Cruise Whitsundays has reopened its permanent Heart Pontoon on Hardy Reef following a major refurbishment, part of a $40 million investment into the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
The revamped Heart Pontoon anchors Cruise Whitsundays’ full-day Great Barrier Reef adventure, giving day guests more deck and interior space, additional shade, a spacious underwater observatory and new furnishings throughout.
The reopening coincides with a clear split between the operator’s day and overnight products. From 20 July, the nearby Reefworld pontoon becomes overnight-only, reserved exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuite guests, removing shared access with day visitors.
The pontoon sits on Hardy Reef, on the outer Great Barrier Reef, reached by a scenic return cruise through the Whitsunday Islands. Guests spend four hours at the reef with certified Master Reef Guides on hand.
Full-day reef trip
The day experience covers snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits, a semi-submarine guided tour and access to the underwater observatory.
Dining runs across the day, from morning tea with freshly baked pastries and fruit to a buffet lunch featuring seafood, tropical salads and warm mains, with dietary options catered for, and afternoon refreshments before the return journey.
Optional upgrades include guided snorkelling safaris, scuba diving and helicopter flights.
Cruise Whitsundays general manager Shaun Cawood said the reopening marks a milestone in a $40 million investment into the region and continued premiumisation of its portfolio, including a new 36-metre catamaran.
“The complete overhaul and refurbishment has been all about making the day-reef experience even better, with more space to move both inside and out on the deck, more shade to relax in and upgraded facilities including a spacious underwater observatory and new furnishings throughout. It’s a much more comfortable, effortless way for guests to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef,” Cawood said.
What it means for sellers
Journey Beyond executive general manager sales and partnerships Alicia Triggs said the product suits both domestic and international markets.
“Heart Pontoon provides our trade partners with a premium, easy‑to-sell experience that resonates with both international and domestic markets. This investment reflects our focus on continually enhancing the guest experience, ensuring every visit to the reef is engaging, seamless and truly memorable,” Triggs said.
“The additional space allows for smoother guest flow, meaning we can comfortably support groups, charters and cruise ship guests, while clearly distinguishing our day experiences from the premium overnight offering at Reefworld.”
The reef investment is one of several bets by the experiential tourism group, which has set its sights on $1 billion in annual revenue within two years.
To mark the reopening, Cruise Whitsundays is offering 20 per cent off the full-day Great Barrier Reef adventure with code WINTERGBRA20, valid for bookings and travel until 31 August, terms and conditions apply. The full-day adventure starts from $236 per person.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Splitting the day and overnight products gives travel advisors two distinct reef options to match to different clients: the refreshed Heart Pontoon for day-trippers and groups, and a now private-use Reefworld for those wanting the Reefsleep or Reefsuite overnight. With domestic reef demand strong and cruise-ship day guests in the mix, it’s a clean, easy-to-sell entry point to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
