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A traveler comfortably reclines on the Reefsleep deck of the Great Barrier Reef's Reefworld pontoon, admiring the magnificent sunset over the ocean.
Two tourists in wetsuits snorkeling in the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, with the large Reefworld pontoon facility visible above.
A group of tourists observing the colorful coral reef ecosystem through glass windows in the semi-submarine at Reefworld pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef.
Aerial view of the exclusive Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef, fully equipped and surrounded by the deep blue ocean.
Close-up of a Reefsleep outdoor bed on the Reefworld pontoon deck in the Great Barrier Reef, showing comfortable sleeping arrangements with the clear ocean in the background.

2D1N Reefsleep at Great Barrier Reef | Reef Experience


Duration:2 day(s)
Free cancellation 15 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

  • The reef is a World Heritage - listed wonder, and an essential Australian travel experience
  • Whitsundays are right in the heart of it! Perfectly poised just off the central Queensland coast
  • Giving the reef that magical feel is an intricate garden of hard and soft coral thriving in sheltered lagoons
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Package Options

Water Activities

Water activity typeSnorkeling, Diving

Product Info

Exploring by day, stargazing by night! 

Reefsleep is a two-day/one-night encounter with the Great Barrier Reef – an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars. Exclusive Reefworld at Hardy Reef is your destination – a permanently moored pontoon, located 39 nautical miles from shore on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Swim, snorkel, dive and explore this amazing natural ecosystem.


- Cruise Itinerary -

Port of Airlie

  • Departure: 8:00
  • Return: 18:10 next day 
  • Cruise duration: 3hrs

Hamilton Island

  • Departure: 9:00
  • Return: 17:00 next day
  • Cruise duration: 2hrs

Daydream Island

  • Departure: 7:45
  • Return: 17:40 next day
  • Cruise duration: 3hrs

Return times are when the vessel arrives back at the mainland/island resort

All scheduled times are subject to change, depending on the weather and sea conditions

What You Can Expect

Duration: 2 day(s)

1 Day

Meal(s) of the Day: Lunch , Dinner
  • Journey begins with a cruise to the outer reef through the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands – keep an eye out for migrating Humpback Whales between July and September
    Aerial view of the exclusive Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef, fully equipped and surrounded by the deep blue ocean.
  • Out on the reef, go swimming and snorkelling, ride in a semi-submarine and visit the underwater observatory
    A free diver exploring the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by colorful hard and soft coral formations.
  • Then followed by a generous buffet lunch
  • After the day, trippers head back to shore, the pontoon and the reef are exclusively yours
    Vibrant hard and soft coral gardens thriving in the Great Barrier Reef waters, with clownfish playing among anemones, showcasing rich marine biodiversity.
  • Enjoy a sunset drink before your evening meal is served on deck, featuring fresh and delicious local produce
    A couple enjoying a romantic sunset at the open-air bar on Reefworld pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef, sipping drinks and admiring the magnificent ocean view.
  • Afterwards, head for the pontoon’s top level and slip into your cozy Reefbed– it’s just you, the ocean and a galaxy of stars
    An outdoor Reefsleep bed on the Reefworld pontoon deck under a clear blue sky, with the transparent ocean and distant sandbars in the Great Barrier Reef as a backdrop.

2 Day

Meal(s) of the Day: Lunch , Breakfast
  • Dawn on the reef is peaceful and unhurried. There’s time for some more snorkelling after breakfast
    An outdoor Reefsleep bed on the Reefworld pontoon deck faces the sunset over the Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique overnight accommodation experience.
  • The reef is all yours to enjoy, or return to the underwater observatory and watch the reef come to life
    A group of tourists observing the colorful coral reef ecosystem through glass windows in the semi-submarine at Reefworld pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef.
  • After lunch, vessel returns you to the mainland

Purchase Notice

What to bring: 

  • Small overnight bag with personal towel & toiletries. No toothbrush, toothpaste, or slippers provided 
  • Change of clothes 
  • Motion-sickness medicine (if required) 
  • Swimwear, towel 
  • Protective clothing, hat, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses 
  • Light jacket/sweater for windy or cool days 
  • Money/credit card for optional purchases

  • Minimum age for Reefsleep is 6 years and over accompanied by an adult carer
  • Price is applied to all ages 
  • Dinner is prepared in advance according to all passengers' pre-orders. hence no amendment is accepted after boarding 
  • All cruises are subject to sea and weather conditions particularly in the interest of passenger safety. Should the Service Provider be forced to cancel or alter cruises, their liability is limited to offering an alternative cruise or appropriate refund no greater than the fare paid
  • All tours from Port of Airlie will stop at Hamilton Island to drop off and collect guests
  • Please refer to the official website for more FAQs

