New Tourism in Queensland July 2019

Heart Reef

Suffering scUber or Reef withdrawals? Jump on four new ways to explore the biodiversity of Australia's most valuable natural asset, the Great Barrier Reef.

Sleep on the reef in a new style with Lady Musgrave Experience
Twenty-four guests, three levels, two days of 360-degree magical views. That just about sums up Lady Musgrave Experience's fresh take on how to sleep on the reef. The company has announced it will construct a 36m, three-level pontoon providing overnight accommodation plus an underwater observatory on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Construction is set to start in August with an anticipated launch date in the first half of 2020. The two-day stay will cost $550pp with a maximum of 24 guests and will include snorkelling and reef experiences.

More information:
Lady Musgrave Experience
P: 07 4151 5225
E: admin@ladymusgraveexperience.com.au
W: ladymusgraveexperience.com.au

Heart Reef Pontoon
Escape the banal and take off to the Great Barrier Reef's most recognizable landmark – Heart Reef – on a 'James Bond-style experience with Hamilton Island Air. The luxury tour starts with a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the islands of the Whitsundays before landing on a floating pontoon aptly named Heart Island. Located only a flipper kick or two away from the pontoon is Heart Reef where guests can explore the most photographed bommie in the world before drinking in (with a glass of champagne) the vast, turquoise views. Hamilton Island's Heart Island experience departs daily and includes a scenic return flight, a glass-bottom boat tour of Heart Reef lagoon, snorkelling equipment, light catering and beverages. The three-hour adventure costs $999 per person aged 14 years and above.

More information:
Hamilton Island Air
W: www.hamiltonislandair.com
P:61 7 4969 9599
E: fly@hamiltonislandair.com

Say hello to Hayman
One of the most iconic and closest private islands to the Great Barrier Reef is back after a massive $135 million revamp! The exclusive Hayman Island Resort has reopened this month (July 1) in the idyllic Whitsunday region under one of the world's leading hotel companies – InterContinental Hotel Group. From diving excursions to guided tropical hikes across the island, guests can swim with turtles in the picture-perfect surroundings or experience the magic from the air via helicopter or seaplane offering breathtaking views of the Whitsundays.

The Keppel Explorer

The Keppel Explorer
Take a spin around the island that helped coin the much loved “Get Wrecked on Great Keppel” advertising campaign of the 1980s. The exhilarating boat tour, done in a fast-speed 12-seat RIB, is the only way to island-hop all North and South Keppel Islands AND circumnavigate Great Keppel Island. Explore secret beaches, take in stunning backdrops and spot secret caves. Just remember to BYO lunch. The Keppel Explorer departs daily from Keppel Bay Marina, near Yeppoon at 09:30 am and returns at 2.00pm. Prices start from $99 per adult. Visit www.keppelexplorer.com.au.

While you're there – check out the Great Barrier Reef Festival!
Hailed as the party in the north for its celebration of the Whitsundays' lifestyle, the Great Barrier Reef Festival unites and ignites the vibrant town of Airlie Beach. The four-day event offers Beats on the Beach, a Revvin' Reef Car Show and a regatta with a difference: rafts made purely from recyclables. The 2019 Great Barrier Reef Festival is held from August 1-4.

For more information visit www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au.

Tourism and Events Queensland

For more information, please go to www.queensland.com or www.blog.queensland.com