– Hamilton Island's new boutique hotel in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef

Hamilton Island Enterprises, the team behind luxury resort qualia, is excited to introduce “The Sundays” - Hamilton Island's new boutique hotel in the heart of Australia's World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.

Created with families in mind and situated at the northern end of palm-fringed Catseye Beach, The Sundays offers 59 rooms thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of Hamilton Island's tropical surroundings and blue water views. Guestrooms offer a serene colour scheme, benefit from gentle sea breezes and a choice of either a balcony or terrace, overlooking the Coral Sea and the hotel's gardens. Interconnecting rooms, perfect for families are also available. The hotel features private cabanas around a pool exclusively for guests and a waters-edge restaurant and bar offering al fresco dining with views of the aquatic playground that is Catseye Bay. 

The hotel is set to open in Autumn 2025 (AEST) and is expected to significantly contribute to the Whitsundays' visitor economy, providing employment for over 100 full-time equivalent hospitality workers in the region.

Pete Brulisauer, CEO of Hamilton Island, says, “The Sundays marks over 20 years of continuous significant investment in Hamilton Island by the Oatley family.

In developing its ethos, we were inspired by the essence of what makes a Sunday so special – relaxing, treasuring time and fostering connections with loved ones, and embracing nature. It will be a place where you can expect an extraordinary experience for all ages amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of The Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.” 

Mr Brulisauer says in recent years Hamilton Island, accessible via direct flights in under 2.5 hours from major Australian East Coast cities, has seen a sharp increase in domestic travellers seeking a luxury tropical island escape without the hassle and time of international flights.

“We also continue to welcome back international travellers who want to experience the best Australia has to offer – like Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef,” he adds.

The project, estimated at over $30M, adds to the $400M already invested in facilities and infrastructure improvements underpinning Hamilton Island's status as a world class island resort as envisioned by the late Mr. Bob Oatley upon acquisition in 2003.

Sandy Oatley, Chairman of Hamilton Island Enterprises, says, “We are responding to our guests request for more family focused boutique accommodation, in our ideal location. We remain focused on continuing to enhance Hamilton Island's reputation as one of Australia's most iconic holiday destinations.”

The Sundays complements Hamilton Island's wide-range of accommodation offerings, including the internationally-acclaimed luxury resort qualia, the boutique beachfront hotel, Beach Club and the family-friendly Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

Reservations for The Sundays open in Spring 2024 (AEST).

About Hamilton Island

· Hamilton Island is the Southern Hemisphere's largest integrated island resort, offering a range of accommodation options, from self-catering holiday homes and apartments to luxury hotels, 20 casual and fine-dining restaurant options, 2 spas, and a 300+ berth marina and over 65 tours and activities.

· The Sundays is Hamilton Island's newest hotel adding to luxury hotels qualia and Beach Club and the family-friendly Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

· The only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island is easily accessible via short flights from major Australian East Coast cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (on average 44 flights per week and all under 3 hours), as well as direct boat transfers from the Queensland mainland. Over 500,000 visitors passed through Hamilton Island Airport in 2023.

· Established in 1982, Hamilton Island has received over $400 million in improvements since it was acquired by the Oatley family in 2003, including the development of the 18-hole golf course on neighbouring Dent Island.

· Tourism visitation to the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the 2023 calendar year was reported at approximately 2 million total visitor days: Source Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

· The Sundays is expected to directly and indirectly create over 100 full-time equivalent jobs for hospitality workers in the Whitsundays region.

· On Hamilton Island, visitors can experience the best Australia has to offer – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather (year-round temperature averages 27 degrees), fascinating coral reefs and diverse flora and fauna. 

· Hamilton Island is a gateway to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, including Whitehaven Beach - voted World's #1 Best of the Best Beaches in the World' in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2021 - just thirty minutes away via high-speed catamaran; and Journey to the Heart – a bucket-list scenic flight via helicopter and glass-bottom boat to Australia's iconic Heart Reef pontoon - an experience exclusive to guests of Hamilton Island.

· The Whitsundays are one of only two sites in Australia designated as a Whale Heritage site by the World Cetacean Alliance, hosting thousands of humpback whales annually.

· With over 12 kilometres of unspoiled nature trails and secluded hideaways, guests can immerse themselves in Hamilton Island's natural beauty, discovering sandy coves and encountering Australia's unique flora and fauna.

· Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at The Hamilton Island Golf Club, designed by five-time British Open Champion Peter Thomson. It stands as the only golf course in Australia situated on its own island.

· For those seeking wellness, Hamilton Island has an abundance of activities, including sunrise yoga, run clubs, and a gym with a range of classes. Set in beautiful natural surrounds, Hamilton Island's Spa wumurdaylin offers a range of spa treatments, relaxation treatments, and natural therapies. 

· Hamilton Island plays host to a year-round calendar of highly-anticipated events including Hamilton Island Race Week - the largest offshore keelboat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, as well as Pas de Deux in Paradise – a collaborative project between The Australian Ballet and qualia, running biannually.

ENDS

Media contact: Caroline Denyer Group Communications Manager – Hamilton Island e: pr@hamiltonisland.com.au m: 0433 995 947