‘Heart Pontoon, Cruise Whitsundays’ permanent pontoon on Hardy Reef, has reopened following a significant refurbishment, unveiling upgraded facilities throughout and delivering an elevated experience for visitors to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
“The complete overhaul and refurbishment has been all about making the day-reef experience even better, with more space to move both inside and out on the deck, more shade to relax in and upgraded facilities including a spacious underwater observatory and new furnishings throughout. It’s a much more comfortable, effortless way for guests to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef,” said Shaun Cawood, General Manager, Cruise Whitsundays.
Mr Cawood said the reopening marks an important milestone in Cruise Whitsundays’ $40 million investment into the region and continued premiumisation of its product portfolio including the construction of a new 36-metre catamaran.
“This refurbishment reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef tourism offering. It reinforces our focus on taking guests further, elevating their reef experience and delivering world‑class products that showcase this extraordinary natural asset,” he said.
“Heart Pontoon provides our trade partners with a premium, easy‑to-sell experience that resonates with both international and domestic markets. This investment reflects our focus on continually enhancing the guest experience, ensuring every visit to the reef is engaging, seamless and truly memorable,” said Alicia Triggs, Executive General Manager Sales and Partnerships at Journey Beyond.
“Guests have access to certified Master Reef Guides who bring the underwater world to life, sharing insights through storytelling into the ecology and biodiversity of the reef. Whilst Cruise Whitsundays expert crew go above and beyond to attend to guests every need,”
“The additional space allows for smoother guest flow, meaning we can comfortably support groups, charters and cruise ship guests, while clearly distinguishing our day experiences from the premium overnight offering at Reefworld.” Triggs added.
The return of Heart Pontoon also supports the evolution of Reefworld into a more exclusive, premium overnight experience. Reefworld will reopen on 20 July as an overnight‑only pontoon, exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuite guests. This transition removes shared access with day visitors, providing overnight guests with uninterrupted, private use of the entire pontoon from sunrise to sunset, allowing for deeper immersion in the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure – Heart Pontoon Highlights:
- Scenic return cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to the Outer Reef
- 4 hours at Hardy Reef
- Certified expert Master Reef Guides
- Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
- Under-water observatory
- Semi-submarine guided tour
- Full-Day Dining – The day begins with a generous morning tea featuring freshly baked pastries, fruit and hot beverages. Followed by a buffet lunch including fresh seafood, tropical salads, and warm mains, with options to suit all dietary needs. In the afternoon guests enjoy sweet treats and refreshments to revive guests before the return journey.
- Optional upgrades are available including guided snorkelling safari’s, scuba diving and helicopter flights.
To celebrate Heart Pontoon’s return, Cruise Whitsundays has a special Winter Offer – 20% off your Great Barrier Reef full day adventure, use code WINTERGBRA20. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer, book now and experience the beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef now from $236 per person. *Valid for bookings and travel until 31 August
