Queensland is making it a habit of blowing my mind – most recently it was on Hayman Island in the Whitsunday Islands.
Each time I visit a new destination in Queensland it becomes my new favourite place.
A few months ago it was Kayaking at Cape Tribulation where the Daintree Rainforest collides with the Great Barrier Reef. Just after that, it was getting WOWED by world famous Whitehaven Beach.
It’s no wonder Tourism Queensland’s slogan is “Where Australia shines.” It’s tropical, it’s colourful, it’s fun.
Even if you live in Queensland, it gives you the feeling of being on a permanent holiday. I totally understand why the people of Queensland are so darn happy and friendly.
[Please note: We stayed on Hayman Island when it was the One&Only resort. It has since changed hands to Intercontinental Hotels. We have updated where we can. It is due to reopen July 1 2019, (after repairing cyclone damage) but reservations can be made now. The nature of the luxury accommodation and the island experience remain the same]
Now as a visitor again, I can’t help but leave with a smile on my face and longing for more.
It’s a big state with some iconic destinations that need to be explored, that I will be back to explore – yep, I’m talking about you Whitsunday Islands.
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 islands and lay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Only 8 of those islands are inhabited, with the northernmost of those being Hayman Island, containing Australia’s premier luxury resort, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.
Getting to Hayman Island, Whitsundays
The experience of getting to Hayman Island is where the fun begins.
Once you have flown in to the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island, which receives direct flights from all of Australia’s major cities, you can transfer to Hayman by luxury boat, or, do what we did and arrive in STYLE by helicopter via a flyover of Whitehaven Beach.
You’ll love the views of Hayman Island as you fly in.
Landed, in paradise
Want tranquility and natural beauty?
Want exquisite island indulgences?
Want stylish accommodation?
Want a little piece of Aussie paradise?
WELCOME to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island not only offers you pole position in getting to some of the best places on the Great Barrier Reef such as Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, it also offers a unique experience of tranquility, indulgence and natural beauty.
Once you set foot on Hayman, there is only one accommodation option to lay your head – Hayman Island Resort. This award winning luxurious nature resort is situated on a beautiful crescent-shaped white sandy beach with magnificent views across the Coral Sea.
The Hayman Island Resort Pool
I don’t know about you, but one of the first things I like to check out when arriving at a new place is the pool.
Photos of the iconic Hayman pool have featured in many Australian tourism campaigns. It speaks island vibe and rejuvenation and makes you want to grab a towel, a sun lounge, a book, and a cocktail (or three) and sit under a palm tree.
Accommodation at the Hayman Island Resort
The resort features several options depending upon your budget and group size: superb guest rooms, suites, penthouses beach villas, a beach house, beach wing, and six luxurious penthouses. All come with a private balcony or terrace.
We stayed in a guest room situated on Hayman Lagoon (swans included).
You could also sleep poolside and dive right in from your balcony
OR, there is one other very special place for you to lay your head, the Coral Sea
Yep, they call it a “Hayman Moment“, indulging in one of their signature ocean massages as part of their acclaimed Spa packages.
Do as little (or as much) as you like on Hayman Island
If you don’t want to just lay by the pool and read (top of my list) then head to one of the beaches on Hayman Island for sunbathing, swimming, diving snorkeling, sea kayaking, sailing, or, work up a sweat and hit the gymnasium, the tennis courts or the golf driving range.
You can wander the immaculate and lush tropical gardens
Or, another of our favourite activities, take a stroll on the beach and dream your life away
Eating at the InterContinental Hayman Island
There are four world class restaurants and bars on Hayman including Australian contemporary, Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine.
I love a good breaky, and a great way to wake up to a new day is by indulging in the buffet breakfast at the beachfront restaurant, Azure, overlooking Hayman Beach. Just watch out for the seagulls and cockatoos if you are out on the deck and leave your plate unattended.
The Chef’s Table, Hayman Island Resort
For a unique dining experience, we went backstage into the main kitchen for one of Hayman’s signature experiences, a six-course dinner complimented with fine wines and commentary from the staff.
