Should i go to Daydream Island or Hamilton Island?

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patchadams56a

Hi, I live up in the Whitsundays, (it's a great place to live and to visit). Both Islands have good and bad points. Hamilton is bigger with lots to see and do, but you can achieve all that with a day trip. Daydream is smaller and more intimate. I have had friends who just returned from Daydream and they said they had a sensational time, great staff and plenty to keep you occupied. So, in my opinion, use Daydream as a base and then simply jump on one of the regular ferries to Hamo or any one of the other islands in the group and don't forget to spend a day at Airlie Beach, (again just a ferry trip away). You'll love our back yard. The Whitsundays totally rock. Have fun (: Patch

Wendy M

I think that the Airlie Beach option is a good one. At least you can get to see a variety of islands by doing the various tours available and using Airlie as your base. Would be more cost effective if you watching your dollars. Everything is so expensive on the islands.

Robbo14

I have visited all three on a few occasions- It really depends on what you want to do on your holiday - each one has its' own appeal.
Hamilton Island ('Hammo') is a big island with lots of shops, activities and people - there are day visitors who come across to sightsee and spend the day and there are lots of places to go on the island as well as using 'Hammo' as a starting point from which to take tours to other places.
Daydream on the other hand is a small island, you can see it all in about fifteen minutes walk, but the facilities, like 'Hammo" are designed to keep you occupied whilst you are holidaying - lots of swimming, water sports, I think that the day spa and beauty therapy is still operating - you can also take cruises from Daydream by the local water taxi to other islands like South Molle and Hook Island.
Either one is a great place to go, but the atmosphere is different on both - perhaps 'Hammo' is more for young singles and couples, whereas Daydream is more for families. Whatever you choose, you can stay on one island and go to visit the other anyway, if you want.
Hope this helps.
Cheers

Ann-Marie H

Hamilton is probably the best option to begin with. The Whitsundays are so lovely you'll be back for sure.
I have been to all three and always return to Hamilton for a number of reasons.
Hamilton is the largest of the three and has so much more variety in activities, accommodation, food choices and lots more.
Daydream is smaller and ideal if you have children.
Hayman is catered for the older cliental. Not a whole lot to do but relax.
Yes, all three are expensive but that is expected when they are an island and need to import supplies from the mainland. It's something you have to keep in mind and don't be too annoyed every time you buy something, just enjoy your time there.

Plus, the tide goes out a long way in Hamilton and Hayman so don't rely on the water to be there when you expect it to. That is part of the tidal changes in the Whitsundays.

I would suggest you try Hamilton Island and take a day trip to Daydream to experience first hand for the day. I have a feeling Hayman doesn't accept day trippers though.

There are a lot of private accommodation available that come with a complimentary buggy (if you hire a buggy for 24hours it can cost around $80 per day). Plus, if you have a private unit you have a kitchen that some meals can be prepared with cutting down your costs. Highly recommend checking out the internet, however avoid the real estate agent on the island for booking your accom as I feel they are too busy with sales rather than just holiday renters.

The best booking agent I always deal with is a lady by the name of Lois on 0419 718 559 or 0422 374 412.

Good Luck and enjoy your holiday where ever you go. I think I might go book a holiday for me now that I love it so much.

mumma4

i have been to both and if ever i was going to go again i would go to AIRLIE BEACH ,then go for day trips to the islands from AIRLIE

it is so expensive on the island and it can get quite boring especially if the weather is not good.
it is not expensive to go on the trips around all of the Islands from AIRLIE.

mumma p

I went to Hamilton for my honeymoon, and stayed at daydream for a night.
Hamilton was fantastic, lots to do, snorkeling, jetskiing, catamaraning, scuba diving, lots of fun! and heaps of places to eat, and shops to spend your money at..
Daydream was very quiet, I actually found it boring, but if you want peace and quiet, it would be the place to go!

If you like a beer then stay away from Daydream. The joint shuts at 11.00 pm

An absolute run down dump.

Paul B

I spent a week or two in the Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach and travelling from there. My favourite island was Hook-there was only one tine shed pub and some camping grounds (mind you this was 20 years ago) and we spent time sailing between the islands on a backpacker style package tour on a sail boat - snorkeling, fishing, visiting out of the way islands.

