10 of the best Hamilton Island accommodation picks

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Cool hideouts, beachfront hotels, five-star resorts and grand holiday homes shine bright amongst the stellar selection of Hamilton Island accommodation options.

It’s hard to go wrong when booking Hamilton Island accommodation, no matter your budget. Salty beach air and glimpses of twinkling Whitsunday waters are abundant no matter which way you’re breathing the tropical holiday destination in.

Offering everything from an exclusive couples-only resort to family-friendly apartments with the convenience of a fully stocked kitchen, Hamilton Island is overflowing with staggering stays to enjoy that offer idyllic swimming pools and fantastic restaurants. Our pick of the very best awaits.

Hamilton Island Hotels & Resorts

Nothing screams holidays quite like dropping your luggage at reception and having warm, welcoming hotel staff guide you to your own personal slice of paradise for the next few days.

1. The Sundays

a beachfront room at The Sundays on Hamilton Island

The beachfront rooms offer spectacular water views. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Price: $$$$

Instagram-perfect from every angle while also welcoming children with open arms (hello, hireable prams and cots)? The Sundays is shaping up to be Hamilton Island’s ultimate family-friendly choice. Set to open its doors at the end of April 2025, the highly anticipated boutique stay will serve as the first new hotel to open on the island in more than 15 years. While interconnected rooms and school holiday programs will certainly dazzle parents, the 59-room luxury accommodation at the end of Catseye Beach also features grown-up indulgences like private cabanas dotted about a water’s edge pool, a signature bar and restaurant from restauranteur royalty Josh and Julia Niland of Sydney’s Saint Peter, and yoga classes overlooking the beach itself. The cherry on top is the fit out, a refined and masterful blend of textural beach tones and soothing sea greens.

Other inclusions: Airport transfers, transport around the island, wi-fi, beach water sports, kids’ activities and Ice Cream Happy Hour (a cone or cup per person)

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2.  Reef View Hotel

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

Reef View Hotel offers absolute beachfront bliss. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Price: $$$

The four-star Reef View Hotel takes design cues from its beach-front location, with a pared-back coastal chic aesthetic and nautical tones of navy, white and pebble grey. If the pool at this buzzy Hamilton Island accommodation grows old, which it won’t any time soon, stroll across the road to Catseye Beach. At this place, it’s Eat, Sleep, Swim on repeat.

With every room offering a view of either the Coral Sea or tropical gardens, private balconies provide the perfect opportunity for uninterrupted paradise gazing. The hotel, which features a gym, spa and sauna, and tennis court, also allows free access to a range of sporting equipment such as catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers, snorkel gear, and kayaks from the Hamilton Island Beach Sports hut on Catseye. There’s also a popular in-house eatery, the Pool Terrace Restaurant, and bar, the Reef Lounge, to help you unwind.

Other inclusions: Return airport or marina transfers, use of the Island Shuttle, buffet breakfast with every Suite booking, use of gym, spa, sauna and tennis court hire, access to Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay & Eat Free program and wi-fi.

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3. Palm Bungalows

the Palm Bungalows on Hamilton Island

Palm Bungalows are a tranquil oasis on the island. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Price: $$$

You’ll be forgiven for mistaking Hamilton Island for a lush south-east Asian destination at the wonderful Palm Bungalows, set in a landscaped tropical garden within walking distance from Catseye Beach. In the bedrooms, everything is warm wood and cool white while hammocks are strung on balconies to further entice city slickers to slow down.

Each bungalow comes complete with a kitchenette, microwave, bar fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities, making for luxe Hamilton Island accommodation for families. Just a touch pricier than Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows offers some of the most value-for-money digs on the island. Kangaroos are also known to drop into the property’s large front lawn, and you can casually spy them from each room’s private balcony.

Other inclusions: Return airport or marina transfers, use of Hamilton Island Beach Sport’s water sports equipment, use of the Island Shuttle, access to a gym, spa, sauna and tennis court and access to Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay & Eat Free program.

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Holiday Homes & Apartments on the Island

If you’re travelling with your tribe, locking down a self-contained, air-conditioned house, apartment, or Airbnb with loads of space is always a smart move.

4. Hamilton Island Holiday Homes

a daybed on the balcony with sea views at Hamilton Island Holiday Homes

Relax with a good book on your private balcony. (Image: Hamilton Island Holiday Homes)

Price: $$$—$$$$$

Offering all-inclusive Hamilton Island accommodation, often with your very own electric golf buggy (a must while visiting this extremely hilly, five-square-kilometre stretch of heaven), Hamilton Island Holiday Homes is just the ticket for groups and families. Serving as the Island’s main rental operator, the company boasts a portfolio of homes ranging from apartments to mega-mansions catering to more than two dozen.

Those who value privacy will appreciate that many properties take advantage of the outlook (think painted-on blue skies and sunlight that dances over the sea) without sitting right on your neighbour’s doorstep. Self-catering is easy thanks to Hamilton Island’s IGA supermarket and bottle shop, located down at the end of the marina village.

Other inclusions: Complimentary linen, bath and beach towels, access to Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay & Eat Free program, use of Hamilton Island Beach Sport’s water sport equipment and wi-fi.

