How To Have The Perfect Family Holiday On Hamilton Island

It’s the dream of every parent: the perfect family holiday, where tears and complaints are left at home, replaced by smiles and squeals of excitement. Well, we reckon it’s achievable; all you need is a bangin’ Hamilton Island itinerary.

Arrive in style

Hamilton Island Airport is connected directly to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

Hamilton Island is one of the easiest Great Barrier Reef islands to get to, and there are options to suit every budget.

The most direct way is to fly to Hamilton Island Airport. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

If flight times don’t suit or you want to see Airlie Beach on the mainland as well, book a flight to Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as Proserpine Airport), and then get a shuttle or hire car for he 30-minute trip to Airlie.

You’ll then need to catch a ferry to Hamilton from Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour.

Settle into your hotel

The view of Catseye Beach from the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island

When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options depending on the age of your children.

We can’t recommend Reef View Hotel highly enough, as it has everything from twin rooms to two-bedroom suites.

Twin room Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island

A twin room with Coral Sea views at the Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island

There is also a large swimming pool and on-site restaurant that serves a great buffet breakfast.

Hamilton island Yacht Club Villas families

The self catering Hamilton Island Yacht Club villas are perfect for families

For somewhere quieter and suitable for self-catering, consider Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas or Palm Bungalows.

The affordable Bungalows on Hamilton Island are idyllic island accommodation among palm trees, perfect for families.

If you have a teenager aged 16 or over and are keen to splash out, you won’t want to go past qualia, Hamilton Island’s most prestigious property, if not Australia’s!

The sumptuous free standing bathtubs with a view of a Windward pavilion, qualia.

In the meantime, adult children (18 and over) and their parents will love the serenity of Beach Club.

The infinity edge pool at Hamilton Island’s Beach Club overlooks Catseye Beach.

Buggy time

Now that you’re on Hamilton and bags are unpacked, it’s time to explore, and the best way to get around this car-free paradise is with a golf buggy.

Rest assured that when it comes to getting around with kids, no mode of transport will put bigger smiles on their adorable faces than these open-air vehicles.

The roads on Hamilton Island are all designed for golf buggy transport

Book one with Hamilton Island Buggy Hire and be sure to request a child seat or capsule if you’re travelling with anyone under the age of four.

Enjoy lunch at Marina Village

Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries at Marina Village but one place that will keep everyone happy is Marina Tavern.

The Marina Tavern on Hamilton Island serves up relaxed pub food.

Think generous pub meals in a laid-back atmosphere.

For focaccias, juices and barista coffee, chill out at Marina Café, where you’ll find plenty of other families enjoying the easy-going vibe.

A sweet treat

After lunch, pop into Hamilton Island Ice Cream Parlour (after all, it’s highly likely the kids have already spotted it).

All your classic flavours are available, along with double-dipped chocolate waffle cones, overloaded sundaes and milkshakes.

Beach time

Catamarans sailing in the bay from Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island

Climb back into the buggy and make your next stop Catseye Beach, one of Hamilton’s main attractions.

Burn off lunch with an afternoon swim or call into Hamilton Island Beach Sports for water-sports fun.

Hire a catamaran, paddleboard, kayak, windsurfer or simply grab a mask, snorkel and flippers to explore the underwater treasures just off shore.

Out on the water

If you want an injection of adrenaline, there are a tonne of activities to suit all ages.

Family fun on the Great Barrier Reef. Float plane tours from Hamilton Island take you to a private slice of the Great Barrier Reef.

Hamilton Island Watersports, at Marina Village, can take you parasailing, with all children required to be accompanied by an adult, and kids as young as four allowed to join in the fun.

You’ll also have a hoot taking the kids tube riding, wakeboarding or water skiing, all of which are also offered by Hamilton Island Watersports and are offered daily.

If neither of those takes your fancy, there are also jet-ski, jet-boat, fishing and sailing tours.

Soak in the sunset

After all of that action, you’ve earned some down time and one of the best places to enjoy it is atop One Tree Hill.

Definitely do not leave Hamilton Island without enjoying at lease one sunset from the top of One Tree Hill.

Roll out a blanket and snuggle up as you soak in the views of the Whitsundays as the sky turns tangerine.

Parents can enjoy a glass of Champagne or cocktail from the bar, too.

Island dining

Before you fall asleep or are tempted by another beverage, take your buggy back down the hill to the marina for dinner.

TAKO at Hamilton Island’s marina serves Mexican shared plates.

For something a little different, grab a table at TAKO, where you can enjoy share plates of regional Mexican cuisine.

Try the signature dish, octopus taco, and don’t be shy to ask about the kids-stay-and-eat-free deal.

Share Mexican food on the deck at Hamilton Island’s Tako restaurant Marina.

If you’re not a fan of Mexican, pull up a chair at Romano’s, where you’re guaranteed to find a pasta dish the kids can’t fault.

Romano’s home made pasta with bruschetta is served on the deck overlooking Hamilton Island’s Marina.

Or, if you’re there on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday, unfurl your picnic rug at Marina Daze and chow down on a char-grilled barbecue while listening to live music. Bliss.

For the rest of your stay, all you need to do is eat, sleep and repeat.

Or, you can try some of Hamilton Island’s other fun-filled activities. Check out our family-friendly guide here.

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

How to have the perfect family holiday on Hamilton Island