The Great Islands of the Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island

Renowned for its 24 powdery white sand beaches as well as spectacular diving opportunities, Lizard Island takes pride in being one of only a few to be nestled right on the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, and whilst the fish may not respect your privacy, rest assured the staff on the island will.

Full Description
Accommodation on Lizard seamlessly blends indoors and out in an elegant open plan design — the essence of stylish Australian beachside living. Set in a broad sweeping arc along Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main Lodge, Anchor Bay Suites offer captivating sea views and each has a pathway leading directly to the beach. Seamlessly blending indoors and out in an elegant and spacious open plan design, a large verandah with daybed is one of the many designer comforts. Sunset Point Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge amongst native eucalyptus bushland. Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Villas offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches. Each Villa has a private deck with comfortable Australian timber squatter chairs and a hammock. Inside, the mix of colors and textures creates a calm retreat with the surrounding coastal bushland the inspiration for the understated and elegant design. For sheer indulgence, choose The Pavilion — perched high above the Coral Sea, it is complete seclusion enveloping spectacular panoramic views. Bask in the scenic bliss from your private plunge pool, sun lounge or daybed, all incorporated into an extensive deck area. Inside, the Pavilion offers every comfort.
Bollinger and a deluxe fruit bowl greet guests on arrival. A laptop computer for downloading and sending emails and high powered binoculars are among some of the special features. Dining on Lizard Island is sure to be a highlight in its own right. In an intimate open verandah restaurant setting, Osprey’s overlooks the beach and ocean, the menu changes daily and simply bursts with innovative cuisine that accents fresh local seafood. All meals and beverages (including alcohol) are included. Lizard offers some of the best diving in the world, and with its enviable location right on the reef, you can be sure spectacular diving opportunities abound around this marine national park. Snorkelers are rewarded with coral gardens, brightly colored tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island’s beaches. Discover secluded, pristine beaches by foot or by motorized dinghy with a gourmet picnic just for two. Try a gentle bush walk, sailing, fishing or a glass bottom boat trip, or perhaps indulge in the serenity of a treatment at the luxurious Azure Spa. Lizard is island luxury at its finest.

qualia

qualia is nestled neatly into the northern tip of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Its distinctive Australian style combined with a secluded location and intuitive service makes it a luxurious resort on world-class standards. Find yourself in a true sanctuary where everything has been meticulously considered so it relaxes the mind, yet completely spoils the senses.

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There are 60 individual pavilions, all boasting stunning postcard views of the Whitsundays and some featuring plunge pools. Or, there’s the raw luxury and privacy of the qualia Beach House; its generous space, private lap pool and secluded location make this retreat the ultimate hideaway. The Leeward Pavilion faces west and is the ideal sun worshipper accommodation. Each room features a stunning sun deck to make the most of the sun during the day and the sun sets across the island. The Windward Pavilion makes the most of the curve of the northern point of the island delivering stunning ocean views. The beautifully appointed accommodation features a separate bedroom, ensuite bathroom and their very own plunge pools. For the island’s ultimate hideaway, choose the Beach House at qualia. Find yourself with plenty of entertaining space, a separate guesthouse and your own private full size swimming pool. Within qualia there’s two exclusive restaurants both serving the freshest and finest local produce. Enjoy the ultimate in fine dining, or a more relaxed, casual experience. Or else, jump in your own two-seater golf buggy and explore the rest of the island’s restaurants. You can also find peace in your favorite pleasure. Workout in the gym, go for a bushwalk, soak in one of the two serene pools, read a book in the library, have a cocktail by the bar, or step inside the exclusive spa. Spa qualia offers the ultimate in anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing treatments. It also features a Swiss shower, sunken Roman baths, steam room along with a yoga and meditation pavilion. If you’re after more adventure, take a day trip to the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef. You can go sailing, fishing, whale watching (July to November), snorkeling with turtles or deep sea diving. At qualia you can create many other unique experiences, whether it be securing the services of a private yacht for a few days and cruising the Whitsundays or organizing a private, scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsundays. There are many ways a stay at qualia can be complemented to make it unforgettable. qualia is a truly special place that must be visited to be fully appreciated. With a direct flight taking only two hours from international gateway cities on Australia’s east coast, qualia truly is a world-class destination without the journey.

For More information on this exotic destination visit www.swaintours.com !

Hayman Island

Renowned for its elegance, service and superior location, Hayman is the ultimate in classic sophistication for the worldclass traveler. With champagne in hand, the luxurious Hayman launch spirits you away to one of the finest resorts on earth. Surrounded by idyllic coral fringed beaches and lapping the waters of the Coral Sea, on the south-western side of the island, Hayman offers 212 guest rooms, suites, penthouses and a beach villa. The accommodation, restaurants, guest service areas, marine facilities and operational plant, have been designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. No part of the resort is higher than 4 stories and throughout, shady ponds and gentle waterfalls thread their way among beautiful gardens, spacious walkways and open air lanais.