5. Whitsunday Apartments

the heated spa at Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island

Luxuriate in the heated spa set in tropical gardens. (Image: Whitsunday Apartments)

Price: $$$

Right off Catseye Beach is Whitsunday Apartments, an impressive collection of self-contained lodgings. Accommodating up to five guests per room, the apartments are clean and tidy with some offering sensational views over the Coral Sea. Choose from a Garden View, Sea View or Deluxe Coral Sea View room, each fitted with a private balcony and a separate bedroom to the living area. There’s also a lagoon-style swimming pool and heated spa available to guests.

Other inclusions: Use of the Island Shuttle, wi-fi, on-site laundry and a guest lounge fitted with a flat-screen TV.

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6. Hidden Cove Hamilton Island

a resort-style infinity pool and a private beach at Hidden Cove Hamilton Island

Hidden Cove features a resort-style infinity pool and a private beach.

Price: $$$$

Private group living doesn’t get much more glamorous than Hidden Cove Hamilton Island. Housing just 17 individual two-bedroom apartments, this Hamilton Island accommodation is designed so that no two spots are less than four metres away from one another. Each featuring jaw-dropping views across the Dent Passage to Dent Island, Hidden Cove features a resort-style infinity pool and a private beach. There are also wrap-around timber decks and state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms, giving you barely any reason to leave your apartment.

Other inclusions: Private golf buggy, tea and coffee making facilities and a private BBQ.

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Hamilton Island Luxury Accommodation

You’ve come for a taste of the good life so find a Hamilton Island accommodation option complete with million-dollar views, private pools, child-free entertainment, and world-class architecture.

7. Qualia

a private tub overlooking Whitsundays at Qualia, Hamilton Island

Take in incredible views of the Whitsundays from your private tub. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Price: $$$$$

The most luxurious resort option on Hamilton Island is qualia, which combines exceptional design flair with a contemporary clubhouse feel and five-star amenities. Half of the suites at this exclusive resort, located on the northern-most point of the Island, feature their very own ocean-facing plunge pool. The resort is split into two, the south-west facing Leeward Pavillions and the north-facing Windward Pavillions, with the latter home to those ritzy pools.

Regardless of where you’re sleeping, expect hardwood polished floors, sundecks, stone ensuite bathrooms, central heating, gourmet mini bars, a la carte breakfast daily at the exquisite on-site Long Pavilion restaurant and so much more. Level your stay up at the exclusive qualia Beach House, which offers panoramic views, a ten-person dining room, a 12-metre infinity pool, and a separate guesthouse for guests of your own. Guests must be aged 16 and over.

Other inclusions: Private golf buggy, daily breakfast, 24-hour chauffeur service around Hamilton Island, all non-alcoholic beverages, return VIP transfers to the airport or marina, use of the gym, spa, sauna and tennis court.

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8. Beach Club

a suite with a private terrace overlooking Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island

A stay at Beach Club will reward you with magnificent views of Catseye Beach.

Price: $$$$

On an island packed to the brim with families, the 5-star Beach Club is an adults-only oasis, making it popular with babymooners desperate to lap up luxury without the soundtrack of squealing children. The low-slung hotel tumbles directly down to Catseye Beach and each of the 57 rooms, sprawled across the two-storey property, feature their own private terrace or balcony. On the ground level, an infinity pool is cool in the summer and heated in the winter. Floating right off Catseye Beach, pool dips at this Hamilton Island accommodation are the envy of every passerby.

Other inclusions: Daily a la carte breakfast, TVs with surround sound in each room, wi-fi, use of Hamilton Island Beach Sports equipment, return transfers from the airport or marina, VIP point-to-point chauffeur service, tea and coffee throughout your stay.

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9. Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas

sunrise yoga sessions at Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas

Join sunrise yoga sessions at Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Price: $$$$$

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas offer high-rolling yachties a tranquil island escape. Located alongside the exclusive Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the high-end villas designed by architect Walter Barda offer sophisticated self-contained living with four luxurious bedrooms.

Each stay looks out over Dent Passage and towards Dent Island, spread out over three to four levels and featuring four bathrooms. Miele appliances dot the kitchen, while fully ducted heating and a private laundry provide further comfort.

Other inclusions: Use of the Yacht Club Villas pool, a welcome hamper including wine and treats, use of the Island Shuttle, up to two golf buggies, a mid-stay clean if you’re there for more than five nights, sporting equipment including catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers and snorkel gear, access to Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay & Eat Free program, wi-fi.

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10. Hamilton Island Luxury Homes

sunset views from the private infinity pool of Trisara, Hamilton Island Luxury Homes

Trisara redefines island luxury with its private infinity pool. (Image: Hamilton Island Luxury Homes)

Price: $$$$$

Some of the most exclusive homes on Hamilton Island are now available for rent. For those seeking barefoot luxury, check out Hamilton Island Luxury Homes, which features exclusive, rentable real estate with a range of high-end amenities. The portfolio of multi-million-dollar homes includes the Glasshouse, located on the highly sought-after Melaleuca Drive, housing up to 16 guests, the Pavillions Penthouse, which sleeps up to 10 guests and occupies prime real estate during Hamilton Island Race Week, plus Trisara, a four-bedroom stunner that sleeps up to 10 people and throws up some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island.

Other inclusions: Golf buggies, open-plan living and dining areas and just general bragging rights.

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Discover the best things to do on Hamilton Island

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Hamilton Island’s new resort has Coral Sea views and 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