Great Barrier Reef gains new boutique hotel

Image © The Sundays
A new boutique hotel in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is being launched by the team behind famed luxury resort qualia.

The Sundays, situated at the northern end of Catseye Beach, will offer 59 rooms overlooking the water. The option of interconnecting rooms will be available. 

Guestrooms will offer either a balcony or a terrace, overlooking the Coral Sea and the hotel’s gardens. 

Amenities include a private guest pool, complete with cabanas, as well as a waters-edge restaurant and bar with al fresco dining. 

The hotel is set to open in Autumn 2025 and is expected to significantly contribute to the Whitsundays’ visitor economy, employing over 100 full-time equivalent hospitality workers in the region.

Hamilton Island growing in popularity

Hamilton Island is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest integrated island resort, offering a range of accommodation options, from self-catering holiday homes and apartments to luxury hotels, 20 casual and fine-dining restaurant options, 2 spas, and a 300+ berth marina and over 65 tours and activities.

Hamilton Island was acquired in 2003 by the Oatley family and has seen major changes through large financial investments in the years since.

Image © The Sundays


Pete Brulisauer, CEO of Hamilton Island, says, “The Sundays marks over 20 years of continuous significant investment in Hamilton Island by the Oatley family.

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.”

Mr Brulisauer says in recent years, Hamilton Island, which is accessible via direct flights in under 2.5 hours from major Australian East Coast cities, has seen a sharp increase in domestic travellers seeking a luxury tropical island escape without the hassle and time of international flights.

“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,” he added.

Focus on family-friendly accommodation


The project, estimated at over AUD$30M, adds to the $400M already invested in facilities and infrastructure improvements underpinning Hamilton Island’s status as a world-class island resort as envisioned by the late Bob Oatley upon acquisition in 2003.

Sandy Oatley, Chairman of Hamilton Island Enterprises, says, “We are responding to our guests’ request for more family-focused boutique accommodation, in our ideal location. We remain focused on continuing to enhance Hamilton Island’s reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations.”

The Sundays complements Hamilton Island’s wide range of accommodation offerings, including the internationally-acclaimed luxury resort qualia, the boutique beachfront hotel, Beach Club and the family-friendly Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

Reservations for The Sundays open in Spring 2024.

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