The Whitsundays is one of the world’s most iconic areas, known for its location near the Great Barrier Reef. Although this archipelago of islands covers more than 2,600 km2, only seven are inhabited. With so many breathtaking places to see and things to do in the Whitsundays, the hardest part is deciding where you’d like to go. If you only have a short time in the area, there are ways to make the most of your time see the best the Whitsundays has to offer. Let me take you on a journey with me. It was an experience of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful places in Australia.
A stunning sunset in Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays. Image © Kerri McConnel
Getting to the Whitsundays
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Getting to the Whitsundays is simple. Airlie Beach is the closest town to the Whitsundays on the mainland and often the first stop for visitors. Proserpine Airport, is a about a 40 minute drive from Airlie Beach. Search flights to the Whitsundays. A pre-booked shuttle such as Whitsundays2Everywhere is a fuss-free way to get into Airlie Beach. Once you are in Airlie Beach, you can access the Whitsundays by boat or by air. Both offer the opportunity to take in incredible views on the journey.
Things to do in the Whitsundays
Start in Airlie Beach
No trip to the Whitsundays is complete without staying for at least a few days in Airlie Beach. Whilst Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, it’s a destination in its own right. Read our guide to what to do in Airlie Beach.
The stunning blues and green of Hardy Reef from above. Image © Kerri McConnel
Visit Hardy Reef
To say I was excited about going out to Hardy Reef was an understatement. Located 39 nautical miles off the mainland, Hardy Reef is famous for several things. It’s known for being a place where divers and snorkellers alike flock to. Here, the reef wall provides a home for hundreds of different kinds of marine animals and corals. Its calm, protected waters make it the perfect place to witness all that the Great Barrier Reef has on offer. Hardy Reef is also known for its proximity to Heart Reef, a heart-shaped coral reef in the middle of Hardy Lagoon.
Like most areas in the Whitsundays, ferries, aircraft and private boats may be used to get to almost anywhere in the area. For our trip to Hardy Reef, we boarded a ferry from the Port of Airlie Marina. Operated by Cruise Whitsundays, they offer a range of day trips, excursions and experiences. Seating is available outside and on upper decks, ideal for those prone to sea sickness. As we were “reef sleeping”, we had reserved spots inside the catamaran, complete with air conditioning, comfortable chairs and a dedicated host. As the boat motored off a safety briefing was provided.
The trip out to Hardy Reef takes about three hours, depending on how the sea behaves. On the day we are there, the seas were a little angry, but the power of the catamaran means that you don’t feel most of it. Occasionally, the boat rocked from side to side, enough to elicit a few gasps from unsuspecting passengers. If you are subject to seasickness, take some medication 30 minutes before you travel. During the trip, staff will come and discuss the activities available at the reef with you and ensure that everything is in place for your arrival. Medical forms, noting allergies, medical issues and emergency contact details must be completed by anyone who wishes to participate in the activities at Hardy Reef.
The trip out to the reef offers a chance to sit back and relax before you spend the rest of the day being very active. There is a kiosk on board and tea, coffee and water are provided as part of your journey. Once in the open water, the scenery becomes the much of the same, with the odd island and plenty of blue ocean and you may even spot a whale during the winter months.
Heart Pontoon offers a great push-off point for snorkelling and divers want to explore the reef. Image © Kerri McConnel
Go Snorkelling From Heart Pontoon
As the catamaran pulled up alongside the Hardy Reef Heart Pontoon, my first impression was that it was huge. Two levels of deck provides the perfect place to house hundreds of day trippers, all eager to get out into the water. We arrived at high tide, the reef instantly noticeable by the clear, turquoise waters. Like a thin ribbon, the reef appears to move and sway as the waves wash gently over it.
The level of excitement elevated once everyone got onto the pontoon. People started stripping down to their swimwear, others went to find the perfect set of flippers and masks. The divers, a group in need of more technically superior equipment went to sort out their needs. The buzz was palpable. With the divers fully covered in wet suits, they are well protected from anything that might bite in the ocean. Snorkellers are less protected, so it was great to see that “stinger” suits are provided here for use by all snorkellers. Whilst snorkelling here is very safe, these warm waters are also home to the dangerous Irukandji and Box jellyfish. Wearing a stinger suit means you can snorkel in these waters as long as you like without ever being fearful. Besides, we all looked just as silly as each other when wearing them.
The incredible underwater show waiting for snorkellers in the Whitsundays. Image © Kerri McConnel
For beginner snorkellers, there are ropes that you can hang onto and rest stations should you need a break. The pontoon team is always on lookout, from boats and the pontoon lifeguard tower. Day trippers can snorkel and dive until the boat returns to the mainland, via Hamilton Island at 3 pm, each day. Lunch is provided on board.
Some of the beauty on display while snorkelling Hardy Reef, the Whitsundays. Image © Kerri McConnel
A semi-submersible boat carries passengers out around the reef to view the underwater world from a different perspective. Glass viewing panels bring the sea to those who perhaps can’t go snorkelling or diving themselves. The pontoon also has a third level, one that is underneath the water, also providing for constant access to the marine life whilst on board.
Reefsleep offers a once in a lifetime experience to sleep near Hardy Reef in the Whitsundays. Image © Kerri McConnel
Sleep On the Ocean with Reefsleep
“The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The day trippers sojourn out to the reef ends at 3 pm. Their salty bodies, tired from swimming about on the reef, minds tired from all they had seen piled back onto the boat, carefully counted one by one. We were happy to wave them goodbye, because their departure signalled the unique part of our Hardy Reef experience. We were ready for Reefsleep. If I was excited to go to the reef, staying overnight here was the peak of that excitement.
Reefsleep is indeed a unique experience. It’s surreal. Left alone by the day trippers, we looked around and realised we were the only people here, in the middle of the ocean. We were truly isolated. It’s not spooky, or weird, or even frightening. It’s quite the opposite. It’s liberating and calming all at the same time. There isn’t any mobile phone service either, so no beeps and rings to shatter the serenity.
