Great Barrier Reef’s Heart Island opened up for helicopter excursions

In a tourism first, the Great Barrier Reef’s Heart Island has been opened up for tourism, with Hamilton Island Air offering helicopter tours to the scenic location.

Located 80 kilometres to the north west of Hamilton Island, the heart-shaped reef had previously only accessible by fly over light airplane tours or private yacht.

Now, after a decade of development and an investment of over $2 million in a split-level pontoon, visitors can reach the location by helicopter.

Developed by Hamilton Island Air, the journey to Heart Island involves a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach before arriving at the pontoon.

Here groups, which are limited to only six guests, can view the reef about a glass-bottom boat before having the opportunity to snorkel around the coral in the neighbouring lagoon.

Hamilton Island Chief Executive, Glenn Bourke, explains “Heart Island provides our guests with an unsurpassable way to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

“Since being purchased by the Oatley family in 2003, Hamilton Island has worked to become a world class destination, epitomised by our six-star luxury resort qualia. We are proud to offer this preeminent experience for our guests in partnership with Hamilton Island Air.”

Developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Heart Island commenced construction following a two-year environmental impact study. The pontoon has been designed to be ecologically sustainable, is moored in sand and is powered by wind and solar.

Heart Island does not carry waste and only operates within a designated lagoon where regular reef health monitoring takes place.

Images: The Great Barrier Reef’s Heart Island from the air (top) and Hamilton Island Air's new pontoon (below).