Hamilton Island has been named Travel Brand of the Year – Destination at the 2026 Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards, recognizing the Australian island’s evolving brand, marketing strategy and creative work. The award follows a period of significant investment, including the debut of The Sundays boutique hotel, a refreshed dining scene featuring Catseye Pool Club by Josh and Julie Niland, and updates to longtime island favorites. In August 2025, Hamilton Island also launched A Little Island Can Do Wonders, its first major brand campaign since 2017, inviting travelers to rediscover the Whitsundays destination.

At the heart of the island’s latest chapter is a broader evolution of the guest experience, from its 20 restaurants and extensive activities to its access to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef. With 70 percent of the island protected, Hamilton Island combines resort amenities with opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape, while recent accolades for properties including qualia and The Sundays add to its growing international profile.

The Curated Take: The award is less about a single campaign than what Hamilton Island has built around it. The destination is using new hospitality, dining and experiences to give travelers a fresh reason to return, while its latest branding connects that evolution back to the simple appeal of an island escape. It is a useful reminder that a strong destination brand has to keep giving travelers something new to discover.

Photo credit: Hamilton Island

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