Set against the shimmering waters of Catseye Beach, Catseye Pool Club offers more than just a place to relax with a cocktail in hand - it’s a culinary destination that redefines poolside dining.
Created under the vision of acclaimed culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland, the venue brings their celebrated approach to sustainable, seafood-driven cuisine to the heart of Hamilton Island. Guests can expect food that is playful, thoughtful and executed with the precision that has made the couple two of Australia’s most admired figures in the dining scene.
A Must-try Dish: Charcoal-Grilled Coral Trout
Of all the dishes gracing the Catseye Pool Club menu, one stands as the signature: line-caught coral trout, grilled to perfection over charcoal. This fish, sourced just an hour away from the island, is widely regarded as one of the finest in Australia - if not the world.
At the hands of the Nilands’ culinary team, it becomes a showcase of freshness and restraint, letting the delicate sweetness of the fish shine. Seasonal accompaniments rotate throughout the year, ensuring each visit feels unique while celebrating the bounty of local waters.
Family-style Dining with a Difference
What truly distinguishes Catseye Pool Club is its family-style dining concept. Every dish is designed to be shared, arriving at the table as a visually striking spread intended for two or more. This creates a dining experience that feels communal, relaxed and inclusive - perfectly suited to the island’s holiday spirit.
Children are naturally woven into this approach. Rather than being sidelined with a separate meal, they can share in the same dishes as the adults, discovering new flavours in a way that feels effortless.
For families who prefer a more tailored option, a kids’ menu is still available, but the intent is clear: food at Catseye Pool Club is about bringing everyone together. Even the small details - like careful balancing of sauces, garnishes and sides - have been designed to make the experience stress-free for parents and exciting for younger diners.
A Hidden Gem: Wood-fired Souvlaki at the Pool Bar
Beyond the signature seafood, there’s also a secret that many guests don’t discover until they settle into a poolside lounge chair: the venue serves an exclusive list of souvlaki straight from its wood-fired oven, available only at the pool bar. Smoky, char-grilled and endlessly satisfying, they’re the perfect grab-and-go dish for those soaking up the sunshine.
A Pool Club With Purpose
In bringing their philosophy to Hamilton Island, Josh and Julie Niland have created more than just another resort restaurant. Catseye Pool Club embodies their values of sustainability, family and celebration of the ocean, all in a setting that’s as relaxed as it is refined.
Whether you’re tucking into the coral trout that defines the menu, sharing platters that fill the table with colour and flavour, or discovering souvlaki as an unexpected highlight, Catseye Pool Club offers an experience that lingers long after you’ve left the water’s edge.
It’s not just a meal - it’s a slice of the Hamilton Island lifestyle, elevated by two of Australia’s most exciting culinary minds.
