InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef marks its 75th anniversary in style.
InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is marking its 75th anniversary year with an exclusive dining experience led by hatted chef Lennox Hastie on 17 July. Guests will dine under the stars on the sugar-white sands of Hayman Island for the bespoke five-course feast, which will be paired with The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Hastie says the pop-up kitchen will emulate the fire-cooking techniques on show at his hatted restaurant Firedoor, which opened in Sydney a decade ago.
Chef Lennox Hastie melds together traditional cooking techniques and natural ingredients.
The chef also has Gildas, a wine bar inspired by his stint at Asador Etxebarri in San Sebastian, which is ranked as No. 2 on the World’s 50 Best. Hastie learned how to master the barbecue in the Basque region of Spain and says he’s looking forward to sharing this “primal and immersive experience".
Hastie says cooking is always about context, “the environment and the climate shaping not just what we cook, but how we cook".
“While we have been patiently ageing some beef in The Balvenie whisky for the last 300 days, some of the dishes will celebrate fish from the reef, and tropical fruits like pineapple and finger lime as well as native succulents," says Hastie.
The pop-up kitchen is set in the picturesque Hayman Island.
In addition to its series of culinary collaborations, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is offering a series of dedicated events and experiences throughout 2025, including: a History Room showcasing Hayman’s origins as a fishing club in the 1930s; and a 75th anniversary Travel Offer starting from $525 per night. There’s also a Fashion Partnership where guests can book their wedding at the resort and receive a Vera Wang gown worth $10,000.
Hastie says the natural setting of Hayman Island is the perfect backdrop for his fire-driven philosophy. The resort’s recent renaming highlights the island’s proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, which Hastie says he feels a personal connection to.
“The Great Barrier Reef is a place where nature’s raw power and fragility coexist. It’s where I learnt to scuba dive, which I find an incredible escape, and I often find myself cooking on its beaches. My father is originally from Queensland, and one of his relatives, Ernest Bauer, once owned nearby South Molle Island, where one of the bays is still named after the family."
InterContinental Hayman’s allure is timeless.
Hastie says he has sourced “beautiful reef fish" from the waters off Hayman from local fishermen. Hastie says “storytelling and connection" will be at the heart of the 17 July event, where he will push the boundaries of cooking over fire, which he showcases in the Netflix series Chef’s Table: BBQ.
“The Balvenie has always been deeply committed to traditional craft, which resonates with the way that I cook over fire. Bringing this philosophy to Hayman Island felt like an opportunity to create a magical dining experience in one of Australia’s most spectacular locations."
“Guests will see, smell, and hear the crackle of wood and the subtle dance of fire as we celebrate ingredients. I hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft behind what’s on their plate and in their glass: the years that it takes to produce a cask of The Balvenie whisky, and the care and the detail involved in cooking with fire," he says.
Hastie says he believes special events like this one-of-a-kind dinner highlight the richness and diversity of Australian produce and landscapes. “It is an invitation to visit our country and celebrate our unique regional stories," he says.
Lennox is committed to advocating for his fire-driven culinary philosophy.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.
Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.
Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.
Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.
Getting there, and around
Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.
The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.
Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).
Where to stay
Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.
Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.
Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.
Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.
The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.
For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.
Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.
Where to eat
Sit down to a feast at coca chu.
Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.
Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.
Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.
Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.
For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.
Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).
Where to explore
Explore the island’s walking trails.
There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.
One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).
For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.
Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.
Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.
Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.
Where to play
Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.
Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.
Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.
Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.
More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.
Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.
