Heart Island is only accessible via helicopter, with the state-of-the-art, split-level pontoon catering to just six guests at a time
In a world-first, Hamilton Island guests can now experience unprecedented access to the iconic Heart Reef lagoon with the launch of ‘Heart Island’.
After a decade of development and an investment of over $2 million dollars, this is the first time visitors will be able to see the intricacies of the iconic coral formation up close, with only scenic flights previously being offered to the area.
Exclusive to guests of Hamilton Island, Heart Island is only accessible via helicopter, with the state-of-the-art, split-level pontoon catering to just six guests at a time.
Hamilton Island CEO, Glenn Bourke, said Heart Island elevated the luxury offering of the Whitsundays and complemented the standard of accommodation available on Hamilton Island. “Heart Island provides our guests with an unsurpassable way to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Since being purchased by the Oatley family in 2003, Hamilton Island has worked to become a world class destination, epitomised by our six star luxury resort qualia. We are proud to offer this preeminent experience for our guests in partnership with Hamilton Island Air.”
The journey to Heart Island involves a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach before approaching the Great Barrier Reef. After arriving at Heart Island, guests can expect to board a futuristic glass-bottom boat, especially designed and customised for Heart Island, before making the short journey to the Heart Reef itself.
After exploring the Heart Reef by boat, guests will have the opportunity to snorkel around the coral in the neighbouring lagoons before returning to Heart Island for refreshments and a swim off the pontoon itself.
Developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Heart Island commenced construction following a two-year environmental impact study. The pontoon has been designed to be ecologically sustainable, is moored in sand and is powered by wind and solar. Heart Island does not carry waste and only operates within a designated lagoon where regular reef health monitoring takes place.
Hamilton Island’s Heart Island experience is available for age 14 and above, costs $999 per person, including return scenic helicopter flight, tour of Heart Reef, snorkelling equipment and light catering.