Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise where you can enjoy the ultimate in comfort, privacy, and beauty? If so, then Hayman Island might be the perfect destination for you. Hayman Island is one of the Whitsunday Islands, a stunning archipelago off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
It is home to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, a five-star luxury resort that offers an unparalleled island experience. Whether you want to relax on the pristine white sand beaches, explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, or indulge in the finest dining, spa, and wellness options, Hayman Island has something for everyone. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to Hayman Island, covering everything from how to get there, where to stay, what to do, when to go, and why you should book your trip today.
Getting There
Hayman Island is located about 33 kilometres (20 miles) north of Hamilton Island, the main gateway to the Whitsundays. To get to Hayman Island, you have three options: boat, helicopter, or seaplane. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, time, and preference.
- Boat:
The most affordable and convenient option is to take a boat transfer from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes and costs $210 per person for a return trip. The boat operates four times a day, with the first departure at 9:00 am and the last departure at 6:00 pm. You can enjoy the scenic views of the Whitsunday Islands and the Coral Sea along the way. The boat transfer is included in some of the resort's packages and deals, so make sure to check before you book.
- Helicopter:
The most scenic and thrilling option is to take a helicopter flight from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island. The helicopter ride takes about 15 minutes and costs $699 per person for a return trip. The helicopter operates on demand, with flexible departure and arrival times. You can marvel at the breathtaking aerial views of the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Heart Reef along the way. The helicopter flight is also a great way to avoid the crowds and the seasickness that some people may experience on the boat.
- Seaplane:
The most exclusive and luxurious option is to take a seaplane flight from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island. The seaplane ride takes about 15 minutes and costs $799 per person for a return trip. The seaplane operates on demand, with flexible departure and arrival times. You can admire the spectacular aerial views of the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Heart Reef along the way. The seaplane flight also gives you the opportunity to land on the water and enjoy a private snorkelling session at one of the reef's best spots.
Where to Stay
Hayman Island is home to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, a five-star luxury resort that offers an unparalleled island experience. The resort has 166 rooms, suites, villas, and residences, each with its own unique features and benefits. The resort is divided into four wings, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere.
- Pool Wing:
The Pool Wing is located on the eastern side of the island, overlooking the iconic Hayman Pool, the largest swimming pool in the southern hemisphere. The Pool Wing has 66 rooms and suites, ranging from 54 to 75 square metres (581 to 807 square feet). The rooms and suites have contemporary and elegant interiors, with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces. The Pool Wing is ideal for couples and families who want to enjoy the resort's signature pool and its activities, such as aqua aerobics, pool volleyball, and poolside dining.
- Beach Wing:
The Beach Wing is located on the northern side of the island, facing the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Islands. The Beach Wing has 16 rooms and suites, ranging from 54 to 75 square metres (581 to 807 square feet). The rooms and suites have tropical and relaxed interiors, with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces. The Beach Wing is perfect for couples and families who want to enjoy the beach and its activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and beach yoga.
- Lagoon Wing:
The Lagoon Wing is located on the western side of the island, overlooking the tranquil lagoon and the lush gardens. The Lagoon Wing has 36 rooms and suites, ranging from 54 to 75 square metres (581 to 807 square feet). The rooms and suites have classic and sophisticated interiors, with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces. The Lagoon Wing is suitable for couples and families who want to enjoy the lagoon and its activities, such as fishing, birdwatching, and lagoon walks.
- Retreat Wing:
The Retreat Wing is located on the southern side of the island, surrounded by the rainforest and the national park. The Retreat Wing has 18 rooms and suites, ranging from 54 to 75 square metres (581 to 807 square feet). The rooms and suites have natural and minimalist interiors, with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces. The Retreat Wing is ideal for couples and families who want to enjoy the nature and its activities, such as hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.
In addition to the rooms and suites, the resort also has 30 villas and residences, ranging from 120 to 800 square metres (1,292 to 8,611 square feet). The villas and residences have luxurious and spacious interiors, with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private pools, gardens, or beach access. The villas and residences are perfect for couples, families, and groups who want to enjoy the ultimate in comfort, privacy, and exclusivity.
What to Do
Hayman Island offers a plethora of activities and experiences for you to enjoy, both on the island and nearby. Whether you want to relax, explore, or indulge, Hayman Island has something for everyone.
