Hamilton Island dining has come a long way since we lasted visited over 10 years ago and these days visitors have real options that cover the gamut from takeaway right through to fine dining. Eating out on a budget is tricky but it is possible. Tight menus littered with seafood and duck dominate the scene, neither of which are to my liking but I was still able to find a few options to excite my palette. Read on for all the details …
Hamilton Island Dining Overview
As I mentioned in my Whitsunday Apartments review, Hamilton Island is not a budget destination and eating out is likely to be one of you big-ticket expenses if you enjoy the finer things in life, but it is possible to fill your tummy without breaking the bank. Hamilton Island dining options are concentrated in the marina area but are also sprinkled across the island. You should be aware some establishments such as Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach are exclusively for the use of in-house guests so if these are on your must do list make sure you book your accommodation accordingly. Unfortunately I have champagne taste but a beer budget so we chose carefully to leave some pennies left over to enable us to enjoy all the Hamilton Island activities. Here’s my run down on what we sampled over our four days in paradise …
Popeyes -Marina
Fine Hamilton Island dining this is not. I was looking for a no fuss quick bite to fill a rumbling tummy so I grabbed a quick burger from Popeyes. The Hubs preferred the bakery (see below) and we met up in the communal tables along the waterfront to enjoy our lunch. This is takeaway so I wasn’t expected to be blown away but this was seriously the worst cheeseburger I have ever consumed and I have eaten a lot of burgers in my life! The meat patty was processed and too small for the bun, there was no salad and the cheese was barely detectable. The scallop wasn’t much better. To add insult to injury this bill for both was $12.50. There is no excuse for such sub standard food even at a takeaway. Never again. The tavern (see below) is a much better choice for not much more coin.
Bob’s Bakery
A no fuss Hamilton Island dining option for those who want to grab and go. The Hubs sampled a curry pie which he enjoyed but it was let down by average sausage roll. It’s not gourmet but it is tasty and satisfying for under $10. There is a small selection of cakes on offer for those with a sweet tooth.
Manta Ray – Marina
We dined here twice during our stay and like the creatures of habit we are we selected virtually the same dishes. On both occasions we had about a 20 minute wait for a table. On our first visit we shared a small garlic pizza for entrée which was perfectly cooked and the dipping sauce was a nice touch. I chose the lamb kofta souvlaki for main which was flavoursome and filling. My only complaint was that the pita was a little too thick to adequately wrap the morsels of meat and salad in. The side serve of chilli was appreciated. The Hubs went for a half and half pizza of herbivore and chilli explosion. The chilli sure packed a punch but I don’t think the corn added anything to the flavour. The herbivore was right up my alley with pumpkin, pine nuts and pesto. Yum! We had enough left over to brown box and take away. I washed it down with a watermelon cocktail which was deliciously refreshing, while hubs had a beer.
Marina Tavern
Perfect for a lunch of traditional pub fare. We visited twice and sampled the garlic bread, tandoori chicken wrap, crispy squid salad, mexican schnitzel (title photo) and calamari. All were cooked well, tasty and satisfying. The views across the marina from the deck are pretty fabulous but watch out for the cockatoos who will try to pinch your chips.
Coca Chu – Resort Centre
My favourite Hamilton Island Dining experience. Coca Chu is located beach side near the main resort pool. An inovative asian inspired menu will appeal to most tastes. We started with the corn fritters which were crisp, tasty and absolutelyt delightful, sadly our waitress informed us the menu was being updated and these were being removed. The beef brisket special of the day was tasty but a little dry. The Vietnamese Lamb shoulder was perfect and the broth was so good we mopped up the every last drop with our light, flaky roti. My pick of the bunch.
One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill houses a micro bar with fabulous views across the water. The menu is limited to drinks and a few light bites but the views at sunset are unforgettable. Try the passionfruit mojito, it was perfect for the setting. Get there early as the limited tables fill up very quickly.
Have you been to Hamilton Island? Where do you like to eat? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Happy Hunting!
SFH
xoxoxo
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Gina says
The Marina Tavern looks more to my liking with a wonderful view of the docks and the many boats there. The presentation of the food was also superb and looks so delicious. One Tree Hill also looks amazing with the cocktails and views! Sign me up!
Allison Smith says
Hamilton Island was particularly damaged by Cyclone Debbie Gina but I’m sure they will be back up and running at full speed very soon!
Kristie says
I’ve never been to Hamilton Island before but it looks divine! Great food photography too! Looks like you had an awesome time. Will have to keep this post in mind for the future!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s always good to be somewhere sunny and warm when your hometown is in winter ?
Flo @ yogawinetravel.com says
Everything looks so delicious, especially the corn fritters! Will definitely have to check out these recommendations if I make it over to Hamilton Island – thanks for sharing!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The corn fritters were super yum!
Johna says
Omyy. I’m so hungry now all of a sudden hehe. Everything looks so good! Definitely want to try some food at Marina Tavern ???
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That was my second favourite ?
Melai says
So many good food! Love the view on the last photo. It seems like the perfect place to share a drink with a friend while sharing stories and good laughs. 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It most definitely was. The cocktails were a pretty reasonable $10 as well ?
Jessica says
I’ve never been to Hamilton Island but the food looks incredible. I also like that you included the crap food too, I like knowing what to miss on purpose 😉
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was truly dreadful. I didn’t end up trying the burgers at the Marina tavern but I saw a few sail past is waiters hands and they looked much better!
Nicki says
I haven’t been to Hamilton Island before but these were good tips! I hate finding out after I arrive somewhere that I can’t done there unless I am also staying there :/ so that was good to know!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The exclusive places were out of my budget anyway. Qualia can run up to $2000 a night to stay! ?
Joanna says
I have never been to Hamilton Island before but I do like the post you have put up here. It seems that you can eat a lot of delicious food even if you are on a budget.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Most of it was pretty good. There is of course fine dining options available as well but that would have put a massive dent in my funds lol
Andrea says
Goord lord, how hard did you have to hit the gym after all that hahaha!?!? It all looks fantastic, especially that pink cocktail!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m still paying for it lol
Sandra says
I don’t usually travel for the food, but a bad meal can ruin the whole experience for me. Thankfully your tips are down to earth and honest (and most important, highly descriptive to the point I know exactly what you mean – I would get it even without the photos).
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Totally agree! Life is was too short to eat bad food.
Lottie Reeves says
Wow! Most of these options look amazing and are making my mouth water. Thanks for the food porn 😉
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s Lottie. I do love my food!
Faith says
I should not have read this one while hungry! Everything looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
xx
Faith
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hahaha … All except for the cheeseburger lol
Bianca says
So much yum in here! It’s on my list for the next Hamilton Island trip.
Inthebreze says
Wow, such a selection of dishes, foodie heaven!!
Are the parrots a real annoyance in the marina area?
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We were pretty lucky but saw them bother a few other diners. The wait staff are pretty good at clearing the dishes very quickly so as not to leave temptation for them.
Soraya says
This is just perfect! I loved Hamilton Island when I went a few years back, but I did find it on the pricey side. Love that you have put this together, because I would love to go back but on a budget. Thanks for sharing!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Soraya. It had been 13 years between visits for me. Hopefully won’t be quite so long to the next visit!
Carly Gordon says
YUM! Thanks for all the hot tips 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Eating is one of my very favourite things to do so the ‘research’ was not all hard work lol
Kim Coffin says
So much delicious food! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You’re welcome! I do love to eat ?
Shybiker says
Mmm… looks delicious! When I travel, food is a central attraction for me. Have never been to this location, but you’ve made me want to visit it.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hamilton Island is pretty special and so easy now you can fly in direct