Visit the heart of the Great Barrier Reef

One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of the Great Barrier Reef is the iconic Heart Reef. As the name suggests, the Heat Reef is a naturally occurring coral bommie that has been formed in the shape of a heart, and now you have the chance to experience this natural wonder up close, albeit for a limited amount of time of three-hours.

The Heart Reef measures in at 17 metres in diameter and can be found 60km northeast of Hamilton Island. Here you will also find the newly developed ‘Heart Island‘, a luxury pontoon that lets you experience the Heart Reef in a unique and unforgettable way.

Those looking to visit Heart Island will start their three-hour adventure off with a helicopter ride from Hamilton Island’s luxury qualia resort to the Luxury pontoon. Once you’ve landed on the pontoons floating helipad, visitors will be lead down a staircase which leads to a ‘boat shed’ where champagne, canapes and a glass-bottom boat awaits. From here, visitors will only have around 90 minutes to explore their picturesque surroundings, according to Queensland.com.

The first thing on everyone’s wish list would be to see the iconic Heart Reef, however, due to its protected status visitors are not allowed to dive or snorkel at Heart Reef. So the next best option is to ask your dedicated Heart Island host to prepare the glass-bottom boat for your once in a life time ride around the heart. once you’ve circled the Heart Reef, the host will drop anchor in a nearby lagoon where you and five of you can explore the surrounding walls of coral.

Once you’ve completed the reef explorations, you’ll head back to the pontoon where you’ll find a pleasant surprise. The area of the pontoon which once housed your glass-bottom boat has now turned into shallow undercover pool for a leisurely swim. Finally, end off your time at the pontoon with a relaxing glass of Champaign in one of the lounges inside the pontoon while taking in the views of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Heart Island pontoon is only available to guests of Hamilton Island who are over the age of 14, with tickets costing R13 369 per-person. For more information visit Hamiltonisland.com.au