A night at the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

An idyllic island bounces back to be better than ever with the resurrection of an Australian icon.

When visiting an icon, opportunities are rife for disappointment. The weight of expectation can be a cumbersome burden to bear, informed as it is by past glories, hype and second-hand experiences, both good and bad.

Hayman Island is a perfect example. Long considered the jewel in the crown of the Whitsundays, a sublime collection of islands, sprinkled like confetti across the warm waters off the coast of Queensland, Hayman was arguably Australia’s first internationally recognised luxury resort, hosting the great and the good over its 70- year history, and accumulating a reputation (a mystique even) that requires constant effort to live up to.

But it’s been tough going over the last few years: the brutal force of nature and uncertainty in ownership has left the island resort languishing while its traditional customers looked elsewhere for their five star island fix. Qualia on the neighbouring Hamilton Island took up some of the slack domestically, and places like the Maldives featured on the travel plans of an increasing number of Australians.

So, as I board a luxury catamaran en route to the recently reopened InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef (the property is now managed by the giant InterContinental Hotels Group), I am unsure what to expect. The welcoming glass of bubbly, a stalwart of the Hayman transfer for years, hints that things might not have changed so much after all.

The iconic Hayman Island — Wish you were here?

The back story

Having been battered by the destructive Cyclone Debbie back in 2017, the private-island resort has undergone a $135 million refurbishment, which has taken it to the next level of gracious hospitality and glamour. While still possessing a unique Australian charm, informed by its surroundings and staff, the resort has once again ascended to an international imprint of luxury.
Contained within an island that measured just 400 hectares (it is four kilometres long and three kilometres wide) the resort itself feels spacious: it houses a total of 168 rooms but there is a sense of being in an exclusive enclave.

The resort

The rooms, most of which have views out to the iconic Hayman pool (some with direct access), have had a contemporary face lift, all pleasing shades of blue and creamy beige with lots of blonde wood and natural textures. Days start with breakfast in the Pacific restaurant, which is one of the five dining options on the island that all lean heavily towards locally sourced produce and ingredients. And, of course, there is a spa that follows the design cues throughout to create a blissfully relaxing space.

Across the resort, the staff are warm and genuine. I find out later that they all live in an almost ‘mini resort’ on the island which seems to have created a genuine bond of camaraderie that enhances the guest experience.

The luxe interiors of a Lagoon Ocean View

Further stamping itself as a modern incarnation of its old self, the resort has introduced a ban on single-use plastics. Guests receive a complimentary reusable water bottle upon check-in that can then be filled at filtered water stations around the resort. It has also partnered with Australian sunscreen brand We Are Feel Good Inc. , whose products are reef-safe.

The less I do (guests can fill their days with activities if they wish) the longer the days feel, which seems to me to be the ultimate mark of a luxury resort like Hayman. So, I am understandably reluctant to board the catamaran back to the airport, but the farewell bubbly does help. Some icons, it turns out, never disappoint.

Details

Getting there

Fly direct to Hamilton Island airport from most major capital cities, then board a one-hour private charter to Hayman Island during which sparkling and snacks are served.

Staying there

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef offers 168 luxury rooms, suites and villas across three distinct wings: Beach, Pool and Lagoon. The pool suites have direct access to the iconic main pool, while the beach villas look out to the Coral Sea. Also on offer are two luxury four-bedroom Residences situated on the island’s hilltops for the ultimate in luxury, with full access to the resort’s facilities.

Eating there

There are plenty of dining options at Hayman. The resort’s signature bar and restaurant Pacific offers a buffet breakfast in the morning and à la carte dining in the evening. AQUA is a pool-side menu of seafood dishes, tropical fruit juices, fresh salad bowls and classic cocktails.

The casual Italian eatery Amici Trattoria features wood-fired pizzas, pasta and an extensive Italian-influenced wine list. For a touch of pool-side glamour, try Bam Bam, pan-Asian cuisine with an Australian slant, with zesty cocktails by the infinity pool. Set in the resort’s lobby, Bar Fifty is a 1950s-inspired cocktail bar that also overlooks the golf simulator. One for the blokes.

Playing there

Hayman offers many experiences including island tours, diving, snorkelling and paddle boarding, while helicopters and seaplanes offer an experience from above. Yoga sessions and sunset hikes are also options. You can wind down after all this activity in the Hayman Spa with a full range of treatments available.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

A night in the new InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef