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 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.

This weekend, the island’s iconic Sails restaurant and pool precinct will also reopen 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 favourite coca chu, and a wide collection of casual restaurants and bars.  Further upgrades across the island are planned for 2025 and beyond.

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.

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Seeing the Nation’s Oldest City aglow with more than three million white lights is an unforgettable holiday experience that, over the past 32 years, has become a cherished tradition for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Since 1994, the city has embraced this festive atmosphere, inspired by the Spanish custom of placing a white candle in windows during the Christmas season.

Often recognized as one of the best holiday light displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights begins with Light-Up! Night on November 15 in the Plaza de la Constitución, and stays lit through January 14, 2026.

The official lighting ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., when a switch is flipped and millions of sparkling white lights outline public and private buildings, bridges, trees, and landmarks throughout St. Augustine’s Historic District.

Weeks of preparation go into the illuminations. City workers string more than 12 miles of lights in the Plaza alone, adorn Victorian lamp posts with red ribbons and fresh wreaths, drape evergreen garlands on public buildings, and decorate the city’s Christmas tree—a 25-foot fir from Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. The design company Angels in the Architecture partners with the city to illuminate the Bayfront, the Bridge of Lions, and other historic sites. Local hotels and businesses join in, ensuring the city glows in unison.

There are countless ways to enjoy the Nights of Lights. Visitors can stroll through the Historic District, take a trolley or train ride, or see the display from the water. To reduce traffic, the city provides free parking and shuttle service from designated lots outside downtown.

For those exploring on foot, favorite stops include the Christmas tree in the Plaza de la Constitución, the Lightner Museum, and the Bridge of Lions—all perfect photo spots. Several tour companies offer guided walking and cart tours that weave history, fun and stories with holiday magic. Participate in fun holiday events throughout the city, including the Christmas Experience at Villa Zorayda. For a bird’s-eye view, climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

For more about Historic St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights visit www.NightsofLights.com

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