Whether you want a quick bite before hitting the beach or a great bar for sunset drinks, here are the 10 best bars and cafes in Hamilton Island.
Although Hamilton Island is renowned for its luxe resorts and restaurants, it fortunately still caters for budget-minded travellers. Featuring family-run cafes and beachfront bars, check out these 10 fantastic bars and cafes on Hamilton Island.
Not to be confused with the award-winning Bommie Restaurant, Bommie Deck is its smaller sibling and the outdoor bar at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club. With a deck that extends over the water, Bommie Deck has a more relaxed and casual vibe compared to the restaurant. Open daily from 4 to 9 p.m, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon drink to watch the sunset. We should mention it is also a great spot to see turtles gliding through the marina’s waters below.
For an inexpensive breakfast or lunch option on Hamilton Island, head to Bob’s Bakery. The racks here are brimming with fresh loaves of bread baked daily, as well as sweet and savoury pastries. There are plenty of homemade sandwiches and focaccias available daily too, which you can take away for a picnic lunch. Other favourites include the meat pies made with butter puff pastry, neenish tarts and even dessert jars.
WILD LIFE Hamilton Island is not only home to some of the cutest Australian animals, like koalas and kangaroos, but it’s also where you’ll find the Koolah Cafe. Every morning, you can enjoy Breakfast with the Koalas at Koolah Cafe. Stack your plate with dishes from an Aussie-style breakfast buffet, including eggs made fresh to order. Guides then come around with cuddly koalas for you to pat and get to know. The Koolah Cafe is also open for lunch for all WILD LIFE visitors.
Hamilton Island has it all, including its very own swim-up pool bar. Located at the island’s Main Pool, Island Bar has a thatched roof, tropical decor and live acoustic music acts weekly. Although you can swim up to the bar from inside the pool, there’s also a bridge you can cross outside the pool to order a drink as well. The Main Pool is open from sunrise to sunset and accessible to all Hamilton Island visitors. Start your Hamilton Island holiday on the right note with a cocktail here.
One Tree Hill is known as the most scenic bar on Hamilton Island. From its hilltop lookout location, you get the best view of the sun setting over the Whitsunday Islands. One Tree Hill is open from lunch, so you can start with a coffee before moving onto cocktails. If wine and cheese are more your style, One Tree Hill has share plates on offer, which include a selection of fresh dips, Australian cheeses or cured meats and antipasto. The bar is also surrounded by a large grassy area, which makes for the perfect kids play area.
It would be un-Australian not to have a fish and chips shop on Hamilton Island. Fortunately, Popeye’s is here with a selection of seafood specialties, which you can enjoy at the outdoor seating that overlooks the marina. There are several packs available but the most popular is of course the generous Fisherman’s Basket, which includes a fish fillet, sea scallops, calamari rings, prawn cutlets and chips. There’s also roast chicken, snacks like homemade potato scallops and pineapple fritters, and burgers.
Only open after dark on Fridays and Saturdays, Tanqueray Garden Bar is the place to go for a nightcap or late-night drinks with friends. Located on Front Street, the bar recently underwent a renovation. Its new modern touches include plant-themed walls and timber furnishings. At Tanqueray Garden Bar, a popular menu item involves choosing your spirit, mixer and garnish. Although spirit options are Tanqueray or London Dry Gin only, mixers include sparkling elderflower and cranberry juice. There’s also a selection of cocktails available.
Reef Lounge is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island’s largest hotel. Open to all island guests, this relaxed lounge is open all day, so you can stop by for a morning coffee, pre-dinner drink or nightcap. Reef Lounge also has live music every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. If you’re looking for a casual place to unwind after a day of island exploration, this is the place to go.
The appropriately named Marina Tavern overlooks Hamilton Island Marina. The family-friendly tavern has indoor and outdoor deck seating, where you can kick back with a drink or generous-sized pub meal. Menu items include the all-important chicken parmigiana (or parmie to Aussies), a double-patty beef burger and kangaroo loin salad. Paired with a pint of beer on tap, this is perfection.
Overlooking the harbour in Hamilton Island’s Marina Village, Marina Cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. The casual cafe is known for its freshly made fruit and vegetable juices, and its Marina Muffin with eggs and bacon. Eating one of these is basically a Hamilton Island rite of passage. Marina Cafe also has a large selection of sandwiches and wraps available to takeaway. So whether you want a morning coffee or a sit-down breakfast, this is the place to visit.