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The Pool Wing, comprising Pool Rooms, Pool Access, Pool Deluxe and Pool Suites, overlooks the famous Hayman Pool and tropical gardens. Level 3 also offers views out to the Coral Sea and neighboring Hook Island. This wing is ideal for guests wishing to be close to and enjoy views of the icon pool.
The Lagoon Wing, comprising Lagoon Rooms, Lagoon Deluxe, Lagoon Suites and 11 Penthouses, overlooks the tranquil lagoon, tropical gardens and Lagoon Pool. Levels 3 and 4 – the latter housing the resort Penthouses – also offer views out to the Coral Sea and neighboring Hook Island. This wing offers larger rooms and suites than those in the Pool Wing.
The Beach Wing comprises Beach Front rooms and a private Beach Villa fronting Hayman Beach, and Retreat Rooms set back from the beach in tropical gardens. This wing is ideal for couples wishing to stay in boutique accommodation with tranquil surrounds.

Hayman provides unique culinary indulgences. The resort boasts fabulous restaurants and bars plus a lounge, and hosts evenings with the chef in the main kitchen. From al fresco home-style Italian and Mediterranean dining in a rustic setting to specialties of traditional Asian cultures prepared with innovative flair, Hayman has dining options to satisfy any palate. Choose the ‘A la carte package’ to include daily buffet breakfast in Azure, daily a la carte 3-course dinner in either La Trattoria, Oriental or Azure, as well as use of all non-motorized watercraft, squash and tennis courts, use of activities center and gym facilities.

Hayman’s ideal location presents opportunities to enjoy a range of adventures in the waters lapping the island. Cruise aboard Reef Dancer and snorkel amongst spectacular coral and beautiful tropical fish before ascending to sparkling wine and refreshments. For a touch of romance, why not take a seaplane or helicopter to Whitehaven Beach and claim a spot on the pristine silica sands for the perfect escape?

For the ultimate in pampering, visit Spa Chakra; voted by Spa Finder readers as the “Favorite Spa in Australia” for the past two years. Hayman in Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef is a private island destination, presenting a unique resort experience of adventure, indulgence and natural beauty.

Bedarra Island, Queensland

For a private, high quality escape, Bedarra cannot be surpassed. It is a world of pampered luxury and is truly the ultimate retreat for the fortunate few. Your room, built to take advantage of the immediate natural landscape, is just one of 16 hidden in the rainforest. The rooms are separated from each other by natural rainforest to ensure privacy, and offer magnificent ocean views, a separate living area and private balcony.

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The island boasts 3 sumptuous levels of accommodation indulgence. Double Storey Villas are situated close to the beach front and central resort facilities. Split Level Villas are located on the hillside and offer stunning views of the bay. For grander opulence, the Points boast large living areas with contemporary styling and sensational views thanks to their superb elevated beachside location. The large outdoor deck, perfectly positioned to ensure complete privacy, features a luxurious daybed, sun lounges and private heated plunge pool. Sunset canapés are delivered to your room each evening. The Pavilions are pure heaven. Removed from the main resort area, the two Pavilions are set in exclusive, private locations with immaculate views. The spacious sleeping area features a custom designed 'floating' bed with a separate oversized bathroom with shower and deep bath, overlooking the rainforest. The large outdoor area and deck incorporates a private plunge pool, a daybed and a dining setting, perfect for enjoying sunset canapés. Overlooking the cascading pool in an intimate setting, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the open terrace restaurant. Flawless service delivers a superb a la carte menu and every meal offers the freshest local produce in a delicious and original way. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the tariff as well as all beverages including a 24 hour open bar stocked with Australian wines, spirits, liqueurs and Bollinger champagne. The emphasis is on peace and relaxation on Bedarra Island where the natural beauty, seclusion, superior service, and exquisite food and fine wines combine to make your stay here an exclusive, indulgent experience. </P>

Hamilton Island

Situated in the heart of the Whitsunday Island group, this place has something to suit all tastes and budgets. With daily tours to the Great Barrier Reef, 40 different activities, 10 restaurants, 6 pools and over 20 shops and boutiques — Hamilton Island is just as ideal for families seeking adventure as it is for couples in search of seclusion. Perfectly situated in The Great Barrier Reef, amongst the 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other: glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities almost too numerous to mention.

