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Home > Australia & New Zealand > Recommended Experiences  > Great Barrier Reef
     
 
Great Barrier Reef Islands  
     

One of Australia’s most popular attractions, this aquatic playground is teeming with colorful fish, rare birds and alluring islands.  The crow jewel of the Great Barrier Reef is the chain of 74 islands making up the Whitsunday Islands.  Uninhabited and stunningly beautiful, the Whitsunday’s are a paradise for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking and sailing.  After a day of playing Robinson Crusoe, retreat to a luxurious resort where paradise and pampering blend seamlessly.

View a selection of Excursions in the Great Barrier Reef Islands.


 

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Hayman

Renowned for its elegance, service and superior location, Hayman is the ultimate in classic sophistication for the world-class traveler. With champagne in hand, the luxurious Hayman launch spirits you away to one of the finest resorts in the world. Hayman’s rooms, suites, penthouses and villa are beautifully appointed with services and facilities befitting a world class resort and private terraces or balconies offer breathtaking views of the magnificent pools, ponds, gardens, beach and Coral Sea. Abounding in lush, tropical growth, encircled with white sand and surrounded by coral reefs and warm waters, this island will be sure to indulge all your senses and embed life-lasting memories.


   

     

Hamilton Island

Situated in the heart of the Whitsunday Island group, this place has something for all tastes and budgets. Different accommodation styles make this an ideal destination for families and honeymooners alike, from sea view apartments to bungalows set in tropical gardens, and from self-contained 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villas that include your very own golf buggy (to get around the island) to the simple sophistication and exclusivity of Beach Club, ideal for couples who want to indulge and get away from it all.


   
     

qualia

qualia is nestled neatly into the northern tip of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.   Its distinctive Australian style combined with a secluded location and intuitive service makes a luxurious resort on world-class standards. Everything has been meticulously considered so it relaxes the mind, yet completely spoils the senses. There are 60 individual pavilions, all boasting stunning vistas of the Whitsundays and some featuring plunge pools. The two exclusive restaurants within qualia both offer the freshest and finest local produce. Enjoy the ultimate in fine dining, or a more relaxed, casual experience. 

You can also find peace in your favorite pleasure. Workout in the gym, go for a bushwalk, soak in one of the two serene pools, have a cocktail by the bar or step inside the exclusive spa. Spa qualia offers the ultimate in anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing treatments. If you’re after more adventure, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. You can go sailing, fishing, whale watching (July to November), snorkeling with turtles or deep sea diving. qualia is a truly unique place that must be visited to be fully appreciated.  With a direct flight taking only two hours from international gateway cities on Australia’s east coast, qualia truly is a world-class destination without the journey.


   
 
     
Lizard Island

Outstanding in every respect. Renowned for its 24 powdery white beaches as well as spectacular diving opportunities, Lizard Island takes pride in being one of only a few to be nestled right on the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, and whilst the fish may not respect your privacy, rest assured the staff on the island will. Accommodation on Lizard seamlessly blends indoors and out in an elegant open plan design – the essence of stylish Australian beachside living. Choose an Anchor Bay Suite for captivating sea views and your own pathway leading directly to the beach. Or, for greater privacy, hide away in the comfort of a Sunset Point Villa set amongst native eucalyptus bush land. For sheer indulgence, choose The Pavilion – a combination of complete seclusion enveloping spectacular panoramic views. Lizard is island luxury at its finest.


   

 

     
Orpheus Island

Orpheus is the ultimate romantic hideaway. Fringed by sheltered bays of unspoiled sandy beaches and wreathed in spectacular coral gardens, the resort is surrounded by 3,200 acres of protected National Park ensuring absolute tranquility. The style is distinctly Mediterranean, and the environment is unmistakably tropical Queensland, offering the ultimate in seclusion and privacy.


 
     
Dunk Island

The palm-fringed beaches and lush rainforests make this island ideal for those who want to get away from it all or who want to do it all. Perfect for families and couples alike, Dunk Island offers an array of activities that cater to all guests. Go horse-riding along the beach, play a round of golf, and indulge in a treatment at the Spa of Peace and Plenty.


 
     
Bedarra Island

For a private, high quality escape, Bedarra cannot be surpassed. It is a world of pampered luxury and is truly the ultimate retreat for the fortunate few. Your villa, built to take advantage of the immediate natural landscape, is just one of fifteen hidden in the rainforest. The villas are separated from each other by natural rainforest to ensure privacy, and offer magnificent ocean views, a separate living area, private balcony and a charm all of its own. The emphasis is on peace and relaxation on Bedarra Island where the natural beauty, seclusion, superior service, and exquisite food and fine wines combine to make your stay here an exclusive, indulgent experience.


   
     

Heron Island

Known as a nature lover’s retreat, Heron is a coral cay located right on the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim straight off the beach to a garden of coral where the waters are teeming with beautifully colored fish and marine life. You won’t see buildings above the tree line, and you won't bump into day-trippers either. Explore and discover the natural attractions on offer, from diving and snorkeling, to reef walks and bird watching. The relaxed island lifestyle on Heron promotes a sophisticated yet casual resort atmosphere to perfectly suit this natural paradise.

 
 
 

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