Dent Island Guide

Your Guide to One of the Tiny Island Sidling The Iconic Hamilton Island


One of the lesser-known, smaller islands in the Whitsunday region, Dent Island is only a five-minute boat trip across from Hamilton Island. A picturesque landscape, Dent Island is home to one of Australia's most beautiful golf courses.

Guarding the waters across Central Queensland, Dent Island’s lighthouse has operated and assisted sailors since the 1870s. Throughout this time, the island was only visited by fishermen and grazing cattle. Today, Dent Island is well known for housing Hamilton Island’s golf club.

Whilst now famed for its world-class golf course and five star restaurant.


Where Is Dent Island?

Dent Island is a small island off the coast of Queensland within the Whitsunday Island group. In terms of size, it is the 14th largest in the chain of islands, measuring a minuscule 4.13 kilometres squared.

How to Get to Dent Island


Dent Island can only be accessed via boat from Hamilton Island. An exclusive vessel from Hamilton Island departs every hour on the hour and return every hour on the half-hour. Small marine charters can access the island independently with the required permission.

What To Do on Dent Island

Dent Island is now known for the unique golf course and impeccable five star restaurant.
Dent Island Guide Wings

Dent Island’s Iconic Golf Course


Fancy a spot of golf while holidaying in the Whitsundays?

Easily the most recognisable aspect of Dent Island, the golf course is one of Australia’s most picturesque. Designed by Australian golfer Peter Thomson, who keen golfers will recognise as the five-time British Open winner, the course is perched along the natural ridges and valleys of the island, the varied elevation adding an extra factor to every round.

Acknowledged as one of the toughest courses in the world, any golfer brave enough to take on the course can find themselves at the mercy of plenty of natural elements. From buffeting coastal winds, dense bushland, and a 14th Hole nicknamed the 'Valley of Death', so named for its green surrounded by no less than four bunkers.

However, when the elements are in your favour, the course is a majestic way to experience 360-degree views of the stunning landscape of the Whitsunday Islands. Surrounded by native Australian bushland on the island, and an endless turquise blue ocean to the horizon, the backdrop for the game is like no other.

Dent Island Guide Golf Course
The course is suitable for golfers of all levels, from passionate amateurs to golfers playing off scratch.

After your performance on the greens, enjoy a celebratory meal at the Clubhouse. Boasting a lavish, contemporary design, it's the perfect backdrop to enjoy a locally-sourced meal including some of Australia's finest ingredients. With an understandable focus on seafood, you'll find the menu rotating to match the seasons.


Gold Club Dress Code


Just because you're on a tropical island, it's not an excuse to dress down for the golf! All guests must abide by the Club's dress code and respect the etiquette of golf. Men must wear a collared shirt, not wear any denim, or board shorts, and all shoes must be enclosed.

Facts About Dent Island

Dent Island is home to a historically important lighthouse currently still operational managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and not open to the public. 

After the first Royal Navy commander surveyed the northern waters of the passage, Dent Island was given the name by the Commander. It was named after Lieutenant Albert Dent of the HMS Salamander, which navigated the islands to chart them.