We travelled from Melbourne on Sunday 6th September 2026 to Hamilton Island Queensland, staying until Sunday 13th September. Jasmine had wanted to do a family holiday for her 40th birthday, but Covid-19 restrictions made that impossible, so it was decided to do it on her 45th birthday.
Linton and Mandy stayed at 108 Lagoon Apartment with the Jeantou family, while the De Milliano family stayed in 106 Lagoon Apartment. Each apartment rental included a four-seater buggy to transport us around Hamilton Island. It is located in the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland and is the permanent home to about 1300 people.
We were greeted by rainbow lorikeets most days on our balcony overlooking Catseye Beach. Other wildlife we saw included bush stone-curlews, crows, sulphur-crested cockatoos, asian mynas, agile wallabies, pheasant coucal, currawongs, silver gulls and a red possum. No sign of any small birds.
Monday was spent on Catseye Beach in front of Sails. Saw many pretty rocks on the beach, small shells containing hermit crabs, a small sting-ray as well as some small fish. Had lunch at the Pool Terrace of the Reef Hotel. Dinner was a bbq prepared by Jasmine and Will.
Tuesday we woke early to get to Catseye beach for water activities. We managed to hire a paddle board and kayak. Went snorkelling and saw some small fish amongst the rocks. Had lunch with the family at Sails and had a swim in the main pool. Dinner was enjoyed at the Marina Tavern.
Wednesday Jeantous and De Millianos went on all-day cruise. Mandy and Linton did the shops, having lunch from the bakery and sat at the marina.
Thursday we were up early to have a catamaran sailing lesson. Linton took a hobby cat for a sail, while Jeantous sailed with four on the catamaran and the De Millianos enjoyed a third catamaran. After our Catseye Beach activities we sat by the pool at Sails and enjoyed some time in the pool. We joined for dinner with the Jeantous and De Millianos having fish and chips and pizza.
Friday Linton and Mandy joined with the Jeantous for a half-day cruise to Whitehaven Beach. It was a very rough sail. We landed at Tongue Bay and Linton and Emma walked to Hill Inlet lookout, then onto Whitehaven Beach. After our return to Hamilton Island we had lunch at the Reef Hotel.
At sunset we went to One Tree Hill to have a drink and observe the sunset.
Saturday we had a relaxed start to the day. Went to Catseye Beach. Too windy for sailing. Spent the afternoon at Sails pool area. At sunset we went to the Yacht Club to enjoy a sunset drink, before going to Coco chu Thai restaurant overlooking the beach.
Sunday we left Hamilton Island and flew to Brisbane and then back to Melbourne.