THIS WAS OUR BEST TRIP YET. FULL ITINERY IN DESCRIPTION WITH OUR REGRETS
We arrived in the airport which was quick and easy. Border checks were being completed but we got in just in time. The airport is tiny with only 1 major flight in per day. Once through (10 minutes most) there will be buses that are complimentary to jump on to bring you resort side or if you are taking a buggy this can be collected here also.
We stayed in the Whitsunday apartments. This was amazing – highly recommend this!! All resorts have pools and spa facilities (jacuzzies etc). We was only a 2 minute walk to the beach. There are 2 busses on the island – green and blue. Green goes every 10 minutes and does a lap to the super market corner and back. The blue is the longer bus – every 20/30 mins. This takes you around the island.
There are no cars so if you can afford it book a buggy for at least some time so you can explore the far regions of the island. It really will open your freedom — our 1 regret.
On our second day we did the helicopter private scenic flight (with Hamilton Island Air) on the great barrier reef to see heart reef and land on white haven beach. It comes with a complimentary bottle of champagne and the pilot disappears for 1 hour so you can enjoy. Definitely recommend this, we almost didn’t because it was expensive – 700 AUD pp but it was the BEST thing we have ever done. We knew we was heading to a day trip to Whitehaven 2 days later but you will not get the full view and experience of here and the reef – DO THIS!!
There are restaurants on the island so don’t panic or you can cook in the apartments. We ate out 3 times and had a mixture of cheese boards and other light bites for the rest of the nights.
In part 2 you will see snorkelling and scuba diving at the great barrier reef which was a MUST. For anyone scared diving – just DO IT!! Its very safe and beautiful!!
In Summary:
1) Land in Hamilton Island Airport
2) Take Shuttle directly to apartment
3) Check out hiring buggies ideally before you arrive as they wont be there when you arrive most likely
4) Walk to IGA super market and stock up on supplies. TOP TIP – The bus will pick people up on the crossroads in between the water / ice cream shop / souvenir shop
5) Day 2 visit the “Main Pool Bar”. You can enjoy a cocktail while swimming in the beautiful pool with AMAZING VIEWS!!!
6) Take the scenic flight across The Great Barrier Reef and to Whitehaven Beach. You will be collected and dropped back to the apartments. We flew with “Hamilton Island Air” who were AMAZING.
7) Relax and go for dinner in the evening
8) Spend the day sunbathing / snorkelling on the beach or driving the island in your buggy if you have one. If you don’t have a snorkel you can rent or buy one in the shop or in the resort.
Restaurants –
Pool Terrace – Asian type aussi food
Romano’s – Italian restaurant
Marina Cafe – Coffee shop with brunch options
Bobs Bakery – Freshly Baked Food – Sandwich’s cakes etc – FANTASTIC
REGRETS:
1) We didn’t hire a buggy – this limited our travel substantially as we would of loved to have more freedom with this but it wasn’t the end of the world
2) We didn’t pre-book Jet Skis – you can do a jet ski tour on the island but we didn’t pre-book this. We love these type of activities as you can see so naturally this was a shame!
We continue the journey in Part 2 showcasing your day trip to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Diving the Great Barrier Reef and More.
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As always let me know in the comments any thoughts or ideas!! 🙂
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