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Great Barrier Reef

The reef is a World Heritage - listed wonder, and an essential Australian travel experience - and the Whitsundays are right in the heart of it! Perfectly poised just off the central Queensland coast, access to the reef is easy here: step off the beach from your island resort and see what you can see or explore the mesmerising underwater world of the outer reef at the permanently moored pontoon - with snorkelling, and semi-submarine tours.

Hardy Reef

Hardy Reef is part of the Great Barrier Reef, off the Whitsundays coast of Australia.

The pontoon sits above colourful Hardy Reef, one of the many thousand small reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef. A coral wall, home to an ecosystem of magnificent corals and marine life runs adjacent to the pontoon. Hundreds of fish species at Hardy Reef will surprise and delight you - especially the giant groper.

Giving the reef that magical feel is an intricate garden of hard and soft coral thriving in sheltered lagoons. The bright colours and amusing antics of anemone, parrotfish and sometimes even turtles and reef sharks, captivate all. It is common to see tusk fish, cuttlefish, morays, barracudas, unicorn fish, surgeonfish, angelfish, starfish, feather stars and much more.

The Experience

Your journey begins with a cruise to the outer reef through the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands - keep an eye out for migrating Humpback Whales between July and September. Out on the reef, go swimming and snorkelling, ride in a semi-submarine and visit the underwater observatory - followed by a generous buffet lunch. Optional upgrades include guided snorkel safaris, scuba-diving and heli-scenic flights.

After the day-trippers head back to shore, the pontoon and the reef are exclusively yours. Enjoy a sunset drink before your evening meal is served on deck, featuring fresh and delicious local produce. Afterwards, head for the pontoon's top level and slip into your cosy swag - it's just you, the ocean and a galaxy of stars.

Dawn on the reef is peaceful and unhurried. There's time for some more snorkelling after breakfast – the reef is all yours to enjoy - or return to the underwater observatory and watch the reef come to life. After lunch, your Cruise Whitsundays vessel returns you to the mainland. Your night on the reef may be over, but your Reefsleep memories will stay with you forever.

Highlights and Inclusions

• Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays to the outer reef
• Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
• Access to underwater observatory
• Semi-submarine guided tour
• Two morning and two afternoon teas, two lunches, dinner and breakfast
• Overnight accommodation in Reefbeds under the stars
• Optional activities (own expense): guided snorkelling safaris, scuba diving and heli-scenic flights

Underwater Observatory

For those who don't want to get wet, you'll still be able to discover the amazing underwater world. The pontoon has a spectacular underwater viewing observatory.

The observatory sits underneath the pontoon. It's an incredible space with one whole side of the room fitted with full length windows, showcasing an amazing wild aquarium of reef life. Only inches from the glass, you'll see colourful schools of fish and you'll also be able to watch the entertaining antics of the divers as they explore their surrounds.

Semi submarine

This is the perfect way to explore the reef, learning as you go. On board the semi submarine, there is a reef interpreter providing an informative commentary on all the interesting things you'll see. This is great for all ages and means everyone can see the magic of the reef without even getting into the water.

Snorkelling at your leisure

Of course the highlight of visiting the Great Barrier Reef is getting into the water to discover what lies beneath. If you want to see the best of the reef, take a guided Snorkel Safari (optional extra at own expense) or, you're welcome to cruise around at your leisure.

There are marker buoys and ropes clearly indicating the areas you are free to explore and the staff will be happy to provide directions. If you are not confident swimming please make sure you let staff know. There is a lifeguard station, buoyancy aids and instructors for first time snorkellers.

Menu

Please download the menu for your peruse

*Menu is reference only and subject to change seasonally without notice.