Hamilton Island Race Week returns in August for 40th anniversary edition

Australia’s most iconic winter regatta returns with a week of offshore racing, long lunches, and waterfront events across the Whitsundays

Hamilton Island Race Week will celebrate its 40th anniversary this August, marking four decades since the Whitsundays regatta was first held.

What began as a small offshore sailing competition has since evolved into one of Australia’s most recognised winter events, attracting professional crews, chefs, entertainers and visitors from around the country and overseas. The 2025 edition will take place from 16-23 August, presented for the first time by American Express, with exclusive access offered to its Centurion and Platinum Card Members.

At its core remains the regatta – staged across the waters of the Coral Sea – but Race Week has long expanded its scope beyond competitive sailing. The event’s onshore program continues to grow, incorporating dining experiences, wine masterclasses, live performances and a number of waterfront events across the island.

“Race Week’s 40th anniversary is a landmark moment. What began as a simple sailing competition has become a spectacle of sail racing, culinary excellence, and island fun,” said Nick Dowling, CEO of Hamilton Island.

“It’s not just about sailing the most picturesque course in the world – it’s about celebrating everything that makes Hamilton Island so special – world-class experiences, a vibrant food and wine scene, and the incredible atmosphere and camaraderie that events like Race Week bring to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

2025 event highlights include:

• La Dolce Vita Lunch by the Sea with Will Cowper, presented by American Express (17 August): A multi-course Italian menu from OTTO Brisbane’s Executive Chef, hosted at Pebble Beach, qualia.

• Beachfront Garden Party at Catseye Beach (17 August): A relaxed afternoon of live music, coastal grazing and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne on arrival.

• Champagne Spectator Cruises aboard Impulsive (17, 19, 22 August): Aboard the 130-foot superyacht Impulsive, with views of the racing fleet and onboard service.

• An Italian Evening with Gin-Spired Cocktails, presented by Tanqueray (19 August): A marina-side dinner inspired by coastal Italy, with gin pairings.

• The Ultimate Lay Day Beach Party at Whitehaven Beach (20 August): A day trip to Whitehaven Beach featuring snorkelling, floating water slides and a chef-led onboard lunch.

• Lunch on the Greens at Hamilton Island Golf Club (21 August): A three-course lunch overlooking Dent Passage, with seasonal produce and live music.

• Wine Masterclass with Larry Cherubino at Bommie (21 August): A tasting led by the winemaker, including a take-home wine selection.

• Starlit Dinner on Catseye Beach with Alanna Sapwell-Stone and Larry Cherubino (21 August): A four-course menu paired with WHIPBIRD wines.

• The Sundays Long Lunch with Josh Niland, presented by Mecca Cosmetica (22 August): A relaxed lunch event hosted at Catseye Pool Club by the acclaimed chef.

Elsewhere, Hamilton Island’s luxury properties, qualia and new boutique hotel The Sundays, will host a selection of private dinners, tastings and musical performances. International soprano Amy Manford is scheduled to appear as part of the week’s cultural program.

New event partners for 2025 include Panerai and Balter, joining returning supporters such as Mecca Cosmetica, Piper-Heidsieck, Tanqueray, Casamigos, Robert Oatley Wines, Tourism and Events Queensland and Nautilus Marine Insurance.

Hamilton Island’s Winter Saver Offer will be available throughout Race Week, offering 20 per cent off stays of three nights or more at Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, Beach Club and The Sundays.

The full program of ticketed events will be available via the Hamilton Island Race Week website from 23 June 2025.

hamiltonisland.com.au