- Relax:
If you want to relax, you can choose from a variety of options on the island. You can lounge on the pristine white sand beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or soak in the sun by the pool. You can also pamper yourself at the resort's spa, which offers a range of treatments and therapies, such as massages, facials, and body wraps. You can also unwind at the resort's wellness centre, which offers a range of services and facilities, such as yoga, meditation, fitness, and nutrition.
- Explore:
If you want to explore, you can choose from a variety of options nearby. You can discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most diverse coral reef system, which is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and other marine life. You can also visit the Whitsunday Islands, a stunning archipelago of 74 islands, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Some of the most popular islands to visit are Whitehaven Beach, which is famous for its pure white silica sand and turquoise water, Hill Inlet, which is famous for its swirling patterns of sand and water, and Heart Reef, which is famous for its heart-shaped coral formation.
- Indulge:
If you want to indulge, you can choose from a variety of options on the island. You can enjoy the finest dining at the resort's restaurants, which offer a range of cuisines and settings, such as Pacific, which serves contemporary Australian dishes with a focus on seafood, Bam Bam, which serves Asian-inspired dishes with a twist, and Amici Trattoria, which serves authentic Italian dishes with a touch of flair. You can also enjoy the finest drinks at the resort's bars, which offer a range of beverages and atmospheres, such as Aquazure, which serves refreshing cocktails and mocktails by the pool, Bar Fifty, which serves classic and signature drinks in a chic and sophisticated lounge, and Grove Boutique & Café, which serves artisanal coffee and tea in a cosy and casual setting.
When to Go
Hayman Island has a tropical climate, with warm and sunny weather all year round. However, there are some variations in the seasons, which may affect your travel plans and preferences. Here are some tips and tricks for choosing the best time to go to Hayman Island:
- Summer (December to February):
Summer is the hottest and wettest season on Hayman Island, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F) and average rainfall ranging from 150 mm to 300 mm (6 inches to 12 inches) per month. Summer is also the peak season for tourism, as it coincides with the Australian school holidays and the festive season. Summer is a great time to go to Hayman Island if you don't mind the heat, humidity, and crowds, and if you want to enjoy the vibrant and festive atmosphere on the island.
However, summer is also the cyclone season, which means that there is a possibility of storms, strong winds, and heavy rains, which may disrupt your travel plans and activities. Summer is also the stinger season, which means that there is a possibility of encountering jellyfish in the water, which may sting you and cause pain, swelling, and itching. Therefore, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, such as stinger suits, when swimming or snorkelling in the water, and to seek medical attention if you get stung.
Autumn (March to May):
Autumn is the transition season on Hayman Island, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F) and average rainfall ranging from 100 mm to 200 mm (4 inches to 8 inches) per month. Autumn is also the shoulder season for tourism, as it coincides with the end of the Australian school holidays and the Easter break. Autumn is a great time to go to Hayman Island if you prefer mild and pleasant weather, and if you want to avoid the peak season crowds and prices. However, autumn is still the cyclone season and the stinger season, so you should be prepared for the same risks and precautions as in summer.
Winter (June to August):
Winter is the coolest and driest season on Hayman Island, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F) and average rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm (2 inches to 4 inches) per month. Winter is also the high season for tourism, as it coincides with the Australian winter holidays and the whale watching season. Winter is a great time to go to Hayman Island if you enjoy warm and sunny weather, and if you want to see the majestic humpback whales migrating along the coast. However, winter is also the most expensive and busiest season, so you should book your trip well in advance and expect higher rates and more crowds.
Spring (September to November):
Spring is the revival season on Hayman Island, with average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F) and average rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 150 mm (2 inches to 6 inches) per month. Spring is also the low season for tourism, as it coincides with the start of the Australian school year and the end of the whale watching season. Spring is a great time to go to Hayman Island if you love nature and wildlife, and if you want to enjoy the best deals and discounts. However, spring is also the start of the stinger season, so you should be careful when swimming or snorkelling in the water.
Hayman Island is a dream destination for anyone who loves luxury, privacy, and beauty. It is one of the Whitsunday Islands, a stunning archipelago off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is home to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, a five-star luxury resort that offers an unparalleled island experience. Whether you want to relax on the pristine white sand beaches, explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, or indulge in the finest dining, spa, and wellness options, Hayman Island has something for everyone. The best time to go to Hayman Island depends on your budget, preference, and activities, but you can expect warm and sunny weather all year round. If you are ready to book your trip to Hayman Island, you can check out some of the exclusive offers and discounts on the resort’s website, or contact one of our travel experts for more information and assistance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Australia’s most luxurious private island resort. Book your trip to Hayman Island today!