Hamilton and Dent Islands - October 2020
I have a brother who works on Hamilton Island and lives in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage on nearby Dent Island, so an invitation to visit made for a perfect catch up in paradise.
Our trip to Hamilton Island started with a barge and a lovely chat to the barge driver. The sea was like glass. Our timing was impeccable. The winds of the past three months had finally abated. The hour crossing was filled with a lifetime of stories from our host. |
My brother met us when we landed on Hamilton Island and whisked us by golf buggy to the little ferry that took us across to Dent Island. There we said goodbye to the world and entered a little piece of paradise untouched by the hurly burly of the outside. We were the only ones to sleep there that night under the stars in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. It winked into the night, unfazed by new intruders.
With a delicious feed of fish in our bellies, we slept well and arose early next morning to replenish the supply. The sea was calm and the morning, hushed and still as we set off in the tinnie.
Now that the hunting and gathering was done, it was time to explore. We drove around the island using the buggy pathways and enjoyed the spectacular views provided at every turn. The 18 hole, par 71 Hamilton Island Golf Club is strung along the ridges and deep valleys of Dent Island, taking full advantage of the breathtaking setting. The course was designed by five time British Open winner, Peter Thompson, and is said to be one of the most challenging in the world. Wicked winds, impenetrable bushland, and distracting scenery are but a few of the obstacles.
After exploring the course it was time to explore the club house, perched perfectly to overlook the water and Hamilton Island beyond. |
Another perfect sunset, another perfect meal of fresh fish, another good night’s sleep and we were ready for another day in Paradise. Today we went over to Hamilton to take a look around. We were suitably impressed by the island, with its laid back lifestyle, lush gardens, and gorgeous views. I can see why people fall in love with it. I can’t believe it sits in my own back yard and I haven’t been to enjoy it before.
We caught the last ferry back to Dent, sipped some more drinks as the sun set, and slept like babies to the gentle sounds of water washing against the rocky coast line below. Next morning we climbed the many stairs and scrambled over steep paths to the Jimny for the last time, before heading to Hamilton to catch the barge back to the mainland. While waiting for the barge, we were treated to one last tour on Hamilton by a friend who lives and works there. This time it was a look behind the scenes, through the industrial side and worker accommodation areas. We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect few days. We remain humbled and grateful to be so blessed.