One of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands speckled among shockingly blue water and endless reef systems, Hayman Island stands out as a one-stop holiday destination in the region.
709,000 Aussies and 199,000 international travellers visited the Whitsundays in 2024 to explore the Great Barrier Reef, luxe dining and drinking offerings, and idyllic lifestyle experiences—and bundles them all together at one destination on Hayman Island that’s more than a little White Lotus-esque.
As the only accommodation and facilities on the island, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef offers everything you need for a dreamy getaway: numerous restaurants and bars, swimming pools overlooking white sand beaches, a tranquil spa, kid-friendly activities, and loads of add-ons to make a trip truly memorable.
Laid-Back Luxury
If your idea of a dream holiday looks like cocktails by the pool, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s two breathtaking swimming pools—and their bars—tick the box.
At the main pool (the largest in Australia, and maybe even the Southern Hemisphere...), you can sip spicy margaritas, frozen cocktails, and Mexican-inspired eats like local reef fish tacos from . Steps away, you'll find guaranteed peace and quiet at Coconut Beach: an adults-only strip of sand where staff will gladly deliver your drinks.
Over at the infinity pool closer to the resort's centre, there are semi-private cabanas, day beds for two, palm tree-shaded lounges, and a stunning ocean view to pair with a spritz and pan-Asian eats from .
Outdoors And Action-Packed
It goes without saying that exploring the Great Barrier Reef—and countless smaller reef systems and bommies—is an essential Whitsundays experience. Vibrant underwater ecosystems can be accessed just metres off Hayman Island’s shore; Blue Pearl Bay (a 45-minute, moderate hike across the island) is home to rays, harmless reef sharks, turtles, and colourful fish species galore. You can hire snorkelling gear to take it at your own pace, or join a from $50pp.
If keeping active is a holiday essential, you can enjoy like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and two-person catamaran sailing; hitting the tennis, basketball or squash courts; exploring the various hiking paths; or sticking to your workout plan in the comprehensively equipped gym.
The Adventure Lounge in InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef's central building is your go-to for booking experiences like weaving between nearby islands, to the iconic Heart Reef or Whitehaven Beach, fishing tours, stand-up paddleboard yoga, and private picnic outings to tiny nearby islands.
Group Stays Or Loved-Up Escapes
Across its 182 guest rooms, suites and villas, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef has accommodation to suit Whitsundays getaways from group gatherings to loved-up escapes.
The premium overlooking the resort have four king bedrooms, with private pools, dedicated buggies for getting around, and a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue area (with in-residence catering options, too). For smaller groups or families, boast private open-air plunge pools and outdoor showers, super-king bedrooms and direct beach access, while the three-bedroom , , and two- and three-bedroom have room to spread out.
Closer to the waterline, the swim-up, one-bedroom are a perfect pad for two with double balconies and daybeds offering swim-out access to Hayman Pool, deep bathtubs, and a spacious dressing room with luxury amenities, with more one-bedroom rooms and suites in the resort's Pool and Lagoon Wings.
Couples can book romantic experiences like private four-course , couples spa treatments, private picnics on nearby islands, guided wine tastings, and around the Whitsundays.
Fam-Friendly Fun
Cocktails and champagne cruises aside, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is a paradise for kids of all ages. From the (available during school holidays for kids 4–12 years) to the calm and shallow beaches for paddling and exploring, there’s plenty to keep children occupied on Hayman Island.
Budding nature-lovers will love animal-spotting species like rock wallabies, wobbegong sharks, rays and abundant bird species, and can join free at the marina every day. If the adults need a night off, there’s also a babysitting service with experienced supervisors, and all four restaurants either have a dedicated kids menu, or ample kid-friendly options.
Getting To Hayman Island
The smoothest way to get to for your Hayman Island holiday is to fly to Hamilton Island (it’s serviced by Jetstar, QANTAS and Virgin daily) and hop on ; it’s about a one-hour journey, and the complimentary drinks start as soon as you step on board.
If you’re in a rush and have cash to splash, you can book helicopter transfers or private boat charters from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.
Now, read up on the new Whitsundays resort opening in 2027.
Image credit: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef | Supplied
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