TRAVEL: the tropical delights of Hamilton Island

On her first tropical holiday Nicole Hickson dives into all that Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays have to offer.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef has always been on my travel bucket list. I’d never experienced a tropical island holiday, so when it came time to book a getaway I couldn’t look past Hamilton Island.

Pristine beaches, world-class resorts and amazing coral and marine life on your doorstep have always made Hamilton Island a popular destination for couples, families and those seeking either a chance to unwind or a little adventure. It’s also the perfect base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.

It’s safe to say my pre-trip expectations were high, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. As my flight approached the island, the vast ocean below was the most stunning shade of aqua blue. Alighting from the plane only added to the tropical island feel. Blue skies, palm trees and a warm gentle breeze instantly relaxed me into holiday mode.

From the airport it was a quick shuttle bus trip to my accommodation at the family-friendly Reef View Hotel, with its spectacular views over the Coral Sea. There are also plenty of other accommodation options on the island from the luxurious qualia resort to bungalows, villas and holiday homes.

Once checked in and unpacked it was time to book my long-awaited reef trip, as well as to see what else Hamilton and the Whitsundays had to offer.

For my up-close reef experience, Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Adventures was the perfect day trip.

Travelling by catamaran to a purpose-built pontoon on

Hardy Reef, there was plenty of time to snorkel around the coral, view the marine life from a semisubmarine and, for a once-in-a lifetime

experience, take a scenic helicopter ride over the iconic Heart Reef.

I also booked a cruise to Whitehaven Beach, dubbed heaven on earth for good reason. A highspeed, ferry-style catamaran whisked us across the water to seven kilometres of unspoiled beach with the whitest of white sand and azure seas. With no phone reception it was the perfect place to unwind.

Back on Hamilton, I was spoilt for choice when it came to activities. Breakfast among the koalas at Wild Life Hamilton Island was the perfect way to start the day, while stand-up paddleboarding proved a fun test of my fitness and balance.

And I couldn’t go past venturing to One Tree Hill lookout at sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned orange and yellow, the view from the island’s lookout was the most magical way to end the holiday – and start thinking about what to tick off the bucket list next.