12 ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef in luxury

Spend a night among the coral with ReefSuites. Australia’s first underwater hotel, the revamped pontoon offers you a front row seat to the Queensland icon’s bounty of marine life from its permanent anchorage off Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from the gateway town of Airlie Beach. After a day spent snorkeling the deep, spend your evening watching the sunset from the pontoon’s upper deck before making your way to your luxury cabin below deck for slumber.

Bareboat the Whitsundays

Gather your friends and family for a bareboating adventure across the Whitsundays archipelago, one of the only places around the world where you can man your own ship without a licence. Turn to Sailing Whitsundays for your vessel of choice - groups of all shapes and sizes can be catered to with an array of boats available to enjoy for the day or beyond, from high-speed catamarans, to historic sailboats.

Escape to Elysian Eco Resort

Give your indulgent getaway a green edge with a stay at Elysian Eco Retreat, the private oasis situated among three-hectares surrounding a private cove. The lauded Queensland reef resident is famous for its eco-focused accommodation which is 100 per cent solar powered and ecologically designed. Guest numbers here are capped at 20, with visitors to the holistic retreat housed in one of 10 oceanfront island villas boasting ocean, mountain, and rainforest views.

Charter a boat

Forgo the efforts of sailing your own way around the Whitsundays, instead indulging in one of the best luxury options to see the Great Barrier Reef -  private charter boat. Providence Sailing is one of the region’s best, it’s through the company that you can sail a classic 62-foot gaff-rigged schooner built from Queensland Timber which caters to up to 24. Indulge in one of a handful of different tour types, from full day to half day, each bypassing the region’s famous sights, Whitehaven Beach included.

Savour the Heart Reef Experience

The ultimate in luxury Great Barrier Reef experiences is arguably the ability to visit one of its most acclaimed coral cays with four friends. Intimate groups are welcomed to the Heart Reef Experience, which offers private tours of the coral bommie sitting 60 kilometres north of Hamilton Island and accessible by helicopter. You’ll spend the day aboard the Heart Reef’s permanent private pontoon, complete with relaxation lounge, ocean access, and the promise of plenty of Champagne.

Take to the skies

Take in a birds eye view of the lengthy expanse of the reef aboard one of the region’s many helicopter and seaplane charters. Gape at the acres of coral below aboard a scenic flight with GSL Aviation which soars from rainforest to reef, even taking in views of the Cairns CBD. Or choose a chopper as your chosen form of transport, joining Nautilus Aviation for the chance to land on private Undine Cay in the reef’s centre for a picnic.

Seek serenity on Haggerstone Island

Rest and rejuvenate with a remote getaway on Haggerstone Island, off the cusp of the rugged Cape York Peninsula. The private island caters for only a small number of guests at a time, specialising in immersive experiences amidst the surrounding wilderness. You’ll spend your time staying in a collection of tropical timber buildings and gardens, with days snorkelling shipwrecks and its impressive coral gardens.

Glamp on Wilson Island

Make an easy escape to an adults-only retreat with a stay on Wilson Island. The hidden-gem is home to a much revered glamping experience, with nine permanent Reef Safari Tents nestled amongst its many natural wonders. Hosting just 18 guests at a time you’re guaranteed plenty of seclusion during your stay. If that doesn’t tempt you the convenience factor will - Wilson Island sits within arm’s reach of Gladstone, and a short ferry from tourist favourite Heron Island.

Splurge on Bedarra Island

Immerse yourself in the self-proclaimed barefoot luxury that’s available on Bedarra Island. The all-inclusive luxury abode on the Great Barrier Reef sits between Townsville and Cairns and is one of the region’s most unique resorts. Imagine ten private villas scattered across 45 hectares of tropical rainforest, fringed by turquoise waters and reef. With a maximum of 20 other guests, it’s not hard to see why this place has proven popular with honeymooners.

Sail your way from Port Douglas

Join a troupe of locals for a waterborne (and eco-friendly) tour of Tropical North Queensland’s waters with Sailaway Port Douglas. The family-run experience leads just a small number of guests at a time through the crystal clear waters surrounding the resort town on one of its fleet of catamarans. Of all the tours available it's the chance to watch the sunset over the Coral Sea which has firmly become the most popular.

Spend time on Lizard Island

Perched on the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is Lizard Island. Big on natural beauty, this well-protected sandy stretch offers its guests 24 private beaches, a picture-perfect lagoon, and easy access to some of the best diving sites on the reef. Accessible only by a scenic 60-minute private charter ride from Cairns Airport, Lizard Island is one of the ultimate in luxury experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, but obviously worth every penny.

Orpheus Island Lodge

Sweep your beloved off their feet with a getaway to Orpheus Island Lodge. A favourite among honeymooners, this must be one of the most romantic destinations in the area thanks to its seclusion in spades. Catering for up to just 28 people at a time, the opulent island escape is equally famous for its dive sites, abundant in marine life, and the Indigenous-inspired relaxation treatments available at its Gwandalan Day Spa.