Sun-drenched tropical islands don’t come more exclusive than Hayman Island. Set in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday archipelago is the iconic private-island resort. Spend your days exploring the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and reefs before retreating back to the seclusion of your own island haven, which offers just as many sights and delights to keep your days as action-packed or relaxed as you desire.
Keep reading to discover what other treasures await on Hayman Island.
Getting to Hayman Island
Fly direct to the Great Barrier Reef airport on Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. From here, your transport options to Hayman Island include a one-hour luxury boat transfer, a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight or a private yacht – all perfectly timed to connect with the arrival of your flight from the mainland.
Best time to go to Hayman Island
Hayman Island enjoys a balmy year-round tropical climate, with May through to October averaging a high of 25 degrees and November through to April averaging 30 degrees. The school holiday and Christmas period are the peak times to visit. The wet season usually arrives in January and continues through to March, but it remains a great time to visit if you’re after warmer temperatures, fewer tourists, and you don’t mind a tropical downpour.
Where to stay on Hayman Island
There is only one accommodation option on the island, and it is a destination in itself: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. The resort is home to 168 guest rooms, suites, villas and residences. Guests can opt to stay in the Lagoon Wing for serene views across tropical lanais and an infinity pool, the Pool Wing for views of the iconic Hayman Pool with a number of suites offering swim-out access, or the Beach Wing to stay in one of the eight exclusive Beachfront Pool Villas or the three-bedroom Hayman Beach House. And for the height of luxury, find two bespoke Hayman Residences on the hilltop of the island, designed by award-winning Australian architect Kerry Hill.
Top things to do on Hayman Island
Exploring the natural beauty of Hayman Island should begin with a hike along one of its many trails. Start with Cook Lookout, the short but challenging hike will take you to the island’s highest peak at 250 metres above sea level. Gaze at the sea below, painted in swirls of turquoise and cobalt blue against the sugar-white sand of the shore, and the mountainous terrain of nearby Hook Island is easily visible from the lookout.
Come face to face with a world of kaleidoscopic beauty as you snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven natural wonders of the world and home to turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins and an estimated 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of molluscs and 400 species of hard and soft corals.
As the nearest Whitsundays island to the outer reef, you are perfectly positioned to undertake a whole host of unforgettable day trips, including tours to Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and more of the Great Barrier Reef. You just need to decide how you want to see it – on a private luxury charter, or via a scenic helicopter or seaplane tour over the world’s largest living structure.
Where to eat and drink on Hayman Island
There are five eateries to dine at during your stay on Hayman Island. There is also a collection of private dining experiences, including gourmet picnics packed for day trips to neighbouring islands, under the stars dining on Coconut Beach, private cabanas by Hayman Pool and more.
