2010 ASCTS Annual Scientific Meeting

Hamilton Island

The History

The Aboriginies of the Whitsunday Islands were called the Ngaro and are among the earliest recorded groups in Australia. Often called the 'Island People' their territory expanded north & south along the island chain. They also inhabited the coast of the adjacent mainland. In their occupation as maritime hunters and gatherers the Ngaro became well known as skilled navigators.

During the mid 1800s the Whitsunday Group were the first to attract the attention of the pioneers of the mainland coast who were lured by the development of the fishing, logging and cattle grazing industries. Tourism began in the 1920s when 'dreamers' built galvanised iron huts for guests. Cruise ship passengers rowed ashore for tropical fruits, tea and scones.The first day trippers from the mainland were the Proserpine residents.They arrived on the island aboard the weekly mail boat.

In 1962, the islands became more accessible when the road from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour and the jetty were completed.

Today most of the Whitsunday Islands have been catalouged as National Parks and remain in much the same natural state as when Cook saw them almost a quarter of a century ago.

The Destination

Hamilton Island is Australia's most popular island holiday destination. More than just an island with resorts Hamilton Island is a complete holiday experience with a wide range restaurants and activites. Hamilton Island welcomes new world-class facilities with the newly opened Golf Club, the architectural wonder that is the multipurpose Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

Fast Facts

Hamilton Island wasn't always an island. It was once part of a mountain range connected to Australia's mainland. About 18,000 years ago the earth went through a climate change that caused the seas to rise. During the next 12,000 years or so the rising waters isolated the mountain range from the Queensland coast, leaving us with the unsubmerged peaks that are the Whitsunday Islands.

There are 74 islands in the Whitsunday Islands group.

Hamilton Island is the second largest inhabited island (after Whitsunday Island) of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia.

Hamilton Island lies off the east coast of Australia, 16 km from the Queensland mainland. Brisbane is 1100 kilometres to the south, while Cairns is 600 kilometres to the north.