

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, the Hon. Andrew Powell, officiates triple milestone as Hamilton Island launches new Cairns route, opens The Sundays, and marks Race Week's 40th with a thrilling clash between the Australian and New Zealand elite sailing teams
As the Whitsundays look to stage Olympic sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Games, Hamilton Island is embracing the future, with new direct flights from Cairns, a refreshed brand platform, and a multimillion-dollar transformation reshaping the guest experience.
From expanded access to the Whitsundays via Tropical North Queensland to the reimagining of accommodation, dining and experiences, the island is laying the groundwork to welcome the world.
Joined on-island by Queensland's Minister for the Environment and Tourism, the Hon. Andrew Powell, the island today marked a triple milestone: the launch of new direct flights from Cairns, the official opening of boutique hotel The Sundays, and the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week - Australia's largest offshore sailing regatta - which this year features a thrilling clash between the Australian and New Zealand elite 49er and 49erFX sailing teams.
These milestones follow the national launch of A Little Island Can Do Wonders, Hamilton Island's new brand platform and creative campaign that signals a confident new era for the destination - one shaped by transformation, elevated accommodation and food & beverage offerings, and a deep connection to Australia's most iconic natural setting.
New Direct Flights From Cairns Launch This November
Starting on 3 November 2025, East Air's year-round service will connect Cairns and Hamilton Island in just over an hour - a strategic boost to regional tourism and the surrounding island resorts of the Whitsundays.
The route is also expected to improve international access to the Whitsundays, connecting overseas arrivals via Cairns directly to Hamilton Island without requiring stopovers in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
Passenger flights have not operated between Cairns and Hamilton Island since the start of the COVID pandemic. At that time, almost 37,000 passengers per year were carried between the two popular destinations.
Today, Hamilton Island Airport handles around 500,000 passenger movements annually, making it the busiest commercial airport in the Whitsundays and a critical access point to the Great Barrier Reef.
Speaking at the event, Minister Powell said:
“Queensland is the home of the holiday and with the world's attention turning to the state in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it's the perfect time to connect two of our most iconic destinations with direct flights.
This delivers what we heard, repeatedly, through the development of our 20-year tourism vision Destination 2045 – the importance of making it easier to travel around the State so more people can experience beautiful Far North Queensland.”
“Cairns and Hamilton Island are two of Queensland's most visited and most loved destinations, and being able to travel between them in just over an hour is a game changer,” said Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling.
“This new service opens up the full Great Barrier Reef experience - from rainforest to reef, culture to sailing - and comes at a perfect moment as we continue to evolve the island and look ahead to hosting sailing during Brisbane 2032.”
The Sundays: Officially Opened by Minister Powell
Minister Powell also officiated the formal opening of The Sundays - a relaxed 59-room boutique hotel perched above Catseye Beach, which first welcomed guests on 24 April. The hotel blends laidback luxury with warm island hospitality and features Coral Sea views, original artworks by First Nations–Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg, and a guest-only pool and beach.
Its signature restaurant and bar, Catseye Pool Club, helmed by acclaimed culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland, serves generous, share-style dishes alongside Queensland-inspired cocktails in a vibrant, water's-edge setting. This week, Hamilton Island also plays host to an array of culinary, sailing and social events as part of the official Hamilton Island Race Week program.
A Little Island Can Do Wonders: Brand Refresh and Island Evolution
Hamilton Island's new brand platform, A Little Island Can Do Wonders, launched nationally earlier this month and represents the island's most significant creative shift in a decade. Developed with Sydney-based agency The General Store, the campaign invites a new generation of travellers to rediscover Australia's tropical island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
From reef adventures to golden hour cocktails, the brand refresh reflects a renewed commitment to creativity, connection, and wonder-filled escapes. The broader island transformation is well under way - from the reimagining of the Hamilton Island Resort Centre (opening December), to the launch of mountain biking across more than 25 kilometres
of nature trails, sunrise yoga with Whitsunday views, reformer Pilates, and the new Cultural Island Discovery experience led by Ngaro man Robbie Congoo.
Whether exploring the coastline or learning about local culture, Hamilton Island offers a new take on the Australian island escape - one that invites guests to slow down, reconnect and discover something new with every visit.
Race Week Turns 40 With a Glimpse Toward 2032
Presented by American Express, the 40th edition of Hamilton Island Race Week marks a major milestone for one of Australia's most iconic regattas - and one of its most anticipated lifestyle events.
This year's program features elite sailing, celebrated chefs, and curated experiences for all types of guests - from die-hard yachties to long-lunchers and families. Highlights include the Palm Beach Motor Yachts Trans-Tasman 49ers Exhibition Series, taking place 17–19 August - a thrilling exhibition clash between Australia and New Zealand's elite sailing teams in the Olympic-class 49er and 49erFX skiffs.
The series offers spectators a sneak peek at the high-performance sailing excitement expected when the Whitsundays host Olympic sailing during Brisbane 2032. On land, culinary talent including Josh Niland, Alanna Sapwell-Stone and Will Cowper headline a series of long lunches and beachfront dinners, adding to a Race Week atmosphere that's as much about good food, good company and golden hour drinks as it is about racing.
Looking Ahead
From direct flights and high-performance sailing to award-winning dining and a bold new vision, Hamilton Island is building a future-ready destination - uniquely Australian, authentically local, and ready to welcome the world in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.“Hamilton Island has always been a special part of Australia and we're now evolving it for the future,” said Nick Dowling.
“This is about growing with purpose, welcoming the world, and showing how a little island can do wonders in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.”
Limited-Time Launch Offer
To celebrate the return of direct flights from Cairns, East Air and Hamilton Island have launched
a special, limited-time holiday offer. Guests flying direct from Cairns to Hamilton Island with East Air can save 20% on stays of three nights or more at the Reef View Hotel (standard rooms, Bed & Breakfast rate). Flights start from $236 per person* one way (including fees and charges), with just over an hour's flight time between the two destinations.
The offer is valid for travel from 1 November to 22 December 2025 and ends at 4:00pm AEST, Friday 31 October 2025. Full terms and conditions apply.
To book or for more information, visit https://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/east-air-cairns-flight-offer and eastair.com.au
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MEDIA ASSETS
VNR from the Airport Announcement and The Sundays Official Opening can be supplied on request.
Hamilton Island Brand Campaign
Further assets available on the Hamilton Island Image Library (one time registration is required).
