A world-class eco-lodge is set to redefine sustainable luxury in the Whitsundays.
Hook Island, one of the Whitsunday Islands’ most ruggedly beautiful gems, is poised for a transformative revival. After over a decade of closure from being severely impacted by cyclones, the 58-square-kilometre island will soon welcome visitors back with the unveiling of plans for a world-class eco-lodge that promises to set a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in Australia.
Expected to open in 2027, the eco-lodge will cover 9.3 hectares and feature 39 biophilic cabins, world-class dining, forest eco pools, wellness spaces and adventure activities – all designed to immerse guests in the island’s natural splendour.
A vision rooted in nature
The project aims to restore Hook Island’s wild charm. (Image: Tourism Whitsundays)
Led by Epochal Hotels’ chief executive officer Glenn Piper and a group of investors, the project aims to restore Hook Island’s wild charm while honouring its delicate ecosystem.
“Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world – its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm," Piper says.
Partnering with globally acclaimed design firm Luxury Frontiers, known for eco-luxury projects like Madwaleni River Lodge in South Africa and Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Mexico, the resort embraces barefoot luxury design principles. Expect interiors inspired by the island’s vibrant marine life, earthy landscapes and tropical forests.
Luxury Frontiers managing partner and chief design officer Graeme Labe said they are privileged to bring this responsible eco-tourism destination to life.
“We’re revitalising a beautiful location with a design ethos that aligns with an inspired vision for purposeful, adventurous travel," Labe says.
“The design is grounded in the island’s natural, social and historical elements to create an authentic sense of place."
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What to expect
The beach club will be the place to be all year round.
The Hook Island eco-lodge will offer six distinct accommodation types ranging from beachfront to forest rooms, and each will have its own unique design.
Key amenities will include a beach club with all-day dining, a bar, outdoor fire pit, pool and lounging deck, a tranquil Nordic Cycle forest spa and eco pool, a clifftop fine-dining restaurant with sweeping views of Stingray Bay, an explorer’s lounge celebrating the island’s history and family-friendly spaces such as a lounge, yoga pavilion and kids adventure club that encourages nature play and exploration.
Sustainability at the core
Hook Island’s eco-lodge will be a commitment to conservation. (Image: Tourism Whitsundays)
Hook Island’s eco-lodge will be more than just a luxury retreat; it’s a commitment to conservation. The development will utilise cyclone-resistant, modular architecture, guided by extensive tree surveys to protect native flora and fauna. Water-efficient systems, recycled wastewater irrigation and eco-friendly appliances will be integral to daily operations.
Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism welcomed the project.
“This development will allow visitors from around Queensland, Australia and the globe to experience this natural beauty up close," Powell says.
After being closed for over a decade, Hook Island is set to reemerge as a beacon of sustainable tourism. With its blend of wild beauty, innovative design and eco-conscious ethos, this is one Whitsunday escape that will be worth the wait.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.
Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.
Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.
Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.
Getting there, and around
Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.
The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.
Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).
Where to stay
Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.
Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.
Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.
Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.
The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.
For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.
Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.
Where to eat
Sit down to a feast at coca chu.
Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.
Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.
Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.
Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.
For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.
Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).
Where to explore
Explore the island’s walking trails.
There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.
One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).
For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.
Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.
Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.
Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.
Where to play
Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.
Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.
Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.
Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.
More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.
Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.
