Preparing to visit Hamilton Island

Australian Travel: Preparing to visit Hamilton Island 

We’re in Hamilton Island and in the lead up to our visit I have been researching extensively.

I’ve realized that there isn’t enough information on what to take or what to pack for a visit. I’m hoping this post fills this gap. 

This post has been created following the advice of loads of moms in my network and my own research on the subject. If you have anything to add, please do drop a comment below.

Preparing to visit Hamilton Island, what to pack, what to do before you leave and some restaurant suggestions.

Preparing to visit Hamilton Island

This post is specifically about Preparing to visit Hamilton Island. It is not about what to do when you are there or what to expect on your visit. That post will come later this week.

This post specifically deals with:

  1. What to pack
  2. What to do just before you leave
  3. Restaurant Suggestions from third parties.
The view coming into land on Hamilton Island.

What to pack

  1. Pack lots of snacks. There is an IGA but you might not get there before your family starts getting hungry. 
  2. Pack two sets of swimmers. I did this with all the kids but my husband didn’t so we dragged his wet swimmers around…
  3. Rain coats. It does rain but it’s still warn so it wont drive you indoors.
  4. Pool Toys. You know those things you throw for you kids to dive for. If you don’t your kids will be chasing other families and their kids.
  5. Beach Toys. I am sure you can get these things on the island but can you imagine the price 🙂
  6. Formula for babies and toddlers. There is no guarantee that the IGA will stock the brand you like.
  7. Walking shoes.
  8. Sun hats, sun glasses and lots of sun block. Even in Autumn it is hot!
  9. Books and toys. There is such a thing as too much sun.
  10. A medicine kit. There is a pharmacy but it’ll be way better to have your chosen brands of medicines on hand. I always have my basics with me. Can you imagine a 3 year old not having a bandaid.
  11. Water bottles. There are water stations around the island.
  12. A beach bag. That way you can carry your towels, beach and swimming toys and spare clothes with you.
  13. Reusable shopping bags if you’re thinking about going to IGA.
  14. A warm jumper if you’re planning on driving around on a buggy at night.

Just before you leave

There are a quite a few things to do just before you leave to make sure you have the best time on the Island.

  1. Download the Hamilton Island App. It’ll give you loads of information on where you can eat, what the weather is doing and how to get around.
  2. Look at the scheduled activities that are scheduled for the time when you are there. You can check this out on the App although some will only update closer to the time.
  3. Decide about whether you want your kids to go to the Kids Club and book that in. You can choose from full days and half days.
  4. Book your restaurants. I’ve been told repeatedly that it is hard to get a space at a restaurant unless you book in advance. Also check where Kids Eat Free.
  5. Hire a buggy. This is the best way to get around the Island as they can also get booked out pretty quickly. Don’t try phoning it’s pointless and don’t try booking on your phone, it’s too hard. Go online and book it. Here is the link to hire your buggy.
  6. Check the minimum ages for activities. If you’ve got kids 3 and under you may be limited to what activities they can join you for.
  7. If you want to hug a koala book it in at the Wildlife Park. You’re in Queensland now so you’re allowed to. Us New South Wales people are going to be over the moon!
  8. Book a baby sitter. If you’re visiting during school holidays and planning on having a “date night” you must book a babysitter in advance. 

Here is a link to where to hire your buggy. You have to do it online and it’s better to do it on a computer than on your phone.

The view from Reef Island Hotel, potentially the biggest hotel on the Island. It faces out over Catseye Beach.
The view from Reef Island Hotel

Restaurant Suggestions

These are not based on my experiences but third party suggestions. If you’re looking into these, I suggest that you do some of your own research on each of these to decide whether they’re to your budget and taste.

  1. Bommie – more fine dining than family. 
  2. Qualia’s Pebble Beach for lunch without kids. 
  3. Romano’s. 
  4. Coca chu, for Asian. This is right on the water’s edge.
  5. The Yacht Club and One Tree Hill are good for sunset drinks.
  6. The bakery at the Marina is good for a take away lunch.
  7. TAKO
  8. Manta Ray
  9. The Wildlife Park has a special where you can have a koala right next to you while you eat.

Kids eat free at some of the above places if you book through Hamilton Island Holidays or a travel agent.

As soon as we have worked through a few of the restaurants these will be included in our post about the Island and our experience.

All the kayaks lined up on Catseye Beach on an Autumn Afternoon.
Catseye Beach on an Autumn afternoon.

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