Great Barrier Reef Tours
Reefsleep. Stay overnight on Hardy Reef pontoon on Cruise Whitsundays's terrific two-day Reefsleep package: it includes all meals, use of the pontoon's extensive facilities, and the chance to enjoy turtles, reef sharks and colorful tropical fish without the day-tripping crowd. The cost includes fast transport to and from the pontoon and a full 24 hours on it; breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, and buffet lunches both days; and a restaurant-quality dinner, on deck in the underwater viewing chamber, with spotlit fish circling overhead—as well as accommodation (for a maximum of 10 guests). Use of snorkeling gear, wet suits, bath towels, and Reefworld's many facilities, including reef presentations and semi-submersible tours, is free. Optional extras include guided "Reef Safari" snorkeling tours (A$45); guided scuba dives for beginners (A$119) and certified divers (A$99), with second dives an additional A$59; night dives; scenic heli-flights over the reef; and massages (from A$25). The cost of the Reefsleep experience for two people sharing a king room, is A$489 per person (A$699 for single occupancy); it's A$440 per person in a double or king single swag (a low tent with viewing panel, mattress and bedding) under the stars, reef tax included. Airlie Beach, Queensland, 4802. 07/4846–7000; www.cruisewhitsundays.com. A$489 (king guestroom), A$440 (swag).
Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. On the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef sits magnificent Hardy Reef Lagoon, and within it sits Reefworld, a state-of-the-art pontoon around which you can snorkel and dive along easy coral trails. There's a large underwater viewing chamber, a spacious sun deck, change rooms and fresh-water showers, a kid-friendly snorkeling area, and a child-minding service. There's even a massage hut and accommodation for Reefsleep guests. There are many ways to explore the underwater environs: take a semisubmersible coral-viewing tour, guided snorkel safari (A$45), or an introductory (A$119) or certified dive (A$99) with gear included. A scenic heli-flight over famed Heart Reef starts from A$135 per person. Depart Hamilton Island Airport and Airport Jetty, Palm Valley Way, Hamilton Island, Queensland, 4802. 07/4946–7000; 07/4969–9599; www.cruisewhitsundays.com; www.helireef.com.au. From A$225.
