Part of the Whitsundays Islands, Hayman Island offers an exclusive resort, pristine beaches and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef. This intimate island features native wildlife, deep-sea fishing excursions, scenic flights and snorkelling and diving cruises.

Things to do

A perfect day on Hayman Island begins with lounging on the soft white sand of its main beach, before swimming in the calm water and retreating to one of the beachfront restaurants, such as Bamboo. There are secluded bays scattered around the island, including Blue Pearl Bay, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and azure water.

Feeling active? Trek up to Dolphin Point Lookout, which delivers panoramic Coral Sea vistas encompassing distant reef shelf and the occasional dolphin, sea turtle or whale sighting. From the resort, you can also organise Great Barrier Reef cruises, which give you the chance to snorkel or scuba dive the world-famous reefs.

If you prefer something more laid back, catch a boat over to the neighbouring Hook Island, where you’ll find sandy picnic spots, offshore reefs and unique birdlife. Those seeking a bird’s-eye view of the area can jump aboard a scenic flight, which takes you high above the ocean and accesses picturesque parts of the Great Barrier Reef, including the Instagram-famous Heart Reef.

Hayman Island places you close to Whitehaven Beach, one of the world’s whitest and purest silica beaches. It stretches for seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island and offers an ever-changing collage of whites, blues and greens as the tide swirls around the sands. If you want to visit the mainland, stop in at Airlie Beach, a youthful beach town with lively bars, clubs and oceanfront restaurants.

Getting around

You can fly to Hayman Island on a seaplane from Proserpine or catch a ferry from Hamilton Island, which has a ferry terminal and domestic airport. Hayman is easily explored on foot, while boats and helicopters offer transport to nearby attractions.