Now you can see Australia's iconic 'Heart Reef' up close
When it comes to photogenic reefs, it doesn't get much more iconic than the Whitsunday's iconic Heart Reef.
Until recently, the only way you could see it was from way, way above, on a scenic flight.
Now, after more than a decade of development and an investment of over $2 million, visitors to the region will be able to see it up close with the launch of Heart Island.
Now, visitors can see the icon up close for the first time ever. @saltywings
Hamilton Island invested $2 million in the attraction. @saltywings
The world-first reef tour is available exclusively to guests of Hamilton Island, with the attraction developed in conjunction with Hamilton Island Air.
Heart Island is a man-built eco pontoon only accessible by helicopter.
The experience elevates the region's luxury offerings, according to Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke.
Heart Island is essentially a man-built eco pontoon. @saltywings
Guests will get to travel in a glass-bottomed boat to the marine attraction. @saltywings
"Heart Island provides our guests with an unsurpassable way to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef," Bourke said in a statement.
"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."
For those lucky enough to tick off the bucket-list marine experience, the journey begins with a 30-minute scenic flight over the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach, before arriving at the Great Barrier Reef.
After visiting the famous reef, guests can return to the pontoon for more swimming and refreshments. @saltywings
After landing at Heart Island, guests board a futuristic glass-bottom boat specially designed for the task, and are transported to the famous reef site.
Visitors will then be able to snorkel around the coral, taking in the intricacies of the reef and nearby lagoons, before returning to the island for refreshments and more snorkelling time off the pontoon.
The new attraction ups the luxury offerings in the region. @saltywings
The Heart Island experience upholds lofty sustainability standards. @saltywings
The pontoon has been designed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to ensure it meets sustainability standards — the structure is moored in sand to avoid reef degradation, and is powered by wind and solar. The pontoon also lays claim to being waste-free, and only operates in a designated area closely monitored for reef health.
The whole experience costs $999 per person, aged 14 years and above, including a return scenic helicopter flight, Heart Reef tour, and refreshments.
For more information or bookings visit hamiltonisland.com.au.