We stopped at Hamilton Island, which was such a contrast to what we had been experiencing. It has an airport that can take commercial jets, a huge hotel complex, a marina, a golf course-in short it was like someone had carved off a slice of the Gold Coast and slapped it on island. Lots of signs in Japanese, lots of honeymooners and families-I felt it was an ugly, intrusive blight on the whole island chain.

Get off the beaten track a little! Try sailing to some of the smaller, less frequented islands-you wont regret it!

finah

well hey There. i think you should go to Daydream island. its the best place ever to spend any holiday occasion. Trust me you'll love it. well sience i havent been to Hamilton i say you go for Daydream Island. Just like the name DAY DREAM says, you'll be dreaming your way to lots of fun there.

( fINAHLICIOUZ IS A SHE)

.bec.

Hamilton Island hands down. I have been to both and Daydream island is more of a family, kids place. Hamilton Island is good because it's easy to get around (everyone drives golf carts) and it is very easy to organise day trips to the Great Barrier Reef of Whitehaven beach.

elleash

I love hamilton Island - cruising around in your buggy have a few drinks, or swimming in the main pool it has an island bar in it, so you don't have to get out and get your drinks, just have to get out to go to the toilet- bummer
A few people have said hamilton island is expensive, it is but you can make it cheaper as they have a bottlo, a little supermarket, bakery, fish n chip shop etc, you don't have to eat at the restuarants all your stay.

XYZ

I prefer Hamilton Island as it has a more upmarket feel than Daydream. It has it's own airport so depending on where you live you could fly straight in. You can hire a golf buggy to get around the island. I've always stayed at the Reef View Hotel, rooms are very spacious, and the sea views are wonderful. Day trips to other islands are a great idea, a must see is Whitehaven Beach. Hayman is at the luxury end of the market and this is reflected in the price. Whatever you choose you're sure to like it, the Whitsundays are really beautiful.

Miss Cookie

I've been to Hamilton and stayed in a brand new two level apartment with fab views, kitchen, pool (pool is shared by about 10 apartments). The apartment was great. Hamilton is like a town. Everyone driving golf buggies. Food is expensive. There is a little general store and this is also hugely expensive. But I guess, when you go away you just have to be ready to pay big money for food. As long as you factor in at least $100 a day you'll be right. I did a few awesome walks which I loved. Walked up and over a mountain down to a beach. Swam nude, no one there! Loved it. The beaches were lovely. The big pools down in the resort part also great. Pool bars etc.

Joanna R

We have been to both as well & I would definately choose Daydream. You will not get bored there as there as well as all the activities on the island there are plenty of day trips to choose from to take you off the island for the day - but it's much quieter and more private than Hamilton. Hamilton is more like a small town with lots of resorts/shops/restaurants etc. and attracts more of a large group family & backpacking clientele. You didn't say what kind of holiday you were looking for - but it's nice to have a peaceful evening away from the riff raff if you know what I mean.
The Whitsundays is also well known for it's breezy weather - but being a small island it doesn't take long to get to the protected side and find a nice calm spot to enjoy :)

emma d

Hi there
Whenever i am faced with this question i allways turn to my reliable source Trip Advisor, this website is great it has heaps of reviews from other travelers and their photos of the hotels which can be quite different from the photos on the hotel websites. I can read about what other travelers have to say and then make my decision accordingly.

Emilyonzoe

I have been to all three - Daydream was OK, lots of families with kids and the food is average but you're limited with choices. I was really disappointed with Hayman Island - it is very run down at the moment - they are in the process of gradually renovating it. The food is better there than at Daydream. Hamiliton Island offers lots of choices with accommodation and restaurants so I would definitely return there, but not the other two. At Hamilton Island you can rent apartments with kitchens so you can cook your own meals if you wish to save some money. Have a great time wherever you decide to go.

aalleesss

hamilton island........ it has so much more to do and u will never be bored and then u can take day trips to surrounding islands eg whitehaven beach is a must.

