Hamilton Island – the top choice for Queensland families

Hamilton Island, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is set in the clear waters of the Whitsundays. It is an affordable long haul holiday destination, and, with its safe and clean environment, it is an increasingly popular choice for British families. 

As 70 per cent of the island remains untouched, there are plenty of paths, walks and beaches to explore. As no cars are allowed on island this means that the only means of transportation, other than on foot, is via golf buggies, all of which makes for a cleaner, safer environment.

The island’s range of dining and accommodation options also means that families will find something to suit all budgets and tastes. Options include three and four-star hotels, as well as three- to five-star self-catering apartments, not to mention a choice of over ten restaurants. The island’s Kids Stay and Eat for Free package includes free accommodation for children up to the age of 14 and free meals at a selection of restaurants when children dine with their parents and select from the kids’ menu.

There is also a fully registered and accredited day care centre providing organised activities under the supervision of professional, qualified staff for children up to 14 years. Children are divided into three age groups (six weeks to two years, two – four years and five to 14 years) with age related activities including arts and crafts, pool games, snorkelling, hiking, fishing, mini golf, tennis, beach Olympics, beachcombing as well as video and computer games.

Many activities have a strong marine biology focus with emphasis on the Great Barrier Reef. The fact that Hamilton Island also offers free use of non motorised watercraft like sailboards, catamarans, means that activities are plentiful and affordable.  Snorkelling off Catseye Beach is also a very popular activity.

Wildlife lovers will find no shortage of native Australian birds and animals to spot. Koalas can be found in the Koala Gallery Wildlife Experience which introduces visitors to native animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, birds and reptiles. Also, wallabies regularly come down to the lawns around the hotels to feed around sunset.

Over and above on island facilities, Fantasea Cruises has introduced two new initiatives for children accompanying their parents to Reefworld, the floating adventure platform at Hardy Reef. Reefworld, located 39 nautical miles off the Whitsunday coast, offers snorkelling and diving opportunities, a seated underwater viewing chamber, semi submersible coral viewing along the edge of the reef, a sundeck and souvenir shop. Optional extras include guided snorkelling tours and scenic helicopter flights.

‘Club Seahorse’ , the first child care service offered by a marine operator within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,  is a free service supervised by experienced staff qualified in Children’s Services. Catering for children from six months to 14, the club offers age appropriate activities such as educational videos and booklets, colouring-in, face-painting, games, puzzles, dress-ups and numerous give-aways.

The other initiative, already proving popular with families, is Fantasea Cruises’ cut-price deal for children in which children between the ages of  four and 14, travelling to the reef with a full-fare adult, are charged just A$30 each (approx. £12). Up to five children per adult are able to take advantage of this offer.

Hamilton Island can easily be reached by both air and rail with a selection of direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Cairns. Rail Australia’s Sundlander service offers weekly options between Brisbane and Proserpine and the Tilt Train links Cairns and Hamilton Island.

For further information on Hamilton Island http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/