Hayman Island Resort

Hayman Island is the northernmost island in the Whitsundays, and home to one of Australia’s best-known private island resorts. On a Whitsunday Escape charter you can sail right up to the resort marina for a long lunch, a swim and a taste of five-star island life, then cruise around the corner to Blue Pearl Bay to snorkel the fringing reef. The resort is now called InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, though most people still know it simply as Hayman Island Resort.

Sailing to Hayman Island

Hayman Island sits north of Hook Island, at the top of the Whitsunday group. From Coral Sea Marina the trip takes about 2 hours by power boat, or 3.5 hours by sailing catamaran under motor. Most guests combine a visit with nights at nearby anchorages, such as Butterfly Bay or Stonehaven on Hook Island.

Berthing at the resort marina

The resort welcomes visiting boats, but you must book a berth at least 48 hours in advance.

• Day access: 10am to 4pm, about $350. A good way to spend the day around the pool and restaurants.
• Overnight berth: about $350, and only available with a room booked at the resort.
• How to book: apply online through the resort’s marina berthing application or email haymanmarina@ihg.com.
• On arrival: call the marina on VHF Ch 06 once you are in line of sight, or phone 07 4940 1036.

Fees are an indication only and can change. Check with the resort when you book.

Things to do at Hayman Island Resort

A day berth gives you access to the resort’s facilities. Here are the highlights.

• Lunch at the resort: choose from several restaurants and bars, from casual poolside dining to Italian and pan-Asian.
• Swim in the pool: a welcome break from the boat on a hot day.
• Unwind at the spa: book a treatment at Hayman Spa ahead of time.
• Walk the island: bushwalking trails lead to lookouts with views across the Whitsundays.

Snorkelling at Blue Pearl Bay

Blue Pearl Bay, on the west side of Hayman Island, is one of the most popular snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays. It has a coral beach and plenty of nooks to explore. Use the public moorings, which suit south-east winds. Snorkelling gear is provided free of charge on every Whitsunday Escape boat.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Anchorages near Hayman Island

• Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island: moorings only, a great snorkelling stop.
• Butterfly Bay, Hook Island: anchor or pick up one of about 20 moorings, a sheltered overnight stop in south-east winds.
• Langford Island: a long sand spit with turtles feeding on the sea grass. Day use only, in winds under 10 knots.

Best time to visit Hayman Island

Hayman Island is warm all year. April to October is the drier season, with steady south-east trade winds that suit sailing north to Hayman and Hook Island. September and October bring clear skies and lighter winds, ideal for snorkelling. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit in the water. For more detail, see:

Best Time to Visit