A Series of World-Class Events

Hamilton Island has built a reputation for a growing number of internationally renowned sporting and cultural events held throughout the year. Whatever you fancy, there's something for everyone and the thriving local community welcomes everyone to take part in a full calendar of activities. They also provide a great reason to invite friends and family to stay and participate in the festivities.

If sport is your thing, then the Island delivers, and the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the region's highlights. With its rich sailing heritage, the Island plays host to Australia's largest offshore sailing regatta in August each year, bringing spectators and yachties from around the world for an exciting line up of on and offshore events. This is followed by a gourmet dinner, fashion events, golf and tennis clinics, and plenty of wine tasting.

The Hamilton Island Endurance Series spans five endurance events from May to November and is not for the faint of heart. The Hamilton Island Half Marathon, Clash of the Paddles, Great Whitehaven Beach Run, Hamilton Island Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim provide a true test of strength and fitness for athletes of all ages and levels.

Each year, Hamilton Island also hosts the Mother's Day Classic - Walk in the Park, a fundraiser for breast cancer research and a tribute to incredible mums all over the nation.

The Island offers the perfect setting for a range of cultural events designed to inspire and excite. Join The Australian Ballet at qualia for an intimate and exclusive weekend of Pas de Deux in Paradise and watch two outdoor performances set against a stunning backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands.

For a fabulous foodie event, enjoy the Great Barrier Feast culinary series showcasing the finest Australian chefs. The event lets you get behind-the-scenes cooking techniques in a truly breathtaking setting at qualia resort, named Best in the World in the 2012 US Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards. Over the course of a weekend, you'll have the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in fantastic food and wine, whilst learning tips and tricks from some of the best in the business.

Weekends of Wonderment is a new event series at qualia designed to appeal to those with a love affair for all things luxurious and artisanal, and includes candle-making classes, hands-on crabbing experiences with a marine biologist, top chefs, floral master classes and an elegant dinner prepared by a renowned guest chef.

If getting outside into the natural environment is your thing, then consider a photography workshop with the annual Away the Art of Photography course available to both guests and residents of the Island.