Hamilton Island

First published on 27 Jun 2009. Updated on 31 Jul 2009.

If you want a winter getaway with more quality time than getting-to-the-quality time, skip those pesky connections to the Maldives or the Seychelles and arrive at your Hamilton Island hotel in less than two hours from takeoff. This integrated resort provides a wide range of facilities across the island for your passive and active recreation. It's not cheapest holiday on offer, but by charging every purchase to your room (even fishing bait from the General Store), you can defer the consequences of your 'charge it' trigger finger until payment upon checkout.

Stays

Accommodation at the three-star bungalows starts at $300 per night and will tick the box for more than just a few punters. If you're looking at spoiling yourself check into either the high-rise Reef View Hotel or the low-rise Beach Club. Then there's the $1,650-per-night Qualia, whose Balinese designer luxury will impress even the most dedicated interior design buffs. (It's a resort so chi-chi the Australian Ballet are performing gigs there in October.) While the high-end properties exclude kids, the others house and feed them for free. Holiday homes for up to 10 persons are available if you are going with friends and don't need room service for dinner. (137 333 www.hamiltonisland.com.au).

Fabulous grub

Restaurants span a similar range from the mid-market fish and chips and pizza and pasta joints through to the Steakhouse, Italian and seafood restaurants. Our tip is the Beach House. Suspended over lapping floodlit waves, it presents an irresistible argument for modern Australian cuisine. It's small and popular, so book early, preferably before you arrive. Beach House, North End of Cat's Eye Beach, Hamilton Island 4803. (07 4946 8580).

If you feel like eating amongst the company of cute native animals in the morning, try the buffet breakfast with the koalas and visit the mini-zoo it's held in. Beware thieving kookaburras who will try to steal your sausages. Koala Gallery, Resort Drive, Hamilton Island 4803. (07 4946 8305).

Activities

Carve it up! Some activities such as snorkelling are free with your accommodation, but if you have a budget to get your adrenal glands pumping there are dozens of choices on land or water. Quadbike up to the highest peak, where golf buggies fear to tread. Circumnavigate the island on a jetski built for two where the choppy water in the Coral Sea makes for an exciting ride. Live a little and try your hand at kayaking, wakeboarding or waterskiing. Everything can be booked with the Tour Desk on 07 4946 8305.

Of course, since you're in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, cruising out to the reef and diving is a major attraction. Even with diligent teams of sand-moving tractors, Hamilton's beaches can be rocky in parts, so if you long for kilometres of perfect, fine, cool white sand, head for Whitehaven Beach on Fantasea Cruises (or a seaplane if you're in a hurry and have someone to propose to). It's commonly ranked in the world's top ten. Shute Harbour Jetty, Shute Harbour 4802. (07 4967 5455 www.fantasea.com.au).

Getting there
Fly non-stop on to the island via Jetstar or Virgin Blue. Ferry service from the mainland is available on Fantasea or Cruise Whitsundays. Abel Point Marina North, Airlie Beach 4802. (07 4946 4662 www.cruisewhitsundays.com).