George Harrison Lived In This Tropical Australian Destination That's Full Of Resorts

As a member of the Beatles, George Harrison could have had his pick of tropical island paradises, but he chose Hamilton Island, and it's easy to see why. Sitting just off the coast of northeastern Australia, Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays. These 74 coral islands are set among one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world — the Great Barrier Reef. Drawn by glistening white beaches, glorious sunshine, and the quiet solitude he craved, the musician found his ideal hideaway right here. Along with his wife Olivia Harrison, he bought 6 acres of land and built a dream holiday home, as far away from the crowds as he could get. Olivia later told Architectural Digest, "George was a Pisces, so he liked to have water around." Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, it seems Harrison found exactly what he was looking for.

When he bought the land in the 1980s, the island was largely undeveloped with only one existing bungalow — a far cry from the bustling resort it is today. It was more of a seasonal retreat that he continued to visit right up until a year before his death in 2001. The clifftop property was eventually sold in 2008 for, at that time, a record for Hamilton Island at $8 million. Today, the island has grown from a quiet hideaway to one of Australia's most popular destinations and is scattered with luxury hotels, high-end resorts, and privately owned villas. As one of the few Whitsunday Islands that has its own airport, it's easy to reach from major cities on the mainland, hence its appeal.

Affectionately known as Hamo by locals, this Australian bucket list destination has plenty to keep you busy on and around its nearly 2-square-mile island. Close to the mainland, it makes an ideal base for exploring the Whitsunday archipelago and surrounding coral reefs. Tropical rainforest covers much of the landscape, providing a home for some of Australia's native wildlife. For a chance to see wallabies hopping around or rainbow lorikeets and sulphur-crested cockatoos flying through the trees, take the 2.6-mile Passage Peak Trail. Leading up to the highest point on the island, enjoy panoramic views across the Whitsundays as you make your way to the top. Flashes of color can be seen in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island too, with tropical fish, manta rays, and green sea turtles often spotted from the shore.

Catseye Beach is one of the most popular beaches, with its calm, sheltered waters making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Equipment can be hired directly on the beach, where you can also chill out in a choice of bars or nearby restaurants. Try the award-winning Bommie or Manta Ray Café at the marina for delicious fresh seafood. The marina is also the place to go if you fancy a tour round the nearby islands. Many sailing trips and yacht charters set off from there to take in the nearby sights like the famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach — known for being one of the world's most beautiful beaches. If you're lucky enough to be there in August, when the Hamilton Island Race Week takes place, you'll see hundreds of yachts compete in daily races around the Whitsundays. It's one of the highlights of the year, drawing visitors from around the world for a week of racing, concerts, and celebrations held around the island.

Travelers keen to visit this tropical island paradise can reach it in a number of ways. There are several direct domestic flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Cairns. Another option is to fly into Airlie Beach on the mainland of Queensland and take a scenic one-hour ferry across the water with Cruise Whitsundays. Other than that, you could visit as part of a multi-day sailing trip and take in some of the other islands too. Getting around once you're there is easy thanks to the golf buggy transport system. Being a car-free island, the buggies are a fun way to move around the island and are conveniently equipped with sunshades and headlights. A 24-hour rental will set you back around $95.

There are five main resorts and hotels on Hamilton Island ranging from the luxurious five-star Qualia resort to the more affordable Reef View Hotel. The award-winning Qualia, located on the secluded northern tip of the island, has a selection of around 60 private pavilions surrounded by nothing but untouched bushland and relaxing ocean views, with many having their own private plunge pools. Rooms start at around $1,200 per night. 

Reef View is the island's largest hotel with over 360 rooms. It's the most kid-friendly hotel, complete with family rooms and private balconies with views over the ocean or the hotel's tropical gardens. Nightly prices here start at around $270. It's also conveniently located opposite Catseye Beach. Other accommodation includes The Beach Club, a boutique adults-only beachfront resort; The Sundays, a newish boutique hotel; and Palm Bungalows, a selection of standalone bungalows nestled amongst lush tropical gardens.