Discover the Most In-Demand Island Paradise Off the Coast of Australia
Hamilton Island is Australia’s preferred tropical island situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport.
Hamilton Island has been revealed as Australia’s top trending domestic travel destination for 2025, according to Google’s newly released Year in Search report. The island also ranked seventh overall across both domestic and international destinations searched by Australians.
Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said the result reflects a defining period of transformation on the island and the expanding range of experiences now available to guests.
“This is a wonderful endorsement from travelers across Australia,” Mr Dowling said. “It shows just how often Hamilton Island is on people’s minds when they start dreaming about their next holiday. Over the past year, we’ve been focused on elevating every part of the island experience – from where you stay, to where you dine, to how you explore the reef and the Whitsundays—and it’s exciting to see that resonate.
“And we’re not finished… Our ambition is to keep building on this momentum and continue to remind people why Hamilton Island is Australia’s Tropical Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”
The island’s iconic Sails restaurant and pool precinct have now reopened following a complete reimagining. The refreshed venue introduces a contemporary take on relaxed poolside dining overlooking the Coral Sea, including the new Sails Sunbed Series, with bookable beachfront sunbeds and curated food and beverage options. The transformation also extends to Beach Club, with refreshed spaces and a new menu at the boutique adults-only beachfront retreat.
These enhancements join a growing collection of nature-based, wellness and adventure experiences, including the island’s newest signature offering, A Cultural Island Discovery with Robbie Congoo, to e-mountain biking, Reformer Pilates and a refreshed dining scene featuring the AGFG chef-hatted Bommie Restaurant, island favorite, Thai restaurant coca chu, and a wide collection of casual restaurants and bars. Further upgrades across the island are planned for 2025 and beyond.
Getting there
This desirable island offers short direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, as well as direct boat transfers from the Queensland mainland.
Things to do
With around 20 restaurants and bars, two spas, a 300+ berth marina and over 60 tours and activities, guests can experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, along with scenic walking trails, wellness experiences and a year-round calendar of events including Hamilton Island Race Week.
Where to stay
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers a diverse range of stays for every style of tropical escape—from private luxury at qualia to boutique beachfront stays at Beach Club and The Sundays, through to relaxed getaways at the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and self-catering holiday homes.
The past 12 months have seen a series of major upgrades across accommodation, dining and guest experiences. In 2025, Hamilton Island welcomed The Sundays, a new boutique hotel offering laidback family-friendly luxury alongside Catseye Pool Club, a restaurant and bar helmed by acclaimed Australian culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland.