daydream is more a family resort and hayman is not worth the money

whitsundayworker

Hello

Ive worked at both hamilton and hayman and just came home to sydney, i loved hammo it was great to work i holidayed there before i went to live there it was just great u have the main street that has a pub they have karaoke every sat night its great the list of activities goes on, hayman island it more next to the pool sun backing no really activities alot of older people go there but the food is outstanding,
daydream ive been there for a day trip it was boring really boring when i first saw it i was so disappointed as everyone back in syd said it was great but it looked so run down and old, out of all i would definitely say HAMILTON,

Glen M

how about throwing Dunk Island into the equation? Great place, lots of activities, day trips, very intimate, i can be both big and small, the service is great and the scenery is too die for. Have you ever been to heaven and back?

Caleb92

Hamilton Island is beautiful. So much to do and see. Out of all the islands, it's probably the cheapest. The downside is the buggies to drive everywhere, but it's still pretty fun to do :). I went there 8 years ago when I was eight and it was definitely one of the best holidays I've ever been on. I'm sure you'll enjoy wherever you decide to stay, however.
Hope I helped!!

P.S. Beware of the crazy cockatoos!

Baz

I have been to most of the barrier reef islands.
To do something different I got a passport and went to Bali.
It was hell cheaper, with $100 for a family room for 4 star accommodation with breakfast.
The experience was totally different and far more rewarding than holidaying in Au stralia.
Take my advice and go overseas, you wont be disappointed.

Lara V

Hi there,

I have only been to Hamilton Island - 3 times. It's FANTASTIC. I love it!!! That's why I keep going back.
It's easy to get everywhere on the buggy, so relaxing, the nightlife's great and the pools and beachside are just fabulous.

There is a great variety of food and it's just oooooh such a great holiday.

Tracey S

both are so over rate ed look else where be fore booking, there are alot better places to go for the same dollar amount hey ,

Brigid P

It is a difference between coastal and seaside.

Sirena

So much depends on what kind of person you are.

Daydream is tiny - you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about 20 minutes! Personally, I got bored because I'm not a beach person, so although there were lots of water activities, there wasn't enough else going on to keep me occupied. There was a night club but you can't go to the same old place every night. It's the sort of place I'd enjoy for a weekend only.

Hamilton is big - so big, it almost doesn't feel like an island. I loved the fact that you could hire a golf buggy and bowl around - but that's another sign of how large it is, because you really don't need a buggy to get around any of the other islands.

My personal favourite is Brampton - large enough to go for a decent bushwalk and find quiet beaches, small enough to feel like an island, turtles nesting on the beach, a small reef just offshore - perfect.

angelinapisani

Hamilton island is by a long shot... Daydream island is nothing but one big resort!!!! atleast at Hamilton island everything is more accessable, shops, restaurants, tours, beaches, activities, nightclubs & pubs, picnic and bbq area's, all at your finger tips. At daydream there is nothing but your room , a restaurant and your pool :-( plus you wont have to worry about the expensive ferry transfers from the airport at hamilton island to daydream island.

alfonsoserafino

I'd avoid the islands - they're tourist traps. Stay on the mainland and take day trips.

Lisa M

Thats great to Daydream Island. it lots of restaurants,mini golf,resort of spa,swimming pools, beach & sit on the beach, outside watch movie and shops. good for you make relaxing!. good worth.. expensive. but don't care about expensive.

that's same Daydream Island and Hamilton.

I love Whitsunday island is wonderful..!!!

informationguruwhitsundays

Hi i live in airlie beach and if your going for the cheapest it goes in order from airlie to daydream to hammo to hayman but i think hayman is the best by far but you will have to have some money for it

hope this has helped

You should go to Hamilton Island.

Who cares about expenses.

Lucy X

Hi,

My sister went to South Molle Island for her honey moon and was overjoyed with it, she went on an excursion which had people from different islands and there were so many complaints about Daydream Island that they had nicknamed it Nightmare Island.
My mother and myself went to South Molle 3 months after (in the rainy season) although the weather was not great we had soo much fun and relaxation!!!

Good Luck Choosing and enjoy your holiday!!!

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