Hamilton Island, located in Queensland, Australia, is a world-renowned tropical island destination. With beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Hamilton Island is a dream come true for tourists and holidaymakers from all over the world.
With its idyllic setting, plenty of activities to do, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why Hamilton Island has become one of the most popular destinations in the country. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about visiting Hamilton Island and make the most of your stay!
Contents
History
Hamilton Island was first settled by convicts in 1855, and it remained a penal colony until 1867. In 1886, Hamilton Island became part of the Queensland Colonial Department as an administrative centre for the nearby islands. The island had its own post office from 1906 to 1930, and during this time it also served as the main port for the island chain.
In 1978, Hamilton Isle became a national park and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1980. In 1988, Hamilton Island became a resort for tourists and holidaymakers from around the world as part of Qantas’ airline partnership with the island.
Climate
Hamilton Island has a tropical climate with temperatures hovering around 26 degrees Celsius all year round. The island is considered to be dry, which means that there is no rain and only an average of 108 mm (4 inches).
Festivals
Hamilton Island celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, including the arts festival in February, Easter celebrations in April, regatta events in September and November, Christmas festivities in December and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Tourist Attractions
The Big Rock, which sits to the north of Hamilton Island and is 372 metres (1.236 miles) long, is a popular tourist attraction on the island. It’s perfectly safe for swimming when it isn’t inhabited by dolphins or sharks – however, during the summer months tourists swim between two cages made from iron rings in order to explore this natural phenomenon without fear of being bitten!
Culture
Hamilton Island is a popular tourist destination, boasting beautiful scenery and excellent weather. The park is home to many attractions, including the Big Rock, which is a popular swimming spot and natural wonder; as well as dolphins and sharks that can be seen while swimming between two cages.
Warm water, tropical climate and soaring palm trees make Hamilton Island an excellent destination for tourists. The island boasts a pleasant proximity to the beach with its numerous swimming areas, snorkeling activities as well as scuba diving opportunities nearby provides ultimate in divers location’s to explore underwater life of this islands marine wonderland.
Politics
Hamilton Island is an Australian External Territory located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island, which is only slightly smaller than Victoria, has a population of around 1,600 people and total land area of 406 hectares (1,050 acres). It gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1975. The island is run by a 16-person council led by the mayor. The members of this council are elected during general elections every two years.
Government Services
The island is served by a small hospital, police station and post office. There are no banks or stores on the island. Visitors need to bring all of their own food and drink into the park. Clothing and other supplies, however, can be bought on the mainland.
Weather Climate The island receives 2.5 hours of sunshine per day. Summers are often very warm with temperatures frequently reaching above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degree Fahrenheit). Hamilton Island’s Annual average temperature is 27/10 Cades 8 Min in July as well as 18/8 C in August which respectively 21% and 16% decrease than the normal annual temperature during both period of years.
Tourism
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the island such as snorkeling, diving, fishing and walking. There are also several restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy local wines and cuisine.
Village Boat Tours is one such place that offers a variety of tours to the island starting with Island hopping through shark diving and fishing, Half Day Excursion can be also get on dolphins cruises as well. Small Reef or No see ums are very common in Hamilton Island which makes it impossible for visitors to swim open water area on daily basis.
Transport
The only transport available to visitors on the island is by vehicular ferry. There are two ferries that run every day, with a journey time of 30 minutes each. The ferries depart from Mangrove Walk in Queenscliff and arrive at the pier in Hamilton Island village. These ferry tickets are must buy prior to arrival at the Island.
Travelers can also come visit Hamilton Island by private transportation such as chartered, airline or small registered car hire company which run regularly from and return back to Melbourne each day.
Cuisine
Hamilton Island offers a wide variety of delicious local cuisine. Some well known restaurants on the island are The Boathouse, Shimmy Shack, The Wharf and Village Boat Tours .
Accommodation range is more than enough for a big crowd in the Island. There are Bed and Breakfast accommodation but availability may be restricted depending on season, they are generally offered in specific areas such discrimination activities such as snorkeling or diving.
They would offer good value to those who want peace and privacy instead of traditional tourist place like Wharf hallway or Downtown Hamilton offering same facilities at cheaper rate from usual price tag stemming up to 50 %.
Conclusion
Hamilton Island is a small, uninhabited island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, located about 265 km (165 mi) north-east of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Whitsunday Islands and forms part of the Hamilton Island National Park.
The island was first sighted by Europeans on 10 October 1770 by Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña. Hamilton Island was named after the first governor of New South Wales, William Hamilton.
FAQ
What Is The Best Time To Visit Hamilton Island?
Winters are the best time to visit as it’s cold and dry, with little rainfall. The temperatures peak in summer at around 30 degrees Celsius but can also reach 40 degrees Celsius. December through February are generally the least popular times for tourists on Hamilton Island because of high winds and rough seas.
How Much Does It Cost To Stay On Hamilton Island?
The normal price for a week of accommodation on Hamilton Island is AUD $790 for two people.
Is There Any Medical Assistance Or Advice Centre?
There are no medical centers available on the island so you should bring your own medicine and disposables such as cotton wool, gauze, tape and bandage that can be purchased from cafes/lobsters in town or local shops!
What Are The Currency Options?
The local currency on Hamilton Island is the Australian dollar.
Do I Need Any Vaccinations Before Travelling To Hamilton Island?
No, you don’t need any vaccinations. However, it is advisable to take a tetanus injection as there is no medical assistance available on the island should something happen!
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