Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Five Ways

With warm sunny days and clear turquoise waters, the months ahead are some of the best to enjoy the wonders of one of Australia’s greatest natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef.  But how you choose to travel the region is up to you:

Personalised and private – charter a luxury motor cruiser for you and your family or just a few close friends to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef all to yourself. Allow the professional crew to skipper you to private sand cays and secret snorkelling spots to enjoy the best of the reef in luxury and seclusion. 3 and 5 day itineraries from Port Douglas include snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, freshly prepared meals and ensuite cabin accommodation.

As the mood (or wind) takes you – charter a bareboat yacht to enjoy the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore one of the world’s most magnificent cruising grounds. The turquoise waters and 74 islands of the Whitsunday Island group offer calm seas, tranquil anchorages, white sandy beaches and spectacular island walks.

Robinson Crusoe style (complete with a few of life’s little luxuries)  – about 600km north of Cairns, Haggerstone Island offers the opportunity for up to 12 of your nearest and dearest to share an exclusive island escape. Accommodation is in three rustic timber pavilions (complete with comfy beds and warm showers) each one surrounded by tropical bushland and just metres from the sand. A 40 ft boat is at your disposal to go snorkelling, scuba diving or fishing .. and a helicopter is on stand-by for scenic touring and private picnics. Alternatively, just enjoy the tropical island fantasy with lazy days on the beach and deliciously prepared meals of fresh caught seafoods prepared with herbs and vegetables grown on the island.

Family friendly (for all the family !) – InterContinental Hayman Island Resort offers a holiday for the whole family complete with two bed-room family suites, stunning lagoon pool and safe swimming beaches, a wide range of watersports from paddleboarding and sailing to waterskiing and scuba diving, there’s also a basketball court, tennis courts,  a climbing wall and ping pong .. as well as dedicated kids clubs for younger children and teens .. and babysitting to ensure mum and dad are well looked after too.

Adults only Romantic Escape – qualia on Hamilton Island provides a relaxed and romantic retreat where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind and indulge the senses. Take in the stunning views over the Coral Sea from the private sundeck or from the infinity edge plunge pool at your private pavilion surrounded by tropical bushland, enjoy irresistibly indulgent spa treatments, sunset yoga sessions, private dining options – from a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach or dinner for two in your pavilion .. and the tranquillity of a resort which caters only for guests over 16 years of age.

.. and then there are also liveaboard dive cruises, self-catering luxury holiday homes, beachside glamping, exclusive island getaways and so much more to choose from. Contact one of our talented travel designers (ausdesign@southern-crossings.com) to discuss your ideal way to experience one of the world’s greatest natural treasures – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef