Whitsunday : Hamilton Island & The Great Barrier Reef
Australia Highlights Series – Stop #2
Keywords: Hamilton Island travel, Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour, Heart Reef flight, koala sanctuary Hamilton Island, luxury Australia itinerary
From City Thrills to Island Serenity
After the high-adrenaline start in Perth, we headed northeast to the Whitsundays.
Our second stop—Hamilton Island—was a complete change of pace. Think reef flights, infinity pools, golf cart chaos, and unexpected wildlife encounters.
And one unforgettable first: flying over the Heart Reef in a helicopter.
Where We Stayed: Ocean Views, Infinity Pool & Golf Cart Antics
We rented a luxury hillside home that checked every box:
- Ocean access and a stunning infinity pool
- Floor-to-ceiling views from nearly every room
- Two golf carts included
- Plenty of space for our group of six
The view from our bedroom was next-level, where you wake up and just stare for a while.
Now, about the golf carts...
We split into teams. It quickly turned competitive. Pete, our designated driver, had a talent for getting lost much to the consternation of the rest of the party but it added to the fun and sightseeing opportunities. Not such fun at night with dim headlights and rain though.
When the batteries ran low, we’d jump out mid-hill to lighten the load. More than once, we had to push the cart up the hill.
Tropical downpours in open carts? Hilarious and soaking. We ended up dripping wet, laughing the whole way home and getting lost - with Pete saying he was in control and that he knew where we were.
Helicopter to the Reef: Heart-Shaped Wonders & a Wild Ride
With rough seas cancelling the boats, we chose to fly to the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter. It turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
- First time in a chopper—front row seats with the pilot
- Flew over the iconic Heart Reef (yes, it’s real and perfectly shaped)
- Landed on a floating helipad at Hardy Reef
The sea was wild. From the helipad, we took a small boat to Reefworld. Waves slammed the sides, and we held on tight.
Once onboard, we were greeted with champagne. The planned snorkelling was cancelled due to conditions, but we still explored the reef from below.
Inside the underwater viewing room, we watched schools of fish glide past like a living aquarium.
As conditions worsened, the crew made the call to head back early. Unexpected, but unforgettable.
Koalas, Kangaroos & Chlamydia (Yes, Really)
We visited the Hamilton Island Wildlife Sanctuary one morning. We got to pet a koala and learned how they are threatened by chlamydia
Our guide explained that most wild koalas carry a strain of chlamydia. It’s not the same one that affects humans, but it causes blindness, infertility, and can be fatal. It’s a serious conservation issue.
Before the trip, my friend Rebeca joked, “Watch out for the koalas. You don’t want to catch chlamydia!”
We laughed at the time—and we still laugh about it today. But the fact stuck with us, too.
Quick Tips for Hamilton Island
- Fly to the reef if conditions are rough—bonus: you get Heart Reef views
- Charge your cart nightly (trust us)
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
- Pack a light rain jacket—weather changes quickly
- Secure your food—cockatoos will absolutely try to steal it
Why This Stop Stood Out
Hamilton Island gave us luxury, adventure, and plenty of laughs:
Flying over Heart Reef.
Getting soaked in a golf cart.
Great company and good food.
It was paradise—with personality.
🧭 Plan Your Own Whitsundays Escape
Fly over Heart Reef. Stay somewhere with a view. Drive a golf cart through the rain. This isn’t just a beach destination—it’s a full experience.
👉 Coming Up Next in the Series:
Albany Road Trip – Giant Trees, Jewel Caves & the Valley of the Giants
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?
We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.
Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools
Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com
Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda
Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)
Find Rentals
→ Economybookings
Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ GetYourGuide
→ Go City
Arrange Transfers
→ Welcome Pickups
Plan Your Route
→ Tripadvisor
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