Hamilton or Daydream Isle? Please tell me!, 10 days with 2 small children Options

[tastebud]

We have an opportunity to go to either in October but we have to decide and book imminently.

Any pro's or cons for Hamilton and / or Daydream Island?

Any recommendations for
- accommodation?
- restaurants?
- activitites?

Eeeek very excited but hate deciding under pressure!

Thanks if you can help

[tastebud]

Anyone?

[Leapstar]

Hubby and I went to Hamilton for our honeymoon. It did seem very kid friendly IYKWIM? I think they have kids clubs etc there.

[ClaireBear]

I've been to both, albeit as a childless couple.

Here's the run down...

On Daydream, there's just the one place to stay. You can more or less walk everywhere on the island, as it is only 800m long. The staff do run golf buggies back and forth for rides as the food and entertainment is all basically at the other end of the island to the accomodation.

The pros (as far as I see it)

Lots of pools, good kids playground, a big outdoor movie screen at night, lots to do on the actual island, kids club/day care. There were heaps of kids there when we went. Lots of different options for food.

The cons

Food is expensive, no diy facilities for food and the cheapest option (the bakery) shuts at 4pm ish so you can't do dinner there.


I've been to Hamilton a few times, including as a kid. I've never really enjoyed it as a holiday destination.

The pros

Lots more choice of places to stay, can buy food at the supermarket and cook your own if you get self-catered.

The cons

It felt more like everyday life rather than a holiday as it is more urban, very expensive, mostly need a buggy to get around.

I much preferred it on Daydream Island as it felt more like a holiday, rather than every day life IYKWIM?

Feel free to ask anymore questions.

[shari]

Here's another option - go to Lindeman Island instead! It's a club med and has a kids club (depending on the age of your children). There is so much to do and the staff put on a show every night after dinner. We went there for our honeymoon so had no children with us but the kids that were there were having a blast. There were heaps of activities for them. We had a fantastic time there, only downfall is the accommodation is a bit tired and there are lots of stairs but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves. And once you are there, you don't have to pay for a thing - all activities, food and drinks (including alcohol) are free. I think it cost us $1200 for 4 nights for the both of us.

Anyway, what you were really asking about :

I've stayed at Hamilton Island also. I'm not much of a fan of it, I think because as ClaireBear said, it feels more like everyday life than a holiday.

I've only been to Daydream Island on a day trip but from what I seen it looked very nice. We really only had time to walk around it and have a swim and a drink in the pool. If you're into lots of activities though, I think you might get a little bored.

[shari]

Oh, I just noticed that your kids are still quite young so Lindeman wouldn't be a good option.

[*Mel*]

I was married at Daydream last Jan, we were there with our then 2 and 3 year olds. We were busy with the wedding but they still had a great time, they loved the pools and there was a great playground. My two loved the living reef and at certain times of the time they feed the animals and the kids can touch them etc. We didn't put them into the kids club as we had enough family around, but when we go back we will defiantly look at it. There is a bush walk, cinema under the stars, mini golf too.

The day spa is amazing too .

I've heard lots of good reviews about Hamilton Island, but am yet to go there myself.

[~BJL~]

We went to daydream in March this year

It was fantastic. Lily loved the kids club, the activities were great and the staff were fantastic. We had such a good time. We watched movies under the stars, went on a sunset cruise, did treasure hunts, fed fish, etc.

The only con I can think of is the cost of the food. Everything else was brilliant.

[~Emma~]

We're going to hamilton in 2 weeks with our 16 month old.. Will let you know then

[tastebud]

Thanks heaps guys, this has been super helpful!

We've decided to go with Daydream - we'll be there for 10 nights so hopefully we can take a couple of day trips to mix it up a bit.

Bring on the HOLIDAY, can't wait.