Hamilton Island Shopping

We just had one quick look in this shop and quickly decided it was the biggest rip-off! Even to the extent of another shop just down the road selling the same identical item for much cheaper. My advice is NOT to buy anything from here, if you want gifts and souvenirs, go down the road to Australia the Gift.

The only fun thing about this shop was the photo opportunity out the front!!! Dont I just look great as a Hawaiin Hula Lady??!!

What to buy: Nothing!!!!!

What to pay: Too much!!!!!

For the self-catering traveller, This is most peoples first port of call after settling into their room, to stock up on drinks,snacks, brekkie foods etc. We did just one shop here and bought everything we needed at a cost of $44. Admittedly most things in here are much more expensive than you would pay on the mainland or in your home town, but on Hamilton Island, you have no option but to buy from here or bring your own in. I found prices to be not too expensive, but a necessity.

What to buy: Food, drinks, fruit, dairy, and general grocery items.

I would say this would either be the first or second port of call when stocking up on essentials for a stay on Hamilton Island!!!! Prices are largely inflated, but once again, your only other choice is to fly your own stock in! I did bring a 600ml coke bottle full of vodka, which managed to last the 4 days! We bought a bottle of wine as well as some Strongbows here for a total cost of $38, probably about double what we can buy it for back home!

The Bottle shop is located at the far end of Front Street, underneath the Marina Tavern.

What to buy: Grog!

What to pay: About double the prices you usually pay!

Most of the retail outlets and shops on Hamilton Island are rather pricey and dont represent good value, so I would not really recommend buying stuff here, unless its something you either really need or really love!!!! By far ... the best priced souvenirs and gifts will be found at this store which is located on Resort Drive, close to the main pool area. I actually found jewellery in this store cheaper than prices I had bargained down to at Paddys Markets in Sydney!!!!!! For example, boys white shell necklaces, were only $7.99 here and I had bargained hard to get them for $8.50 at Paddys!

So on our last day I decided to stock up on some gifts for the kids and just general gifts to put away, a bit of retail therapy did me good ..... doesnt it always!!!!

What to buy: Anything you want .... they will probably sell it here, but mainly souvenirs of Hamilton Island, jewellery, clothing, shells etc.

What to pay: Prices were very comparable to cheaper prices I would pay in Wollongong or Sydney, and definitely much much cheaper than the other main souvenir shop on the Island called "Trader Petes"

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This is a fantastic local craftsmans store where you can see the work in progress and the finished product. The range will amaze you from the large statute to the small pieces which you can put on your coffee table. No pressure to buy, you can take an hour to browse through this amazing store. We visited the store twice during our stay. Just be careful if you take children with you as there are many valuable pieces on display. There are always bargains on sale, some pieces which do not meet the crafrsmans standard go at very cheap prices, others being pieces they just want to move.

What to pay: You will find something which meets all budgets

The general store on Hamilton Island is expensive but Coles deliver every weekday for $15. Pre order all your food at supermarket prices and have it delivered the day after you get there.

Close by at the Tavern is the Bottle-O - Grog shop where we purchase a couple of bottles of nice wine to go with our sandwiches.