They can be purchased online.  

When is ‘stinger season’?

This season is from October to May. Stinger suits are available to wear during this time.

What wildlife will guests encounter on Hamilton Island?

The wildlife of the Whitsundays is bountiful. Some islands are home to the kangaroo’s smaller relative, the wallaby, as well as goannas – large, lumbering lizard-like reptiles. Sea eagles, kites and ospreys entertain with their food-gathering skills, while raucous sulphur-crested cockatoos and cackling kookaburras make their presence known within the forests.
Guests can also visit Wild Life Hamilton Island  to encounter a range of marsupials, insects, snakes and lizards, as well as koalas, kangaroos and event a resident crocodile.

Is the island easy to get around?

Yes. Most features are within walking distance and there is also a free Island Shuttle service that offers a hop on/hop off service. Guests at qualia and Hamilton Island Holiday Homes receive use of a golf buggy.

Is the Island Shuttle bus included in the rate?

Yes. It is a complimentary service for all island guests.

Are the Palm Bungalows close to the water?

Yes. They are located in a garden setting, a short walk from the main pool and Catseye Beach.

What restaurant is the most suitable for a large family?

All restaurants can cater for larger groups. However, Manta Ray Café is ideal for large groups - including children. To avoid disappointment, we recommend making your restaurant bookings before you arrive on the island.

How can guests book activities?

All activities can be booked through the Hamilton Island Tour Desk.

How can guests book ferries to Hamilton Island?

Simply visit the Cruise Whitsundays office, located at the Marina.

Is there a childcare facility on Hamilton Island?

Yes. The Clownfish Club is Hamilton Island’s childcare centre and it caters for children aged 6 weeks to 14 years.

How can guests book a golf buggy?

A golf buggy can be pre-booked online, or once on the island.

How much do things cost at the general store?

The general store prices are equivalent to a small grocery store on the mainland.

Should guests book tours before they arrive?

Yes. We recommend that all guests pre-book tours beforehand to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. The Hamilton Island Tour Desk can provide guidance on the tour options that are the most suitable for you.

Is there a kid’s club for teenagers?

The Clownfish Club caters for children from 6 weeks to 14 years of age.
How do guests book Christmas dinner on Hamilton Island?
Closer to the festive season, a form will be available online - through which guests can book Christmas dinners at various restaurants.

Is the beach closed during stinger season?

No. However stinger suits are available and highly recommended.