Josh and Julie Niland are very, very busy.
They recently relocated their seminal seafood restaurant, Saint Peter, to a much bigger space with an attached bar and hotel. Their North Sydney restaurant Peterman is packed every night. They run a fish butchery in Waterloo. They have a restaurant in Singapore. Josh routinely publishes best-selling cookbooks. Oh, and they have four kids.
Despite schedules that would make most people faint, the pair have no plans to slow down. In April 2025 they will open a restaurant at Hamilton Island boutique hotel The Sundays.
The Sundays, a 59-room family-friendly hotel, will itself also open in April next year. The property overlooks Catseye Beach and boasts sweeping views across the reef.
“Julie and I fell in love with the entire vision behind The Sundays,” says Josh in a statement. “It reflects so much of what we value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings. We can’t wait to introduce a dining experience that feels connected to the island and its incredible natural environment.”
While Josh Niland’s signature dishes – fish eye ice-cream, oysters and daintily plated cured fish – don’t necessarily scream “dinner with the kids”, Josh is drawing on his experience as a father to create a menu the whole family can enjoy together while taking in the stunning oceanfront view.
The menu will draw on Josh’s whole-fish approach to cooking and incorporate land-based proteins – a change he’s recently been embracing in his Sydney and Singapore restaurants.
“Josh and Julie’s approach to food is nothing short of exceptional. Their creativity and expertise will offer our guests an experience that is uniquely connected to the island’s natural setting,” says Hamilton Island acting CEO Nick Dowling. “We are delighted to welcome Josh and Julie’s family into ours as we embark on an exciting chapter for Hamilton Island. The Sundays marks the beginning of a bold food and beverage strategy, ensuring the island remains a must-visit destination.”
Booking for the hotel is now open. To celebrate the Nilands’ new restaurant, The Sundays is offering 10 per cent off and a $500 dining credit to guests that book a stay of four or more nights. The introductory offer concludes at 4pm on Tuesday December 3.
www.hamiltonisland.com.au/accommodation/the-Sundays
@thesundayshotel
@mrniland
@julieniland
