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Whitsundays program pitch
The magnificent Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef have white sandy beaches to walk, wildlife to cuddle, biodiverse reefs to explore and azure waters to cruise. This three-day program will see you discover Queensland’s tropical playground by land, sea and air.
Day 1
Ricochet Yachting, Hamilton Island, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Touch down at Hamilton Island Airport and enjoy the scenic drive to qualia – the island’s luxury retreat with 60 individual pavilions. Stretch the travel from your limbs with a private yoga session in Spa qualia’s Yoga Pavilion. Next, sit down to a fresh lunch on the Pebble Beach veranda. While soaking in the restaurant’s pretty views, you’ll be visited by some of Hamilton’s cutest residents.
Then it’s a private transfer to the beginning of the Passage Peak trail. Here you’ll be met by a knowledgeable Hamilton Island Guide who’ll detail the island’s history, ecology and regeneration efforts as well as help you spot wallabies, tropical birds and sea life. At the peak, enjoy the spectacular views from the newly opened viewing platform.
After a refresh, hop aboard a private boat for a short cruise across the passage, complete with canapés and drinks. Disembark on Dent Island (home to the scenic Hamilton Island Golf course), which will act as your private island for the evening. Dine on a three-course contemporary Australian menu at the Hamilton Island Golf Clubhouse.
Contact:
Hamilton Island
(For all Hamilton Island accommodation, tours, restaurant and cruise enquiries)
jford@hamiltonisland.com.au
hamiltonisland.com.au
Day 2
Reefworld Pontoon at Hardy Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at Long Pavilion before checking out of qualia and transferring to Hamilton Island Marina. Then it’s a smooth two-hour cruise out to Hardy Reef where you’ll check into Cruise Whitsundays’ floating hotel.
Once settled, take a trip down to the underwater observatory where you may spot green sea turtles nibbling on the algae. Afterwards it’s back on deck for lunch and a talk about the almighty ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef from Cruise Whitsundays’ in-house marine biologist.
Equipped with your newfound reef expertise, it’s time to view the ecosystem up-close with a trip in a semi-submarine, followed by a guided dive or snorkel. Enjoy sunset drinks, followed by a seafood dinner and when the night sky settles, an astronomer will walk you through the twinkling galaxy above.
Once you’re ready to turn in for the evening, choose from queen-sized luxury Australian bedrolls – also known as swags – located on the upper deck, with brilliant panoramas of the star-filled night sky. Or head 13 feet below the surface to the two Reefsuites and wake up to front-row views of the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 3
Hayman Island Resort, The Whitsundays, Queensland © InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Make the most of the calm morning waters and head out for another snorkel. Then it’s a light breakfast before awaiting the arrival of your helicopter to the roof of the pontoon. Your scenic Hamilton Island Air flight will tour the best of the Whitsundays’ natural beauty, including the famous Heart Reef.
The aerial tour will end with your arrival at the private InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. Hayman Island is located at the northern tip of the Whitsundays and the resort opened under the InterContinental banner in 2019, with 168 rooms, suites and villas.
Head poolside for a zesty tropical lunch at Aqua and a brief talk about running an eco-conscious resort in the middle of a World Heritage Area. You’ll learn about the resort’s eco-strategies, including the reef-safe sunscreen initiative and the clever recycling of glass on the island.
Next, it’s an afternoon cruise to some of the island’s pristine white sandy beaches aboard a luxury launch. Finally, to toast your three-day jaunt across paradise, head to Arkhurst’s Private Dining Room for a stunning dinner, paired with some of Australia’s best wines.