And, as you do, finish it off with a visit to the ever popular Hayman Chocolate Room.
Is the Hayman Island resort kid-friendly?
We didn’t have little Kalyra and Savannah with us on this visit to Hayman, but what got us even more excited about this resort and a return visit was mention of the Hayman’s Kids Club program.
Catering to kids from 6 weeks to 12 years, your children could become junior chef’s, participate in art workshops, chase butterflies on the Hayman butterfly trail, AND visit the chocolate room.
Our stay on Hayman Island, Whitsundays was short but very sweet. We will be back for the ultimate family island escape.
What about you? Are you looking for that luxury private Island Resort down under?
Our helicopter flight was with Hamilton Island Air. They also offer a variety of scenic flights, particularly over Heart Reef and Hill Inlet / Whitehaven Beach.
Hayman does their own transfers with their private vessel the Sun Goddess, alternatively, you can also arrive via seaplane with Air Whitsunday.
For all the details on Hayman Island and to stay on the island book here
Read more: Discover more islands in Australia not to miss.
More Tropical North Queensland Posts
Where would you rather be? Poolside or on the beach?
Admittedly my only experience with Queensland is through House Hunters International, but every time I see anything about it, looks totally amazing. You’re pictures confirm it!
Hey Liz,
The photos don’t lie. BUT, it’s even better in real life 🙂
take me baaaaack!
I HEAR that! 🙂
Hayman is stunning!!! I need to get myself there immediately!
And I HIGHLY suggest you take the helicopter option Caroline 🙂
Amazing!
Craig, it’s great to read your writing & see these pics! Mind you, your model was also a great one!
Seriously, this place seems to win accolades from all.
You & Caz & the Remarkables were blessed to visit & these pics whet the appetite for more of Queensland!
Cheers
Denyse
Hey Denyse,
It makes it easy to take nice photos when you have a backdrop like Hayman. Incredible place 🙂
Hi, thank you for sharing this lovely article, I wonder whether you would be happy for us to share this article for you on our website @ http://www.mydestination.com/whitsundays
Warm regards,
Hi Tammy,
Sure, thanks for the opportunity to share it on your site.
What a beautiful beach! Love the views from the room. I am not a huge beach person but I could spend some time here 🙂
Hi Jeremy,
I’m pretty sure Hayman Island could convert any non beach loving person to suffer through a few days here. And there are nature walks and other sports activities, plus front row seats to all the Barrier Reef has to offer 🙂
I’m hungry just looking at those pics. Not sure what I want more … the tropical sun (it is May!) or that scrumptious sorbet in the igloo pot. Great shots.
Thanks Shelley,
I could do with a dose of the tropical sun also, whilst having breakfast on the deck of Azure!! Very cool down in the southern states now.
The Whitsundays including Hayman look idyllic. Huge expanses of white and golden beaches and hardly any people. I love feeling like I’ve got a beach to myself, fantasizing that i’ve been shipwrecked on a pacific island 🙂
Was just wondering – if lots of people are arriving/leaving by helicopter and plane, and/or going on scenic flights, is there much noise pollution?
Hey Kathryn,
I didn’t notice any flight noise at all. Hayman is actually fairly spread out, and we weren’t staying there for very long so maybe in the peak season, but yeah it didn’t even come to my attention.
The photos say it all! Magnificent and such a tranquil place to stay.
Sure is Helen!
Wow! What an amazing resort and location. And to get there by helicopter too! This is why for me Australia is pretty close to heaven on earth.
Hi there!!! I have been following your blog for a bit now cause I have always wanted to visit Australia. Its finally happening for my family December 2019. Just wanted to know if you know anything about the newly renovated Intercontinental hotel that will be on Hayman Island. Thinking of staying there for 4 nights with 2 teenagers. You wouldn’t happen to know if there are enough Great Barrier Reef tours from the Island. Or is it just Hayman Island activities. Thank you in advance for your time.