Open since April 2025, The Sundays is major news for Hamilton Island, as the first new hotel to have launched there since Qualia in 2007. Set on the former site of Allamanda Lodge and Outrigger Restaurant, the $35 million project transformed the original building into a 59-room boutique hotel, thoughtfully reimagined by local designer Carrie Williams.
In a prime spot just metres from the water at the northern end of Catseye Beach, The Sundays offers a range of beach activities including kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding and sailing — as well as access to the nearby Island Sports Club and Spa wumurdaylin. Designed with families in mind, there’s a kid-friendly pool with cabanas, a deck space for movie nights and on-the-house ice-cream served at the Catseye Pool Club from 2pm to 4pm — redeemable with a gold coin token left in your room each day. For those keen to explore the island, hire a buggy and drive to One Tree Hill for sweeping sunset views or trek up Passage Peak for a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the island.
The Rooms
Styled in a clean, coastal palette of soft pastels and sandy colours, most rooms have their beds positioned to face the balcony, taking full advantage of Coral Sea views. Families may prefer a ground-floor terrace room, which includes a lawn for kids to play on. Thoughtful touches include artwork from Hungarian-First Nations artist Tiarna Herczeg and complementary rocky road from Brisbane chocolatier, 31 Degrees.
Food & Drink
Run by husband-and-wife duo Josh and Julie Niland of Sydney’s acclaimed Saint Peter, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s hottest new restaurant. While Josh is known for his seafood mastery, the menu leans equally into red meat and poultry. Dishes are designed to share, arriving in set combinations rather than traditional à la carte. Think wood-fired pizza bread served with charcuterie, fresh buttermilk ricotta, pickles, olives, grilled peppers and tomato vinaigrette. Naturally, the Nilands have tapped into the local seafood scene, sourcing oysters, crabs and fish from nearby Bowen. Don’t miss the line-caught coral trout, served with finger lime butter sauce, Vadouvan-roasted cauliflower, and warrigal greens. Drinks are just as considered with Sam Cocks, bar director at Saint Peter, designing a Queensland ingredient-focused cocktail menu.
Quick Glance
Where:10 Palm Terrace Way, Whitsundays, Qld
Room: From $891 per night for The Sundays Balcony rooms and The Sundays Terrace rooms.
WiFi: Yes
Room service: Yes
Pool: Yes
Pet-friendly: No
Website: hamiltonisland.com.au/accommodation/the-sundays
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