Planning a family holiday can be tricky; finding somewhere each family member will enjoy, timing it to suit, budgeting and booking – and that’s all before you even leave the house. Then you have transfers, transport, dining and daily activities, thinking about it all is reason enough to take a break! Lucky, we’ve done all the hard work for you.
Hamilton Island in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands is an idyllic, tropical paradise perfect for a family getaway. The amenities, island logistics and unique experiences offered make it a destination that the whole family will enjoy, and even the parents will return feeling refreshed. Being a privately owned island, it is clean, safe and very easy to navigate, it’s run like a well oiled machine, and almost all the thinking has been done for you.
Here are our top reasons why Hamilton Island is an ideal destination for a family break.
Travel & Transfers
Boasting its own commercial airport makes travel easy, a huge win when holidaying with kids. You can fly directly from most Australian capital cities onto the island; no ferry transfers or hire cars needed. Upon landing, a representative from your chosen accommodation will be waiting for you, ready to assist with luggage collection, before you are transferred to your new abode. Flight times have been planned with check in and out in mind, meaning minimal time to kill with tired kids in tow. Straight to the bunk beds and pools for them!
Once there, getting around the island is just as easy. It’s a car free paradise – aside from minibuses and maintenance vehicles – so guests can either rent a golf buggy or make use of the free island buses. The island has a speed limit of 20km/h and a standard driver’s license is required, making the streets safe and fairly quiet.
One thing you can count on is that the team at Hamilton Island know a thing or two about holidaying with families and certainly cater accordingly. If your ideal holiday involves both full family fun and a little parental time, then The Clownfish Club has you covered.
The island’s childcare facility is run by experienced professionals, and caters for babies from six-weeks-old to children aged 14. The club offers a choice of morning, afternoon or a full day of care, making it super flexible. Whether you want to fit in a morning massage and a round of golf, or a full day reef trip, the kids will be busy having just as much fun with their new friends.
Along with the Clownfish Club, the island offers medical services including a doctor on call 24 hours a day, a huge range of activities for all ages and baby friendly facilities. Guests can travel light by taking advantage of cots, prams and baby restraints for the golf buggies that are available for hire. A selection of items are available for purchase as well as a range of free of charge ‘by request’ items, all of which can be ordered in advance, and they will be waiting in the room upon arrival.
Note: check the Clownfish Club website closer to your trip for opening hours, days and to make a booking ahead of time.
Family Friendly Dining
There is no shortage of dining options on Hamilton Island, whether you’re after something a little romantic for a mum and dad date night, or a family Mexican fiesta! While the kids will love the range of food choices and mum and dad will most likely love the ‘Kids Stay and Eat Free Program’.
If you have kids under 12, they can eat free in participating restaurants across the island, when joining mum and dad for a special night out. It’s a feature that guests of the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, or any Holiday Home booked through Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, can take advantage of.
Another great option is the local IGA, where you can buy fresh fruit, snacks or even stock up for an evening BBQ down at the beach. Or, if you’re renting a Holiday Home, do a shop and enjoy a leisurely home cooked meal.
No matter how well-versed you are, a few pre-trip recommendations never go astray, so here are a few to keep you covered.
Pre-booking
- Sign up to the Hamilton Island newsletter for island promotions – you might be able to snap up a great family deal.
- Download the Hamilton Island App
Post-booking
- When booking flights, nab a window seat – the views are stunning. Encourage the kids to enjoy the view and watch the excitement build.
- Make restaurant reservations ahead of time (via the app or online) as they book up fast particularly during peak periods.
Packing
- Bring the essentials with you – SPF, insect repellant and personal items. All are available from the island shops, but the range is limited and sold at island prices.
- Pack activewear and sensible closed-in shoes – there are some great hikes and trails suitable for the whole family. Just make sure you pack water and snacks!
