Hamilton Island Honeymoon Activities

Dreamy scenery to take your breath away and lavish spoils crafted just for couples make a Hamilton Island honeymoon one you’ll cherish forever.

Whether you let the days drift by while swimming in turquoise seas or take part in activities guaranteed to get your heart racing, a Hamilton Island honeymoon is unlike any other. The Whitsundays haven has proven a hit with newlyweds as exceptional dining, elevated accommodation and exhilarating day trips offer lovebirds endless romance. We’ve rounded up some of the standout experiences so you and your beloved can sit back and focus on one another entirely.

1. Book a luxurious couples’ treatment

To assist the gentle transition to Hamilton Island honeymoon life, try the Double Indulgence Package at Spa wumurdaylin. It includes aromatherapy massages, foot and hand rituals, 30-minute ‘Performance’ facials, and head and neck massages.

Book a treatment at Spa wumurdaylin.

The spa, located within walking distance from Hamilton Island’s Main Pool and tucked right beside the Beach Club, features four rooms designed for couples, in addition to two extravagant Vichy shower rooms that offer a water-jet massage as guests lie horizontally.

Spa wumurdaylin’s signature Soul Temple treatment facilitates the experience to its full potential. The word ‘wumurdaylin’ means dragonfly, symbolising renewal, freedom and beauty, and the spa’s therapists will ensure you and your other half depart feeling completely re-energised.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the exclusive qualia resort, Spa qualia offers its own incredible menu of couples’ treatments just for guests.

Sample the couples’ treatment menu at Spa qualia. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Choose from three Couples’ Bath Indulgences; the two-hour Botanica, including multiple massages, a bath and a superfood fruit platter, the two-hour Cacao Indulgence, including full-body oil massages, hair and scalp treatments, private use of a Roman bubble bath, a chocolate platter and champagne, and the three-hour Vinotherapie, including full-body massages, body exfoliation and masques, facials, hair and scalp treatments, private use of rain showers and the Roman bath, a fruit platter and your pick of Champagne or pinot noir.

Prepare for the ultimate indulgence at Spa qualia. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

2. Hire a stand-up paddleboard

Seeing Hamilton Island’s bewitching blend of towering emerald rainforest and azure seas from a stand-up paddleboard is a seductive proposition, particularly while you’re floating along in your Hamilton Island honeymoon love bubble.

Take advantage of the azure waters off Catseye Beach atop a stand-up paddleboard. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Offering a slow-paced start to your day, SUP hire is complimentary for guests while staying at qualia, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, Beach Club and any of Hamilton Island Holiday Homes’ properties.

Stand-up paddleboard near Hamilton Island

Hit the water on a stand-up paddleboard. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

If your honeymoon oasis lies outside of the portfolio, you can still grab gear at the Hamilton Island Beach Sports hut on Catseye Beach, which is exactly where you’ll be cruising out from. The pristine waters of the Coral Sea are teeming with marine life, which is even more beautiful when experienced side-by-side as lovestruck newlyweds.

3. Take a Journey to the Heart Tour

Soaring over Heart Reef, a spectacular heart-shaped composition of coral within the Great Barrier Reef, on a chopper is perhaps the most romantic highlight of any Hamilton Island honeymoon. In addition to providing an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of one of Australia’s most romantic natural wonders, the Journey to the Heart Tour allows couples 90 minutes to explore Heart Reef from the water.

Explore Heart Reef from the water on a Journey to the Heart Tour. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

You’ll feel as though you’re living out scenes from a holiday brochure from the moment you arrive at the luxuriously appointed Heart Island Pontoon, complete with a mirrored façade and a small undercover pool. From there, you can snorkel in the lagoon, take a glass-bottom boat tour around Heart Reef, or simply soak up the sun with your lover.

If there is one tour that should be on your honeymoon itinerary it is this. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

The once-in-a-lifetime tour, which is available to just six guests at a time, also takes in aerial views of magical Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

4. Sip on sunset cocktails at One Tree Hill

Time your arrival to One Tree Hill on a clear afternoon when the aquamarine colours of the Coral Sea have smudged across the surrounding Whitsunday Islands – a truly unforgettable Hamilton Island honeymoon moment. The lookout, located on Hamilton Island’s northern peninsula, features a bar and café that opens from 10am daily, shaking up delicious, summery cocktails and offering dining tables as the sky slowly morphs between red and orange and pink. No filters necessary.

Create a truly unforgettable Hamilton Island honeymoon moment at One Tree Hill. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

If you’ve arrived too late to secure a table, it’s all good. Just stroll a few metres over to the grassy hill where you’ll find picnic goers sprawled out with cheese platters and beverages of their own. If you’re visiting without a picnic basket, then snacks, coffees, antipasto boards and other share plates can also be purchased from the café. Plus, the Island Shuttle can get you to the lookout so there’s no stress if you forgot to charge your golf buggy overnight amid all the cuddling you and your partner have been up to.

5. Sail and snorkel Whitehaven Beach

Does the loose agenda of sailing onboard a 47-foot luxury, state-of-the-art catamaran, mooring off empty beaches and exploring tropical islands appeal to you and your new husband or wife? Chartering the magnificent Ricochet vessel has your name written all over it. You don’t need any nautical experience – just a penchant for lazing about, sipping sparkling wine and grazing on gourmet spreads.

Explore tropical islands and deserted beaches on a catamaran. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

There’s a lovely intimacy onboard Ricochet, no matter which charter you opt for, as the vessel accommodates no more than 16 guests. Choose from a Part Day Cruise, operating from 9am to 3.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, a Full Day and Sunset Cruise, operating from 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, or a Sunset Cruise, operating from 4.30pm to 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Opt for a stop at Whitehaven Beach to take in its beauty together. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Part Day tours sail to Whitehaven and also Chalkie’s Beach for snorkelling excursions on the beautiful fringing reef, while the Full Day option includes a stop at Border Island for snorkelling, the opportunity to walk to Hill Inlet on Whitehaven to spy extraordinary views, and swimming at Betty’s Beach. Both day charters include all snorkelling gear, towels, a gourmet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

6. Book a table for two at Bommie Restaurant

A popular, candlelit spot to pop the question, Bommie Restaurant is also a beautiful venue to celebrate tying the knot. Located within the extravagant Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the waterfront restaurant is moody and sensual, surrounded by sparkling water and filled with fellow loved-up pairs.

Bommie Deck & Restaurant offers the perfect romantic setting for two. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Its kitchen is led by Executive Chef Trent Dawson, who brings culinary experience from a Michelin-starred restaurant in England, and the menu is sensational, showcasing the region’s local produce in sophisticated and innovative ways.

Start your meal with a sundowner. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Elegant floor-to-ceiling sculptures created by artist Glenn Murray dot the dining room which delivers both a three-course menu and a degustation. Further, Bommie is open to guests aged 16 years and over so honeymooners will be free of little ones playing havoc with the ambience.

7. Spend a night with the fish at Reefsuites

Looking for something a bit different? Australia’s first underwater accommodation gives you a unique opportunity to get up and close to the reef’s wildlife without getting wet. Located on a pontoon 39 nautical miles from shore, each suite features floor-to-ceiling views of the spectacular underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to be observed from the comfort of your plush bed.

The bathroom in one of the Reef Suites rooms

Get up close with tropical fish.

To add to the romance, head up to the top deck to enjoy sunset drinks followed by a dining experience under the stars.

Reef suites pontoon near Hamilton Island

An aeriel view of the pontoon.

To discover more activities for the perfect Hamilton Island honeymoon, visit our Hamilton Island hub.

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

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

7 ways to spend a Hamilton Island honeymoon