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The Palm Terrace is a great value option located near the beach. Rooms are spacious and specifically designed for couples or small families. Each with its own balcony and outdoor furniture, they offer beautiful tropical garden views in a peaceful setting. The Palm Bungalows are delightful free-standing bungalows each with their own balcony overlooking tropical gardens. This is the perfect option for those who want a romantic, affordable island holiday with the added privacy a garden bungalow provides. The 4 star Reef View Hotel features extremely spacious, well appointed rooms most offering amazing views. This hotel has its own restaurant, lounge and bar. The Whitsunday Holiday Apartments comprise 1 bedroom Garden and Coral Sea View Apartments that are located opposite the beach. With fully equipped kitchens, room service, share laundry and 12 hour reception these apartments are perfect for those seeking the convenience of hotel facilities with the flexibility of self-catering features. With its absolute beachfront location, the 5 star Beach Club offers an intimate holiday experience for couples. Private infinity pool, club lounge and bar, VIP buggy chauffeur service...indulge in some of the finest service the Whitsundays has to offer. Feel at home in a Standard, Superior or Deluxe Villa. Located near the marina, choose from 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, great views and your very own 4-seater buggy to get around the island.

Activities abound on Hamilton Island. Daily tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach, sea kayaking, twilight sailing, game fishing, scenic flights, diving, cuddling a koala, bushwalking, relaxing by the pool, waterskiing...with over 40 different activities you can do everything, or nothing at all.


Call 1-800-22-SWAIN (79246) to start booking your Australian Island getaway!

Orpheus Island Resort

Fringed by sheltered bays of unspoiled sandy beaches and wreathed in spectacular coral gardens, the resort is surrounded by protected national park ensuring absolute tranquility. The style is distinctly Mediterranean, and the environment is unmistakably tropical Queensland, offering the ultimate in seclusion and privacy. The accommodation at Orpheus is sophisticated and inviting — all just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. The Orpheus Retreat rooms are studio style and come complete with their own private patio and personal spa while the Nautilus Suites are more spacious and offer a large private patio, separate lounge and bedroom area and personal spa.

Let Swain Tours personalize your Orpheus Island Experience!

Heron Island

Known as a nature lover’s retreat, Heron is a coral cay located right on the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim straight off the beach to a garden of coral where the waters are teeming with beautifully colored fish and marine life. The accommodation choices all blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Turtle Rooms are set in lush gardens and feature a large deck and outdoor area exuding a relaxed casual style. Positioned closer to the beach, Reef Suites offer filtered reef and water views with living areas extending outdoors to a balcony or garden setting. For absolute beach frontage, choose a Heron Beachside Suite. Generously sized, these suites boast spacious rooms, separate living area and large balconies. For maximum privacy, a Wistari Suite is the perfect alternative. Situated in garden surrounds with views of the ocean, each suite is air conditioned and has a private outdoor terrace complete with a two person hammock; perfect for enjoying the complimentary fruit basket and sunset canapés each evening. Point Suites boast premium beach front. Granting breathtaking reef views and magical sunsets, these spacious rooms are air conditioned and include sunset canapés delivered each afternoon. Set within a grove of trees with a private boardwalk providing beach access, The Beach House has a separate bedroom with spacious en suite, expansive living area, and fully stocked mini bar. The perfect finishing touches include afternoon sunset canapés each day and a private outdoor shower.

The restaurant, bar and lounge provide panoramic reef views, with a cocktail bar, entertainment lounge, dance floor and library area. All meals are included during your stay.

Activities include diving and snorkeling, reef walks and bird watching. There's no need for day trips to the reef because you're already there. Choose from over 20 different dive sites, more than half of which are just 15 minutes from the beach. Stop in at the Aqua Soul Spa; influenced by the rich and diverse beauty of the sea, a visit here will be sure to refresh and rejuvenate.

Dunk Island, Queensland

The palm-fringed beaches and lush rainforests make this island ideal for those who want to get away from it all or who want to do it all. Perfect for families and couples alike, Dunk Island offers an array of accommodation styles and activities that cater to all guests. From Garden Rooms set in tropical gardens with comfortable amenities, to Beachfront Rooms that boast easy beach access and balcony or patio areas, you are sure to feel at home here. For uninterrupted views of the bay and direct access to the beach, choose a Beachfront Suite complete with split level sleeping and living areas and a large balcony.

Dunk has a variety of restaurants and eateries designed to please any taste buds, from à la carte cravings to savvy sidewalk café style dining. There is an enormous variety of activities to choose from including rainforest walks, snorkeling adventures, water skiing, kayaking, aqua aerobics, sail boarding, horse riding along the beach, golf on the 18-hole course, and of course some pampering at the Spa; the perfect sanctuary.