The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands and islets and we stayed on Hamilton Island. We found out through a text that our flight had been cancelled less than 24 hours before our departure. We had already been rebooked on a new flight by the time we called the airline airlines. Before we could let our upcoming hotel know of the change, we got a call to ask if we needed any help rescheduling our flight. That was our first hint that we were in for something special. We were met at the airport, driven to the hotel without waiting for our luggage, and greeted with a glass of champagne. We enjoyed the open-air lobby overlooking a swimming pool and the ocean during the check -in process.
Other than the airport shuttles and buses, there were no cars in Hamilton Island. Everyone gets around in electric golf carts. The one we were give did not have much pick up speed but it was a lot of fun. Ironically, the steering wheel was on the “correct” side of the cart but we still had to drive on the left.
Our room was heavenly. There was a sitting area and porch overlook the water. The bathroom had Ian’s favorite brand of soaps and at night we returned to find hot herbal tea, chocolate, and lite candle (technically a beaker).
We took morning yoga classes. The instructors were fantastic and the space even better. We kayaked but the conditions were not great so we lounged by the beach that afternoon.
There were several hiking trails and we hiked two of them: Passage Peak and Escape Beach. Passage Peak had a steep set of stairs the last 200 meters but we were rewarded with many butterflies and a 360 degree view at top. Escape Beach was a longer but easier trail to a quiet cove. We arrived during low tide and enjoyed a picnic lunch before walking back. We were warned about snakes—luckily we only saw butterflies, birds and a wallaby.
One Tree Hill was a popular spot on the island to watch the sunset.
There were other lookouts and spots around the island filled with spectacular views at any time of day.
Although touristy, we had fun going to the Koala cuddle one morning. They are rare in the wild (between 43,000 and 80,000) and you definitely cannot hold one unless it has been trained. We got to hold a three-year-old koala and learned that they are the only animal to have unique finger prints like humans. There was a second koala sleeping nearby.
A highlight of the area and our trip was a visit to Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach via helicopter. We met our pilot, Nick at the hotel helipad and flew over the Whitsunday Islands and ocean before seeing the Great Barrier Reef. At first all we could see what a break in the water—then the colors of the water and reef came into view. We flew over the famous Heart Reef and even saw five turtles and a stingray.
On our flight back we stopped and landed on Whitehaven Beach. The 7 km stretch of beach is only accessible via boat, seaplane or helicopter. The white silica sand and turquoise colored water were as stunning as everyone said. Our pilot set up a picnic for us. After eating we walked along the beach until it was time to fly back to Hamilton Island. This was one of the most beautiful places we have visited and definitely hope to return.