Includes/Excludes

  • Overnight accommodation in Reefbeds
  • Return cruise through the Whitsundays to the outer reef
  • Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Semi-submarine tour
  • All-inclusive meals: 1 breakfast, 2 morning and 2 afternoon teas, 2 buffet lunches and dinner
  • All beverages including beer and wine
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Insurance
  • Other expenses not mentioned above
  • Optional activities (guided snorkelling safaris and scuba diving)
  • Cocktails and spirits at an additional cost

Reminders

  • Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • Passengers that fail to arrive before this time may be classed as no-show

  • Optional activities and experiences will be amended to ensure appropriate space, cleanliness and hygiene whilst ensuring guests will still have a unique experience

  • Please reconfirm your booking the day prior to your scheduled departure by contacting reservations team. Email info@cruisewhitsundays.com or phone 07 4846 7000

  • Before travel please complete below 2 forms below at least 48 hours prior to departure date to ensure the stay the best ever

  • Medical Declaration Form: https://www.cruisewhitsundays.com/forms/medical-disclosure-form/

  • Dietary Requirements: https://cruisewhitspro.wpengine.com/forms/medical-disclosure-form/

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Validity Period

  • The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration

Pickup Point

Location Name: - Meet at Port of Airlie

Address: Whitsundays terminal, 24 The Cove Road, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802

Meeting Time
07:30

Departure Time
08:00

Location Name: - Meet at Hamilton Island Marina

Address: Cruise Whitsundays Marina terminal, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays QLD 4803

Meeting Time
08:30

Departure Time
09:00
How to Get There
• Cruises depart from the main marina opposite the Ice Cream Parlour at Hamilton Island, on Front Street

Location Name: Daydream Island

Address: Cruise Whitsundays Daydream Island Jetty

Meeting Time
07:20

Departure Time
07:35
How to Get There
Outside the Transit Lounge for your advised check-in time

Experience Location

Location Name: Whitsunday Islands

Address: Whitsunday Islands


Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–14 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What is the Reefsleep experience at the Great Barrier Reef?

The Reefsleep experience is a unique two-day, one-night encounter on the outer Great Barrier Reef. It offers an intimate opportunity to sleep under the stars at the exclusive Reefworld pontoon, permanently moored at Hardy Reef. During the day, guests can swim, snorkel, and explore this amazing natural ecosystem, enjoying uninterrupted access to the reef's wonders.

2. What makes the Reefsleep experience on the Great Barrier Reef unique?

The Reefsleep experience provides an exclusive opportunity to stay overnight directly on the Great Barrier Reef at Hardy Reef's Reefworld pontoon. This allows guests to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets over the World Heritage-listed coral gardens, enjoy incredible stargazing, and have uninterrupted access to the reef's marine life after day-trippers have departed, offering a truly immersive connection with nature.

3. When is the best time of year to experience Reefsleep at the Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to experience Reefsleep at the Great Barrier Reef is generally during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is typically mild with clear skies, lower humidity, and excellent underwater visibility. This period also coincides with less risk of marine stingers, making water activities more comfortable and enjoyable.

4. What is typically included in the Reefsleep experience package for the Great Barrier Reef?

A typical Reefsleep package for the Great Barrier Reef usually includes return boat transfers to Reefworld at Hardy Reef, an overnight stay on the pontoon, and meals such as dinner and breakfast. Guests generally have access to snorkeling equipment and opportunities to participate in activities like guided snorkeling tours or visits to the underwater observatory.

5. What kind of accommodation and facilities are available during the Reefsleep experience?

During the Reefsleep experience, accommodation is typically provided in comfortable swag-style beds on the upper deck of the Reefworld pontoon, allowing guests to sleep directly under the stars. The pontoon also features amenities like observation decks, dining areas, and facilities for accessing the water for swimming and snorkeling. Private rooms may also be available depending on the package.

6. What activities can be done during the Reefsleep experience at Hardy Reef?

At Hardy Reef's Reefworld pontoon, guests can engage in a variety of activities. These include guided snorkeling in the vibrant coral lagoons, swimming with diverse marine life, and exploring the underwater observatory. Additional experiences like scenic helicopter flights over Heart Reef or introductory scuba diving are often available for an extra charge.

7. Where exactly is the Reefworld pontoon located for the Reefsleep experience?

The Reefworld pontoon for the Reefsleep experience is permanently moored at Hardy Reef, which is part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. It is situated approximately 39 nautical miles off the coast of the Whitsundays in central Queensland, offering an immersive deep-sea reef environment far from the mainland.

8. What essential items should travelers pack for a Reefsleep overnight stay?

For a Reefsleep overnight stay, essential items to pack include swimwear, sun protection like reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable light clothing for the evening and morning, personal toiletries, any necessary medications, and a camera to capture the stunning views are also highly recommended. A small bag is best due to limited space.

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