Queensland’s Hamilton Island is set to welcome a AU$30 million boutique hotel by Hamilton Island Enterprises – the team behind luxury resort Qualia – in autumn 2025.
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Sundays is a family-friendly property positioned at the northern end of palm-fringed Catseye Beach.
The 59-room hotel aims to reflect its tropical surroundings and blue water views with a serene colour scheme in guest rooms and a choice of either a balcony or terrace, overlooking the Coral Sea and the hotel gardens.
Interconnecting rooms and private poolside cabanas will be available for guests, and a waters-edge restaurant and bar will offer al fresco dining with views of Catseye Bay.
“The Sundays marks over 20 years of continuous significant investment in Hamilton Island by the Oatley family,” said Hamilton Island CEO, Pete Brulisauer.
“In developing its ethos, we were inspired by the essence of what makes a Sunday so special – relaxing, treasuring time and fostering connections with loved ones, and embracing nature.
“It will be a place where you can expect an extraordinary experience for all ages amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of The Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Accessible via direct flights in under 2.5 hours from major east coast cities, Hamilton Island has seen a sharp increase in domestic travellers in recent years, with over 500,000 visitors passing through its airport in 2023.
“We also continue to welcome back international travellers who want to experience the best Australia has to offer – like Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef,” Brulisauer added.
Established in 1982, Hamilton Island is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest integrated island resort and has undergone over AU$400 million in facilities and infrastructure improvements since it was acquired by the Oatley family in 2003.
Hamilton Island Enterprises Chairman, Sandy Oatley, says The Sundays meets demand for family-friendly stays in the area.
“We are responding to our guests request for more family focused boutique accommodation, in our ideal location,” Oatley said.
“We remain focused on continuing to enhance Hamilton Island’s reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations.”
Hamilton Island features a range of accommodation options including luxury hotels Qualia and Beach Club, and the family-friendly Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows, as well as self-catering holiday homes and apartments; 20 casual and fine-dining restaurant options, two spas, a 300+ berth marina and over 65 tours and activities, and over 12 kilometres of unspoiled nature trails.
The Sundays is expected to create over 100 full-time equivalent jobs for hospitality workers in the Whitsundays region.