General Island Safety Information

Wildlife

• In line with the majority of Australia’s coastal and bushland areas, Hamilton Island is home to a roost of Flying Foxes. As a protected and endangered species, Hamilton Island follows strict protocol around the management of the Flying Fox population. As Flying Foxes have been known to carry certain viruses which may be harmful to humans, although the risk of infection is low, please be aware of their presence and exercise any contact with caution.
• Do not feed Flying Foxes. Fruit forms a large part of their diet so we recommend that you do not leave any fruit outside on your balcony for a long period of time or overnight.
• Please do not approach, try to touch, hold, or shine torches at Flying Foxes, as they may become aggressive.
• Flying Foxes cannot take flight from the ground and therefore use anything they can find to help them get elevation. For your safety, please do not walk or drive near a Flying Fox if it is on the ground - even if it is injured.
• If you are bitten or scratched by a Flying Fox, please seek medical attention urgently and contact Switch on 07 4946 9999 to access on-island medical care. If you think you have been bitten or scratched, immediately wash the area with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes. If available, an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine or alcohol (ethanol) should be applied after washing.

• Irukandji Jellyfish are small and transparent jellyfish that can be present in the waters of the Whitsunday Islands, mostly during the summer months.
• We recommend you wear a stinger suit which is available from Beach Sports.
• Pregnant women, small children and those who have a pre-existing heart or other medical conditions should choose pools over beach swimming.
• If you feel any typical symptoms like severe pain, muscle constriction and breathing difficulties please speak immediately to a member of our Beach Sports team.

• Hamilton Island is part of the Whitsundays marine ecology and sharks frequent the waters in the region, as they do in any Australian marine ecosystem. Whilst the risk of attack is very low, it does exist.
• We recommend that you don’t swim at dawn, dusk or at night and don’t swim in murky or unclear water.
• Always swim with others.
• Leave the water quickly and calmly if you see a shark or if fish begin to gather in large schools, jump out of the water or behave erratically and advise beach staff and other users. 
• A variety of swimming pools are available around the island and we recommend these for swimming in the warmer months. If you have any concerns at all, we recommened you choose pools over beach swimming.

• Hamilton Island is home to a population of cockatoos.
• When in your room, please ensure your balcony doors are closed to avoid unwanted access from local birdlife. There have been occurrences of birds entering guest rooms in search of food items.
• The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service also ask that you do not feed the birds at any time to avoid health risks and aggressive behaviour.

Beaches and Pools

• Hamilton Island's pools and beaches are not patrolled and all guests swim at their own risk. We recommend you avoid secluded beaches and always swim in the presence of others.
• You are solely responsible for your own safety and that of your friends and family - all parents and guardians are reminded that they have a sole responsibility of minors in their care.
• Please pay attention to the surroundings and take notice of all directional and warning signage.
• When swimming, always keep an eye out for catamarans, canoes, paddle boards and other swimmers.
• Take note of the Irukandji Jellyfish and Shark safety information on this page.
• Always swim with others.
• For any emergency on island please Dial 000, or alert the nearest staff member.

Walking Trails

• The Hamilton Island walking trails are traversed at the walker’s own risk. Please consider weather conditions, your physical fitness and your state of health. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Hamilton Island accepts no liability for any injuries sustained.
• Walking trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Guided tours may operate outside of these hours.
• All trails are Grade 3 (Moderate) with formed trails and short steep sections and some obstacles. We recommend a reasonable to high level of fitness is required for all trails due to the hilly terrain and warm climate.
• Please inform someone where you are going and when you will be back. There is no mobile coverage in some areas of the tracks.
• Most trails are rocky. Sturdy, enclosed footwear with good tread is required. We recommend hats and sunblock regardless of weather conditions.
• Taking water is essential. We recommend 1-2 litres per person, per hour.
• Gympie-Gympie can be found in the bushland areas of Hamilton Island. It has broad oval or heart-shaped leaves with saw-tooth edges and white or purple-red fruit. They are covered in stinging hairs which appear furry. Brushing against the tree will cause the hairs to embed into the skin and cause an extremely painful stinging sensation. If stung, do not rub the area, and seek urgent medical attention. Please stay on marked trails to avoid contact with the plant.
• Do not swim alone at secluded beaches.
• Take note of the Irukandji Jellyfish safety information on this page.
• Lighting fires is prohibited on Hamilton Island, surrounding islands and all intertidal areas including beaches.
• Please note there are no toilets on the walking trails.