Hamilton Island is located perfectly between the Great Barrier Reef and the coast of Queensland. It is the largest inhabited island among the 74 Whitsunday Islands in the Coral Sea.
The island is renowned for luxurious vacations; and for the beautiful beaches, picturesque landscape, warm temperatures, action-packed adventure activities, and the surrounding coral reefs.
Though it may look like a big island, it’s only 7 square kilometers in size. But, it still is one of the largest among the others.
Hamilton Island Facts
The island is easily accessible as it’s the only Great Barrier Reef Island that has a commercial airport. It also is connected well with ferries.
The island boasts of tropical climate year-round and rarely falls below 22 degrees. The average temperatures are from 25 – 30 degrees Celsius.
Almost 80% of the island still remains a natural habitat. The tropical bushland is home to many native animals and birds like Cockatoos, Lorikeets, and Kangaroos.
The island is also known for its flora. It is estimated that there are 20 species of plum and 35 different colors of hibiscus.
The island is famous for its recycling efforts. Almost 1 tonne of metal is recycled every month. The island also invested in a glass crushing machine which enables them to recycle more.
They also recycle almost 1 mega liter of grey water daily, which is used in the gardens all over the island. All of their green waste is also recycled into mulch.
The Supermarket here is a plastic bag free store. People can either buy cloth bags or carry their own bags.
The Hamilton Island Marina has 251 berths and 20 to and fro boats. The annual occupancy averages to 83%.
No cars are allowed on this island, so the island is free from the petrol pollution. You may hire a golf buggy, but they’re very expensive! The island has a free bus service which is on time and very convenient.
The island has been popular as locations in numerous movies like the Muriel’s Wedding (1994) and Fool’s Gold (2008).
There are only 1000 – 1200 people who are actually permanent residents here. Most of them are the staff that work here and some others are retirees.
There’s a Public School for kids of age 5 – 12 years. There are 40 – 60 kids that study here. It is supported by several fundraising events. For high school, children eventually have to travel to Airlie Beach.
The event is held annually in August since 25 years and welcomes almost 200 competing boats.
The islands host Australia’s largest offshore yachting regatta, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.