The best things to do on Hamilton Island with kids

Families love the many awesome things to do on Hamilton Island with kids.

It’s one of Australia’s most family-friendly destinations – simple to get to, inexpensive and filled with plenty of memorable activities for the whole family. The Wildlife Park lets kids get up close with koalas and feed kangaroos, while the Clownfish Club offers activities for children aged six weeks to 12 years. Catseye Beach provides safe swimming, and walking trails cater to all fitness levels. Kids will love the island’s mini-golf course, gokart track, and golf buggy transport. World-class resorts, paddleboarding, snorkelling and sunset cruises add to the island’s appeal.

Cruise around in a golf-buggy

Golf-buggies rule the road on this car-free island. Tootle your way past the marina or drive to the beach for a day of fun in the gentle waves.

You can hire buggies from Hamilton Island Buggy Hire by the hour, for the day or overnight. Avoid being disappointed by booking in advanced (especially during peak seasons).

Keep reading:

• Hamilton Island family-friendly travel guide
• 10 reasons why Hamilton Island is perfect for families

Enjoy some kid-free time

Take advantage of the Clownfish Kids Club and drop the kids off so you can enjoy some one-on-one adult time.

You can leave your kids in trusted hands whether it’s for a few hours or the whole day.

The Clownfish Kids Club caters for kids from 6 months to 12 years old.

Swim…just keep swimming

You’re holidaying in Hamilton Island so the weather is suitable for a swim all year round.

Try out popular pools such as Main Pool or Bougainvillea Pool where you can supervise with a cocktail in hand. These pools are open to everyone on Hamilton Island.

Some of these resort pools are even heated if you choose to visit in cooler periods.

If you’re craving some salt and sand head for a dip to Catseye Beach.

You could easily spend all day pool and beach hopping. As an extra bonus, it’s likely to have the kids pretty worn out by bedtime.

Go go-karting or quad biking

Hamilton Island isn’t just all laying poolside, there’s plenty to do for your little revheads.

Quad Bikes for Kids have purpose-built short child-friendly circuits suitable for children 6-14 years to get their adrenaline flowing.

If you want to speed things up a bit try Hamilton Island’s go-kart racing track.

For single karts, drivers must be a minimum of 149cm in height.

For duo karts, drivers must be a minimum of 16 years old and a minimum of 149cm in height. Passengers must be aged 4 or above.

Reef snorkelling and diving to the Great Barrier Reef

The reefs off Hamilton Island are home to the world’s most spectacular coral formations and hundreds of species of marine life.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to see the beauty of the underwater world.

You can hire snorkel equipment from a Beach Sports Hut on Catseye Beach and explore the area independently.

If you want an expert tour to increase your chances of meeting a shell-backed friend, book a snorkel tour to see the unmissable Great Barrier Reef.

Thrill-seeking watersports

Hamilton Island Watersports lets kids and adults fly above Hamilton Island by parasailing.

No experience is required.

You can also whoosh over the water waterskiing or wakeboarding.

Anyone of any age can hold on tight while being towed by a speed boat on a riveting tube ride.

If you want to take the whole family at once, hop on a 30-minute adrenaline-packed ‘Jet Ryder’ tour.

Meet a Koala

At Hamilton Island Wildlife Park you can get up close with koalas, lizards, snakes, kangaroos, dingos and a crocodile.

The Park runs guided tours each day where expert keeps will show you how to feed, talk to and touch these incredible animals.

The park is open from 8.30am to 4pm daily.

Watch the sunset from One Tree Hill Lookout

It’s a must-visit spot on Hamilton Island and the perfect chill-out afternoon for the kids.

Watch the sunset go down over the neighbouring Whitsunday islands.

Set up your own picnic on the available tables or buy some snacks at the lookout’s cafe.

As a popular spot on the island, it does get packed, especially at sunset. So be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.

Take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach

No holiday to Hamilton Island is complete without a day trip to Whitehaven Beach.

We recommend you do so in style by cruising there onboard a high-speed air-conditioned catamaran.

Available tours will transport you to Whitehaven Beach (only half an hour away from Hamilton Island). There’s special pricing for families and children under 3 will ride free.

Spend the day swimming, relaxing or playing beach games. No matter what you do, your trip to this patch of paradise will be an unforgettable experience for your family.

Dinghy Hire

If following the back of a tour isn’t your speed then hire a dinghy to go where you want at the pace you want to.

Explore less-visited coves and crevices around Hamilton Island. Not sure where to go, check out this dinghy map.

Half-day and full-day hires are available as is fishing and snorkelling gear hire.

The kids will definitely get a kick out of seeing mum or dad as the captain of your family dinghy.

Mini Golf

Slow it down with some good old fashioned fun on the mini-golf course. Make things interesting with a kids against parents competition or team up to take on another family.

The mini-golf course is open all week and has special family and happy hour pricing. Plus kids under 5 play for free.

The Hamilton Island Mini Golf course is located at the Sports Club, beside the Reef View Hotel.

Tennis Court Hire

Whip out the racquet and play a game of tennis on any of Hamilton Island’s six tennis courts available for hire.

Your kids (and you) can learn the skill with professional coaching.

Reserve the courts through Hamilton Island Sports Club and get your gear there too (no need to fill your luggage with equipment).

The courts are open every day and hire is free for guests of qualia, Beach Club, ReefView Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

Art Classes

Unleash your inner Picasso at an art class on Hamilton Island.

No one will be left out with kids classes for those aged 6+ and adults classes for those 14+.

There are classes for all skill levels so there’s no need to be an expert.

Plus you get to take your masterpiece home with you as a souvenir of your time on Hamilton Island.

Bushwalking trails

Explore the natural beauty of Hamilton Island on foot.

There is a range of trails available depending on your fitness level and how far the kids are willing to walk.

Need a bit more information on each of the trails? Check out what you’ll find on each one and how long they’ll take to walk here.

Turtle Discovery

Who doesn’t want to make a little shell-backed friend? There are special Turtle Discovery tours to take you to the best spots to scout out a turtle.

All the gear is included on the tour plus you’ll get a chance to see a whole variety of the beautiful marine life on Hamilton Island.

The tours generally cater for kids 12 and up however private tours are available for families with kids under 12.

Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Hire

Explore the Hamilton Island waters at your own pace by hiring a kayak or stand up paddleboard. 

It’s great fun for all ages and all experience levels.

There is no need to book in advanced, just swing past Hamilton Island Beach Sports. 

Plus hire is free for guests staying at qualia, Beach Club, ReefView Hotel, Palm Bungalows and Hamilton Island Holiday Homes.

Catamaran Hire

Ramp the speed up on your very own catamaran.  Even if you have no prior experience lessons are available so that you can captain your catamaran.

Whiz through the waters of Catseye Bay. The kids will love the thrill just as much as you.

Bookings are essential at the Beach Sports Hut. Book when you stop by Hamilton Island Beach Sports on Catseye Beach.

Complimentary hire for guests staying at qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and Hamilton Island Holiday Homes (excludes lessons).

Ice cream parlour

A hot tropical island holiday is a great excuse for an ice cream. There’s no better place to get one than at Hamilton Island’s Ice Cream Parlour.

From decadent double-choc waffle cones to frozen fruit slushies there’s a treat to keep everyone happy.

Visit the Marina Cafe

Overlook the harbour in Marina Village from Marina Cafe. They’ve got a range of tasty dishes and drinks available at the cafe or take away.

With high-quality ingredients, friendly staff and food that comes out fast Marina Cafe is the ideal brekkie or lunch spot on the island.

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