The Sundays Hamilton Island: Coral Sea views & free ice-cream

Evergreen editor Rachael Thompson checked into the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island since 2007.

Designed to deliver an elevated holiday experience with families in mind, The Sundays is the first new hotel on Hamilton Island since the opening of qualia in 2007. With contemporary spaces that echo the island’s surroundings, a world-class restaurant by renowned culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland and spectacular Coral Sea views, The Sundays has positioned itself as the new must-stay accommodation in The Whitsundays. It has successfully filled the gap for families who want a luxurious stay on Hamilton Island without compromising comfort or kid-friendly amenities.

Returning to the island two decades later offered a unique perspective on the island’s transformation, made all the more compelling by the debut of this highly anticipated resort.

Location

View over the pool to Catseye Bay from The Sundays Hamilton Island. — The Sundays looks across Catseye Bay.

The Sundays is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on the reef’s most iconic island, Hamilton Island. The resort sits on the arc of white sand, at the northern end of Catseye Beach.

Hamilton Island is the most accessible and commercially serviced island in the Whitsundays, with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, plus convenient boat transfers from the Queensland mainland. The Sundays is a 15-minute walk from Hamilton Island Airport, or a few minutes drive with return shuttle bus transfers to and from Hamilton Island Airport and Marina are included with all bookings.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with great bars and eateries, scenic walking tracks, beautiful beaches and a year-round average temperature of 27°C. The island is also a prime launching point for two of the region’s must-do experiences: Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef.

Find out everything you need to know before visiting the island in our guide.

Style and character

The modern coastal foyer at The Sundays Hamilton Island. — Common spaces are breezy and channel relaxed coastal vibes.

The Sundays occupies the site of the first Hamilton Island hotel, the Hamilton Island Palm Terrace Hotel, which first opened in 1990. Where a dated property once stood, there is now a breezy, modern resort featuring contemporary rooms that open to Coral Sea views.

Designer Carrie Williams was called upon to infuse the accommodation with laid-back tropical vibes. Drawing inspiration from the island’s natural surroundings, she created interiors that feel both relaxed and refined, using natural textures and a Whitsundays-inspired palette of cool aquas, lush greens, sand-toned floor tiles and blonde timber furniture.

The Sundays partnered with young First Nations and Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg from the Kuku Yalanji/Kuku Nyungkul Warra people, whose large colourful works make a statement throughout the public areas, with smaller pieces elevating the guestrooms.

Facilities

The Coral Sea view from Catseye Pool Club. — Catseye Pool Club is helmed by renowned chef Josh Niland.

At The Sundays, every detail has been curated to feel like an indulgent escape – from the world-class restaurant to the sparkling swimming pool.

The Sundays is focused on delivering against the challenges and realities of family holidays via some practical but thoughtful services and amenities that set it apart from other accommodations. The deck area has magnificent views of the entire bay and sea, and also serves as a stage for kids’ activities like movie nights and family morning yoga. Poolside private cabanas feature family-sized day beds and amenities that allow one to spend a relaxing day soaking up the views and holiday vibes. The Ice Cream Happy Hour is a hit, offering an alternative to a turn-down service, where kids and families are offered a complimentary cone or cup with a scoop or two – kids will delight at seeing the small gold coin used to pay for the ice-cream scoop that appears in your room each day.

Complimentary transport around the Island makes things smooth, while complimentary non-motorised watersports, including stand-up paddleboards, catamarans, kayaks and snorkelling equipment, will keep active ones entertained.

Prams, cots and the whole accoutrements that a family may need are on hand.

Rooms

A sliding window looking out the balcony with Coral Sea views. — Soak up stunning water views from your room.

59 generously-sized rooms (including eight family connecting rooms and three accessible rooms) make way for sparkling Coral Sea views. A sliding window separates the bathroom from the living area and can be drawn back to reveal the palms and Catseye Beach. Every bathroom features a freestanding bath with bath salts – the perfect way to end your day. There are also luxurious Leif hair and body products, robes, umbrellas and yoga mats,

Each room includes a large balcony or terrace to make the most of the view and enjoy the fresh coastal. I stayed in one of the terrace rooms, which open onto the grass, offering easy access to the restaurant and pool. If your priority is a fabulous view, opt for one of the balcony rooms with beds that face the sea. Kitchenettes with sinks DeLonghi kettles/coffee machines, and microwaves are particularly useful for young families.

The Sundays Hamilton Island bathroom with a freestanding bath. — Every room has an indulgent freestanding bath.

I was pleased to find how carefully considered the mini-bar was, offering a range of treats I indulge in at home. Tony’s Chocolonely, Cobs popcorn, FUNDAY lollies, Kettle chips, corn chips and salsa, The Everleigh Bottling Co’s pre-made cocktails, Charles Heidsieck (the island’s preferred Champagne) and juice. They were hard to resist, and frankly, I didn’t. Milklab milk – full cream, oat and almond – and T2 tea are complimentary.

Food and drink

A lobster and some bread rolls. — The restaurant’s menu appeals to both adults and children alike.

Hamilton Island was ready for a new dining experience, and Cateseye Pool Club has more than filled the gap. Helmed by Josh and Julie Niland, this restaurant unsurprisingly delivers big on flavour. Unlike the pair’s fine-dining Sydney restaurant Saint Peter, Catseye Pool Club offers a more approachable menu that appeals to a wider audience

Lounge by the pool while enjoying laid-back bites and punchy cocktails, including the refreshing house salad tossed with goat’s feta, avocado, tomato, radishes, gem lettuce, and mint or the satisfying souvas packed with garlic yoghurt, fries, tomato, onions and parsley.

Indoors, you’ll find a menu featuring a mix of local seafood, native ingredients and elevated comfort food in the form of share plates. Expect pillowy pizza bread, perfectly cooked coral trout, Tweed Heads Eastern Rock Lobster, grilled Elgin Valley chicken skewers and battered fried wild fish tacos with fermented pineapple hot sauce — the latter a standout I won’t forget anytime soon. The meal was perfectly rounded off with a raspberry and coconut trifle.

It’s worth noting that the menu heavily focuses on seafood and meat, with only a few vegetarian-friendly plates.

Ice cream at The Sundays Hamilton Island. — Enjoy a complimentary scoop of ice cream every day.

Breakfast is complimentary, and watching the sunrise while tucking into the best zucchini fritters I’ve ever eaten definitely put me in a good mood. Freshly baked pastries are also on the menu – I heard multiple people rave about the chocolate croissants.

Every day from 2-4pm, take your MerMoney gold coin down to the pool and treat yourself to complimentary scoops of ice cream.

Does The Sundays have access for guests with disabilities?

There are three rooms specifically designed to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

Is The Sundays family-friendly?

The view from The Sundays swimming pool to the rooms. — The al fresco area features poolside private cabanas feature family-sized day beds.

Spacious connecting rooms, a kids’ club and family-friendly dining make The Sundays about as family-friendly as hotels get.

Details

Best for: Families

Address: 10 Palm Terrace Way, Whitsundays

Price: From $891 per night.

Discover the best things to do on the island while you’re there

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

Hamilton Island’s new resort has Coral Sea views and free ice-cream