Hamilton Island has been recognised for the strength of its dining offering in the 2026 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards, with five of its restaurants receiving Chef Hat recognition across the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef region.
Bommie Restaurant at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club received two Chef Hats, adding an extra hat to last year’s recognition and marking its fourth consecutive year receiving a Chef Hat. The recognition reflects the work of Executive Chef Ryan Locke and his team, whose menus are shaped by premium local produce and the Whitsundays landscape.
Long Pavilion at qualia, Pebble Beach at qualia, Catseye Pool Club at The Sundays and Hamilton Island Golf Club were also recognised by the Australian Good Food Guide.
Catseye Pool Club, led by acclaimed culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland, whose Sydney restaurant Saint Peter appears on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants extended list, received its first Chef Hat less than a year after opening at The Sundays.
Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said the awards reflect a deliberate and ongoing investment in the island’s food and beverage offering.
“Over the past two years, we’ve continued to invest in dining across the island, and it’s rewarding to see that recognised nationally,” Mr Dowling said. “From Bommie to qualia and The Sundays, the awards reflect the quality and consistency of the dining experiences being delivered across Hamilton Island.”
Chris Woodyard, General Manager of Food and Beverage, said the recognition highlights the strength of the teams behind the venues.
“This recognition is a credit to our chefs, front-of-house teams and support teams,” Mr Woodyard said. “The focus has been on creating dining experiences that feel contemporary, distinctive and true to Hamilton Island.”
Beyond the Chef Hat awards, Hamilton Island continues to evolve its broader food and beverage offering, including the reimagining of Sails at the Resort Centre as a contemporary poolside destination overlooking Catseye Bay.
The Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards recognise Australia’s most outstanding chefs and restaurants, with hats awarded following anonymous inspections based on the food alone.
