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HTI-100 | Hamilton Island test product | 4.00 hrs
This is a test page for this new port listing, details of a range of shore excursions for this port of call are being prepared now and will be ready for the start of the 2020/21 cruise season due to begin in October 2020.
Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia. Like most in the Whitsunday group, Hamilton Island was formed as sea levels rose creating numerous drowned mountains that are situated close to the east coast of Australia.
The island is a popular tourist destination and was featured in the successful "Best Job In The World" promotion a few years ago.
The island was purchased in 1975 by Keith Williams and Bryan Byrt, and in 1978 the construction of Hamilton Island Harbour began and the resort complex shortly after. Ownership has changed a number of times since then and many new resorts and tourist developments have been undertaken.
Unlike most islands off the east coast of Australia, Hamilton Island is used almost exclusively for tourism. However the island is catering for a growing number of residents, both employees of the various businesses on the island and also those people choosing to retire and enjoy the lifestyle.
The Airport is the only one in the Whitsunday Islands that is big enough to cater for larger commercial aircraft. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island with the exception of those for tradespeople and island public transport. Private transport needs are mostly served by a fleet of golf buggies, available to tourists for rent. A public shuttle bus operates on the island serving major points of interests and accommodation sites.
Visitors can catch glimpses of migrating whales as they make their way through the warm waters of the Whitsundays around July to September each year.
How do we get ashore?
Its a tendering port and there are no berths at the port suitable for the large cruise ships.
