In a world-first, qualia guests can now experience unprecedented access to the iconic Heart Reef lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef, with the launch of ‘Heart Island’.

Exclusive to guests of Hamilton Island, Heart Island is only accessible via helicopter. Developed by Hamilton Island Air, the state of the art split level pontoon caters for only six guests at a time.

The journey to Heart Island involves a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach before approaching the Great Barrier Reef. After arriving at Heart Island, guests can expect to board a futuristic glass-bottom boat, especially designed and customised for Heart Island, before making the short journey to the Heart Reef.

After exploring the Heart Reef by boat, guests will have the opportunity to snorkel around the coral in the neighbouring lagoons before returning to Heart Island for refreshments and a swim off the pontoon.

Developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Heart Island commenced construction following a two-year environmental impact study. The pontoon has been designed to be ecologically sustainable, is moored in sand and is powered by wind and solar. Heart Island does not carry waste and only operates within a designated lagoon where regular reef health monitoring takes place.

Hamilton Island’s Heart Island experience costs $999 per person, aged 14 years and above and includes a return scenic helicopter flight, tour of Heart Reef, snorkelling equipment and light catering.