Hamilton Island — Attraction in Whitsundays

It's.... a bit disappointing. Came here to relax and snorkel and expected better. We definitely won't be coming back for these reasons.

1. There's loud construction at the reef view hotel during the week, as I'm typing there are jack hammering tiles off downstairs which they have been doing for most of the morning (I.e. for hours non-stop), we just came back to the room to relax and enjoy the view but alas, you'll need noise cancelling headphones. We're on the 14th floor and it's very very loud.
2. You can't go snorkelling during the day because of the water sports, they are fine with us going out on the first day but today they aggressively told us to swim elsewhere at catseye Beach which was very disappointing as that was the main reason we came here and outside of the buoyed area is either rippy or just seaweed with nothing to see, literally the only place worth snorkelling on the whole island (not exaggerating, other places are either inaccessible or there's nothing there) is where they told us we couldn't swim.
3. Everywhere on the main street is booked out up to a week in advance, so don't even think about going out for a nice sit down meal if you haven't booked ahead before your trip, we did manage to book into the restaurant at the hotel for two of our nights away. There are only two take away places due to covid (that's as of right now), pizza or fish and chips, which gets old after you've had them once. They both have nice food but it just feels a bit restrictive only having one or the other to choose from.

On the good side, catseye Beach is home to a family of turtles and lots of rays. Afternoon 4pm-5pm at low tide is best this time of year. Vis is terrible (2-3m at best) and coral is mostly dead but it is worth getting out there to see. For the price paid, it's not great here. Vast majority of the staff are friendly and helpful.

Lost stars because of crazy restrictions on where you can and can't snorkel (which was the main reason we picked hamilton island... to snorkel), construction noise and the unavailability of sit down meals.

Two stars for turtles, good views and mostly friendly staff. I can see how some might really like it here, but for us it was a bit disappointing. And yes, it's pretty crowded here but we've found all the other holidayers to be really polite and friendly. Getting around is super easy, free shuttles every 15mins and everything is less than a 2km walk (including the lookouts). Yes there is a cocktoo problem, but I haven't been to many places that don't have one and it really isn't too bad, they are worse back at home for us. Yes is it expensive to eat, but you have to expect a premium on an island. Wifi is patchy as is phone reception, however we expected that to be the case. Yes there are no golf carts available, they are booked out...

I flew into Proserpine, stayed a few days in Airlea and ferry across to Hamilton & flew out of Hamilton to Melb with a stop over in Syd (but there are direct flights avail on certain days). Even receiving the very stormy edges of the Cairns cyclone, the island was still very noticeably busssy. All Reef Hotel staff were very courteous, friendly & attentive as were shuttle drivers = well done! Reef room on 12th floor 3 star but still okay with exceptional views, however there is a serious cockatoo problem with lots of squawking occurring at times. Breakfast is not buffet style - its seated table service. There is a local IGA and also private apartments and houses available to rent mostly via the local island estate agent, which would be a more quiet relaxing alternative. Also had no probs dining at local restaurants without a booking. I ended up booking my room via stayz as the Reef Hotel phones rang out and didn't return my emails for 1 week?? Furthermore I tried to book a buggy on line 3 days b4 my arrival (as recommended) & received a reply from 'Abby' after 24hrs saying they were all fully booked for that day. I replied asking what other days buggies might be available and never received a reply, even to this day after returning home 9 days later?? Upon my arrival on Hamilton, lucky the Reef hotel (Justin - very nice) informed me I had a buggy for one day incl in my package (phew), but still had to line up for 30 mins to get the buggy. Friendly staff their advised they get approx 200 emails per day and don't have enough staff to reply....hmm. Most days the 'Buggy Booked Out' sign was up so keep this in mind as they are a good way to see the island (but be prepared to part with about $85 per day) - Apart from the humidity up North, I would say 3 to 5 days is ample time...

Very underwhelming. Nearly impossible to find somewhere to eat.

It was not until upon arrival we were advised if we had not already booked dinner for each night of our stay we would not get in. They were right majority of restaurants are closed down. Those which are open are either booked months in advance or exclusive to the hotel attached. Only option is Pizza, Mexican or fish and chips. You can wait at the door of a restaurant and hope for a cancellation which may take a few hours. We waited at the front of Romanos Italian (beautiful dinner) from 450pm to jag a table. Limited menu due to walk in but was fantastic. While eating we saw at least 40-50 people turned away unfortunately. Informed by staff this is due to staff shortages.

Called prior to arriving a week out to book tours and restaurants but on hold for over an hour on three occasions with no answer from the Hamilton Reservation Line and tour desk.

Disappointed with Hamilton Island to be not informing people of this and leaving anxious people wondering around every night trying to find food. Grocery store IGA available, island prices which is expected and fine but a couple we spoke to only had a hotel room and no cooking facilities.

Tours available and very well run by the operators.

Pools lovely and staff very pleasant.

Hopefully this is read by either up coming visitorsor prospective visitors, to ensure you book all aspects of your stay weeks in advance. A great deal of people we spoke to have submitted complaints to Hamilton Island already. We will not return and very disappointed on what was supposed to be a relaxing special holiday. There are much better options available for the amount of money it...