How to spend an indulgent 48 hours on Hayman Island

With a generous sprinkling of tropical islands dotting our coastline, there’s no shortage of options for couples looking to indulge in a romantic holiday in Queensland. Looking for seclusion, jaw-dropping nature, and that extra level of luxury? Hayman Island, perched at the northernmost tip of the Whitsunday archipelago, provides the perfect escape.

Nestled amid its namesake island’s captivating natural beauty, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is one of our most iconic beachfront havens. With its towering cliffs, idyllic ivory beaches, and a sea painted in dreamy shades of blue, Hayman is an unforgettable sensory experience. 

After closing its doors following a tropical cyclone in 2017, the resort re-emerged in 2019 as the InterContinental Hayman Island following an extensive AU$135 million redevelopment. With 168 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and villas, followed by the addition of 12 new ultra-luxe, adults-only villas in 2022, you’ll be laying your head in luxury no matter which you choose.

Let’s dive into the best things to do on Hayman Island over an indulgent 48 hours.

How to get to Hayman Island

This pristine patch is accessible solely to resort guests and you’ll need a private transfer, but it’s very straightforward.

Your first step is a flight to either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach, where from there, you can transfer to Hayman Island via either boat or helicopter. The InterContinental offers luxurious catamarans dedicated to ferrying guests to the island and also operates its own fleet of helicopters, available for pick-up from Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach, or other nearby islands. Both options provide an opportunity to soak up the scenic beauty of the surrounding islands of the Whitsundays, whether from the water or soaring above them.

Day one

At check-in, you’ll receive a (very stylish) reusable water bottle that can be refilled with filtered water across the resort during your stay. It’s the first signal that the resort’s doorstep location to one of the world’s great natural wonders means sustainable practices are baked into its infrastructure – think highly efficient energy consumption, state-of-the-art waste reduction, and environmental protection measures from no single-use plastics to a commitment to the welfare of its wildlife.

Drop off your bags, and it’s time to explore what else the property has to offer. Sink into your choice of multiple pools large and small – plus, naturally, an infinity pool facing the sparkling aquamarine sea. You’ll find loungers and private cabanas, or you can set up for the day in loungers along the beach. 

For a taste of ultimate tranquility make for Hayman Spa, where a menu of indulgent treatments awaits. Following a rejuvenating massage or invigorating clay wrap, take a dip in the Spa Oasis's plunge pool or unwind in the sauna, and rediscover your inner glow with a deep immersion facial or gemstone therapy.

The resort’s dining options all feature a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces to take advantage of the year-round balmy climate. Choose from modern Australian at Pacific; Italian and Mediterranean dishes at Amici Trattoria; Asian fusion at Bam Bam; drinks at Bar Fifty; refreshments with a side of resortwear at Grove Boutique & Café; or cocktails and bar snacks from Aqua Café & Pool Bar, delivered directly to your poolside lounge. You can also arrange a private dining experience, from poolside cabanas to beachside dining, or even on the deck of your own room. 

Day two

Wake up early (we promise it’s worth it) and witness the glorious Whitsunday sunrise from Hayman’s two-hour Walking Trail. At 7.8km in total, it takes you around the perimeter of the island via Blue Pearl Bay, Dolphin Point, and Butterfly Grove – all as gorgeous as they sound. 

You can also book a guided hike through the resort just to Blue Pearl Bay that includes a snorkel in a secret cove; or even more relaxing is the resort’s insightful guided tour around the property among local bird life including cockatoos, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, stone curlews and more.

Next, it’s time to get out on the water – and there’s truly nowhere better for it than the Whitsunday Islands. There are plenty of boat tours available, including trips to Whitehaven Beach, diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, sailing excursions, fishing trips, and much more.

Around these parts, it’s just as stunning underwater as it is above: dip below the surface to meet the extraordinary marine life that cruises the reef’s coral formations, or even an underwater art trail. Blue Pearl Bay is known for its coral and fish life (including a resident Maori Wrasse), or go a little further out to Manta Ray Bay on Hook Island, Butterfly Bay, or Langford Island. The resort’s tour partner Ocean Dynamics offers tour options to all levels of snorkelers and divers.

Alternatively, take a scenic journey on a vessel to the jaw-droppingly exquisite Whitehaven Beach to sink your toes into the white silica sands and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear ocean. Experience the pinnacle of the Whitsundays with a boat transfer to Hayman’s nearby islands and embark on a self-guided island-hopping journey through Langford Island, Bali Hai Reef, Hook Island, or Blue Pearl Bay North. 

The resort’s exclusive “Island Escapade” lets you take advantage of a golden hour you’ll never forget. After a boat trip to a nearby island or sandbar, they’ll drop you off a few hours before sunset and pick you up just after the sun goes down. Just add a picnic hamper and a bottle of wine for a romantic experience like no other.

Once back on the island, you can continue to immerse yourself in nature by night with the resort’s guided nocturnal tour. Sight local Proserpine rock wallabies, owls, and rays in the marina as the expert team shares their knowledge of the local wildlife.

Day three

It’s your last morning, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it. 

Stop by the beach hut for complimentary activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, or borrow one of the catamarans to sail around the bay. Crank the adrenaline up several notches and join an experienced guide on an epic one-hour jet ski adventure. It’s the best of both worlds, combining thrills with a scenic tour as you ride your own jet ski around the island’s crystalline waters.

Finally, there’s no better way to truly experience the grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef and the beautiful islands that surround it than from above. Tie the final bow on your trip with a scenic helicopter ride – there are several different options available, including a stopover at Whitehaven Beach, a scenic flight over the Heart Reef, landing on the Outer Reef pontoon, or a combination of all three. If you don’t have time for a full tour, you can always take the helicopter transfer back to Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach to extend your stay. Check out this luxury guide to Hamilton Island and this Airlie couple's guide.