Hamilton Island Race Week 2025

Lily Kerley

Updated Mon 28 Jul 2025

Hamilton Island Race Week returns to the Whitsundays between August 17th and 23rd, offering a week of exhilarating yacht races and vibrant onshore festivities on and around Hamilton Island. Known as one of the premier yachting events in the world, HIRW attracts sailors from all over the world to the Whitsundays! So, get ready for a week of speed, skill and fun for participants and spectators alike at the unmissable 2025 regatta! 

2025 marks Hamilton Island Race Week's 40th year - marking a full four decades of top-class sailing, phenomenal food and wine, and exquisite island events.

What is Hamilton Island Race Week?

Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta, an annual event based on the luxe Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. With thrilling races, onshore events like live music, workshops and food stalls, along with access to Hamilton Island’s luxury facilities and on-island activities, you’re in for an unforgettable week of sailing!

Sailing Competitions

HIRW features a series of competitive races among monohulls, multihulls, and cruising yachts. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands, the races will take place daily, with multiple heats depending on weather conditions. Having reached the capacity of entrants already, Hamilton Island Race Week is expected to be jam-packed and better than ever in 2025!

Hamilton Island Race Week Schedule

Onshore Events & Activities Calendar

During Hamilton Island Race Week, the Hamilton Island Marina comes alive with amazing entertainment, including live music acts, food offerings, market stalls and kid-friendly activities! 

Purchase Race Week event tickets here. Please note these events are subject to change.

How to see Hamilton Island Race Week

For the best race views, spectators can gather at the Hamilton Island Marina and various lookout points around the island. For those seeking a closer look, private charters and spectator boats are available, offering an intimate view of the action on the water.

Hire a boat

For those seeking the action, private charters and spectator boats are available from Hamilton Island, offering the best views of the races. Here are the best boats to head out on to get amongst Hamilton Island Race Week! 

Stay on Hamilton Island and head to vantage points

Best viewpoints for Race Week on Hamilton Island include:

• Catseye Beach: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the races while soaking up the sun.
• One Tree Hill: A popular lookout point that offers panoramic views of the racing action, perfect for sunset and boat watching. 
• Hamilton Island Yacht Club: A great spot right by the water to glimpse the Race Week action.
• The Marina: Get up close to the boats and feel the excitement of the races right by the water.
• Passage Peak: Pop your hiking shoes on and get the birds-eye view of Race Week with the ultimate vantage point!

Check out our favourite accommodation options on Hamilton Island for the best, luxe island stay for Race Week!

Discover Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the ultimate luxury destination in the Whitsundays; where sprawling views meet tropical indulgence. Make the most of your stay on Hamilton Island with our official visitor guide. Stay at modern resorts with ocean views, enjoy cocktails in swim-up pool bars, make the most of the surrounding beaches and reefs with water activities or simply kick your feet up and unwind!

Join the celebration of sailing excellence and island festivities at Hamilton Island Race Week 2025, where the thrill of the races meets the beauty of the Whitsundays.

Chat with our friendly travel agents to book your Hamilton Island Race Week holiday, from accommodation to spectator boats!