Lizard Island took home Australia’s most Michelin Keys

Michelin is now handing out keys for the best hotels, and 35 Australian venues have been honoured.

The word Michelin has long been synonymous with elevated dining. They have long since also ranked hotels in Europe and Asia. However, in 2025, the organisation unveiled the world’s best hotels for the first time with its hotel award system, Michelin Keys.

The ranking recognised 63 properties in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia. With over half that list heralding from Australia. But while 35 Australian venues were honoured, it was Lizard Island that earned the most accolades.

lizard island resort room — Relax into island vibes at Lizard Island. (Image: PixelFrame)

How does the system work? Michelin offers one to three keys for the world’s most outstanding hotels. It describes a one Key hotel as “a very special stay", and “a true gem where service consistently goes the extra mile". Two Keys indicates “an exceptional stay" that is “unique in every way", and “run with obvious pride and care."

But three Michelin Keys? That is saved for “one of the most outstanding experiences in the world". And it’s not a ranking that surprises us at Australian Traveller.

lizard island resort wins three michelin keys — Lizard Island is nestled into the northernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: The Greener Two)

Tucked into the northernmost part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is spectacular from the moment your chartered plane flies overhead. One of three Luxury Lodges of Australia properties in Tropical North Queensland, it blends luxury with laid-back Queensland charm.

It’s a stay that encourages switching off. Laze by the pool, snorkel with turtles and other marine life, book into the spa and dine on menus that draw inspiration from the tropical environment in the open-air, onsite Salt Water restaurant. Take us back, any time.

Of course, receiving one or two Michelin Keys is absolutely nothing to laugh at. Discover a full list of Australian winners below.

a turtle swimming near lizard island — Meet the locals. (Image: Rueben
Nutt)

Two Michelin Keys

One Michelin Key

When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

1. Year-round summer weather

A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island. — Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

2. Getting active without the humidity

A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter. — Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

3. Hamilton Island Race Week

Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week. — Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

4. Best time for snorkelling

A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. — Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

5. Fewer crowds

People kayaking. — Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

6. Delicious dining

The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing. — Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

5. Clear skies for idyllic views

The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter. — End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.

This island getaway took home Australia’s most Michelin Keys at the inaugural awards