Hamilton Island Race Week –
On Shore Events Calendar 2025
From 16 to 23 August, Hamilton Island will be transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, hosting Australia’s largest offshore sailing regatta and an exciting calendar of entertainment and special events. Our incredible line-up of social events is detailed below. If there are any questions regarding your event booking, please contact raceweek@hamiltonisland.com.au.
The Island Welcome
Kick off Race Week’s 40th year with the debut of our Beachside Garden Party, a fresh take on an enduring crowd favourite. Set against the stunning backdrop of Catseye Beach, this afternoon gathering features Piper-Heidsieck Champagne on arrival, gourmet grazing stations and a selection of fine wines and craft beers. Enjoy breezy live beats as you mingle, sip and settle in for a leisurely afternoon at the edge of the Coral Sea. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new faces, this is your invitation to savour the sunshine, the setting and the start of something special.
When: Sunday 17 August, 12.00pm - 4.00pm
Location: Beach Pavilion, overlooking Catseye Beach
Inclusions: Champagne on arrival, gourmet grazing stations, wine and beer
Dress: Seaside chic
Cost: $180 per person
An Italian Evening with Tanqueray
Join us at Romano’s for a spirited celebration of Italian coastal cuisine—served with a generous splash of Tanqueray. Settle in by the Marina for a sit-down dinner where bold, seaside flavours meet the unmistakable charm of Tanqueray’s London Dry Gin. Think crisp G&Ts, creative gin cocktails and plates that bring the Amalfi to your table. Add in good company, great tunes and a dash of the unexpected and you’ve got yourself an evening that’s as lively as it is delicious.
When: Tuesday 19 August, 6.00 – 9.00pm
Location: Romano’s Restaurant, Front Street
Inclusions: Paired Tanqueray gin cocktails, canapes, two-course dinner
Dress: Italian coastal chic, with a touch of Tanqueray green
Cost: $220 per person
Whitehaven Afloat with Impulsive Superyacht
Spend your Race Week lay day in true island style - with sunshine, saltwater and a little superyacht luxury at Whitehaven Beach. Step aboard 130-foot IMPULSIVE Superyacht, for an afternoon of pure fun and relaxation. Anchored just off the powder-white shores of Lonely Planet’s Best Beach in the World, Impulsive Superyacht transforms into a floating playground - complete with a towering inflatable slide, paddleboards, laidback beats, sumptuous gourmet canapes and flowing drinks. Whether you're chasing adventure or leisure, this Lay Day Beach Party promises an unforgettable afternoon in postcard-perfect surrounds.
When: Wednesday 20 August, 10.00 – 4.00pm
Location: Whitehaven Beach
Inclusions: Gourmet grazing platters and canapes, wine, beer, soft drinks and cocktails to purchase on board!
Dress: Beach attire
Cost: $300 per person
Please note: This event is exclusively for guests 18+
Wine Stories with Larry Cherubino
Renowned for his precision and passion, winemaker Larry Cherubino is the award-winning talent behind his own acclaimed Cherubino Wines as well as the celebrated Robert Oatley range and several standout new labels. Drawing from premium vineyards across Australia’s most iconic wine regions, Larry offers a rare opportunity to explore the country's diverse terroir. Join him for an exclusive tasting of ten exceptional varieties and regions, beginning with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck to awaken your palate. Enjoy a tasting plate curated by Bommie Chef Ryan Locke and take home a special bottle selected from the Oatley cellar.
When: Thursday 21 August 11am – 1.00pm
Location: Bommie Restaurant
Inclusions: Wine and tasting plate
Dress: Smart casual
Cost: $90 per person
Lunch on the Greens at Hamilton Island Golf Club
Ferry across to Dent Island for a long lunch that’s big on flavour, scenery and soul. Hosted at the open-air Clubhouse at Hamilton Island Golf Club, this leisurely afternoon kicks off with a glass of Piper Heidsieck Champagne and unfolds into three indulgent courses of fresh, seasonal fare, matched with fine wines and sweeping Whitsunday views. Add the laidback sounds of live music drifting across the greens, and you’ve got a Race Week afternoon worth lingering over.
A must-do for food lovers, wine lovers—and anyone who loves a good time.
When: Thursday 21 August 11am – 3.30pm
Location: Hamilton Island Golf Club – Dent Island Ferry Departure 11am returning at 3.30pm.
Inclusions: Three-course menu, champagne on arrival and matching wines.
Dress: Smart casual resort wear
Cost: $240 per person
Front Row with Impulsive Superyacht
You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy the thrill of Race Week! Step aboard the magnificent 130ft Italian Impulsive Superyacht and cruise alongside the action with a glass of Champagne and gourmet canapes in hand. This unforgettable two-hour cruise brings you close to the sailing action in comfort and style – no sailing experience required.
When: Sunday 17 August (10am – 12pm) Tuesday 19 August (1.00pm to 3.00pm), Friday 22 August (10am – 12pm)
Location: Departure from Hamilton Island Marina, opposite the Hamilton Island Yacht Club
Inclusions: Two-hour superyacht cruise, champagne and canapés
Dress: Smart resort wear
Cost: $280 per person
Please note: This event is exclusively for guests 18+. Shoes must be removed on board.
Under the Stars: A Beachside Dinner with Alanna and Larry
As the sun sinks to the Coral Sea horizon, settle in for an intimate beachside dinner under the stars. Lauded chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone (Arc Dining, The Eltham Hotel) creates a seasonal menu paired with wines from WHIPBIRD – a bold new label bringing fresh energy and a new perspective to Australian wine. Celebrated winemaker and connoisseur Larry Cherubino will share stories and behind-the scenes details of his craft as you unwind, sip, and savour on the shore of Catseye Bay.
When: Thursday 21 August, 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Location: Catseye Beach
Inclusions: Champagne on arrival, four-course wine-paired menu
Dress: Resort Chic
Cost: $350 per person
The Sundays Long Lunch with Josh Niland presented by MECCA Cosmetica
An indulgent long lunch at Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays’ signature restaurant by super chef Josh Niland (Saint Peter, Sydney), presented by MECCA Cosmetica. Enjoy a multi-course feast celebrating fresh Australian produce at its peak, paired with a selection of local wines and a chilled glass of Charles Heidsieck to start. A relaxed, flavour-filled afternoon that’s pure Sundays - and pure MECCA Cosmetica.
When: Friday 22 August, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Location: Catseye Pool Club – The Sundays
Inclusions: Champagne on arrival, four-course wine paired menu
Dress: Resort Chic
Race Week 40: The Celebration Dinner
Mark the Grand Finale of Race Week at the Official Celebration Dinner – a milestone celebration of 40 years of sailing, stories and standout moments.
Hosted by Mark Beretta, a long-time Race Week favourite, this special evening is your chance to toast the spirit of the regatta, applaud the 2025 champions and recognise those who have made this iconic event so memorable.
Raise a glass to four decades of camaraderie, competition and unforgettable moments, then dance the night away to live music as we close another extraordinary Race Week the only way we know how - Hamilton Island style.
When: Saturday 23 August, 7.00pm - 11.00pm
Location: Hamilton Island Conference Centre
Inclusions: Three-course menu, selected wines, beers and live music.
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost: $170 per person