The Sundays Hamilton Island: Coral Sea views & free ice-cream

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

A lobster and some bread rolls. — 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

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

Hamilton Island’s new resort has Coral Sea views and free ice-cream