Queensland’s favourite race week is turning 40, and the celebrations will be so much more than just superyachts.
You would be forgiven for assuming that a sailing race was simply that: a sailing race. But in the case of the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week , you’d be wrong. During this week-long festival, guests can settle in for star chefs, exceptional food and wine and more celebrations (and yes, sailing races) all with the idyllic Hamilton Island as a backdrop.
“Race Week’s 40th anniversary is a landmark moment," said CEO of Hamilton Island, Nick Dowling. “What began as a simple sailing competition has become a spectacle of sail racing, culinary excellence and island fun. It’s not just about sailing the most picturesque course in the world – it’s about celebrating everything that makes Hamilton Island so special – world-class experiences, a vibrant food and wine scene and the incredible atmosphere and camaraderie that events like Race Week bring to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef."
Settle in for a candlelit dinner with live music. (Image: Lean Timms)
Running from 16 to 23 August, Hamilton Island Race Week is set to be the ultimate event for foodies. Join the La Dolce Vita Lunch by the Sea with Will Cowper for an indulgent modern-Italian lunch set on Pebble Beach. Keep the Italian treats going at An Italian Evening with Tanqueray, where guests will chow down on coastal cuisine with Tanqueray gin to wash it down. Graze on gourmet delights and sip champagne with live music setting the vibe at The Island Welcome: Beachfront Garden Party at Catseye Beach. Budding sommeliers will love Wine Stories with Larry Cherubino at Bommie, where they can join an exclusive wine tasting with one of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers (and yes, they’ll get some to take home, too).
Dine on Pebble Beach in front of qualia.
Then, the pièce de résistance events are The Sundays Long Lunch with Josh Niland at The Sundays hotel signature restaurant, and a special beachside dinner under the stars – a four-course coastal feast on Catseye Beach, paired with Whipbird wines. Sign us up.
Between eating, get front row to watch the superyachts, get out on a superyacht yourself – don’t worry, not for racing. Instead, you’ll spend the day snorkelling, slipping down inflatable slides and snacking on gourmet food.
Make the most of everything that’s happening with the Hamilton Island Ultimate Race Week Package . In a nutshell, you can book a three-night stay at qualia and get so much more. A two-hour cruise to experience the action of the regatta, daily breakfast, use of a golf buggy to get around, and so much more are included.
Take your own superyacht to get close to the action. (Image: Salty Dingo)
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.
White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.
Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.
Laid-back luxury
The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.
This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.
Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.
Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.
Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)
Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views
Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.
Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.
Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.
Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.
Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.
Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.
Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.
Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Delectable dining
What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .
Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.
“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.
Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.
A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.
Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Exploring the island
While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.
Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .
