This island festival delivers starlight dinners, superyachts & luxury

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
hero media
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).

La Dolce Vita Lunch by the Sea with Will Cowper
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.

spectators on a superyacht in hamilton island race week
Take your own superyacht to get close to the action. (Image: Salty Dingo)

Want to stay on longer? Discover 15 of the best things to do on Hamilton Island, at any time of year.

Kassia Byrnes
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.
See all articles
Sardinian fare at Pilloni Italian restaurant, Brisbane
Brisbane

Every top Italian restaurant in Brisbane for authentic flavours

Treat your taste buds to the mouth-watering flavours of Italy by ticking off every exceptional Italian restaurant in Brisbane.

Read more
riverfront dining under the story bridge at Felons Brewing Co. Brisbane brewery
Brisbane

A hophead’s guide to every epic brewery in Brisbane

Sip on the state’s finest artisanal cold ones at a top-notch brewery in Brisbane.

Read more
a row of bike riders mountain biking near airlie beach whitsundays
Airlie Beach

The Whitsundays is getting 40 kilometres of mountain bike trails

Get on your bike and head to Airlie Beach for a brand new mountain bike adventure.

Read more
G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
Brisbane

8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Read more
hero media

An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
    Continue
    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.