Cruise Whitsundays has launched Australia’s very first underwater overnight accommodation; Reefworld, located in the Great Barrier Reef. Reefworld is a new luxurious experience offering a revamped pontoon, about a three-hour boat trip from Airlie Beach. The experience allows guests to spend a magical night or multiple nights with front row views of the underwater world.
Guests have the option to sleep on-deck or below-deck, depending on which experience best suits them. The Reefworld experience begins journey with a cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to Hardy Reef, where guests will reach the high-speed vessel taking them to Reefworld, arriving around 11am, additionally, guests are also able to arrive by helicopter. After a complimentary lunch, guests have the option to whatever they wish, if that be snorkelling, diving, swimming or partaking in the scenic helicopter ride (at additional costs).
Once the sun starts setting, guests can indulge in an extensive drink menu before enjoying a refreshing dinner, consisting of delicious fresh seafood and other Australian delicacies. The dinner will be held on the long dining table on the upper deck of the pontoon, with perfect views of the (hopefully) starlit skies.
After dinner, guests reside in their room or bed, the reef suites below deck for the lucky stayers get to view amazing sights. Waking to the sight of marine life swimming right beside the glass window is an experience like no other. Breakfast is served for all guests on the upper deck, who then partake in an “exclusive morning” on the reef, before heading home in the afternoon.
The pontoon can only hold a certain number of guests at one time, with only two underwater rooms available. Both of these rooms feature premium bedding, a glass-walled ensuite and floor-to-ceiling window views of the underwater world. These rooms are valued at $799 per person, with all meals being included, as well as beers and wines.
On deck, there are twelve “reef sleepers” which reflect a glamping sort of vibe. The queen bed swag-like accommodation features a comfortable elevated queen bed, with two covers, one that blocks out the daylight and the other which is made out of a mesh like-material that allows guests to view the starry night. These reef sleepers are valued at a cheaper $525 per person, with meals and beverages also included.
As Reefworld is quite excluded and is a three hour boat ride from the mainland, there is no Wi-Fi and no phone signal out there. This encourages all guests to unplug and take in the environment around them while it lasts. Children are required to be over ten years of age, but will be charged the same price as adults.
“We are extremely privileged to have access to such a truly breathtaking and remote part of Australia. We can provide both local and international guests the chance to gain a deeper appreciation of our wonderful Great Barrier Reef” – Luke Walker from Cruise Whitsundays.
Reefworld and Reef Suites is run and operated by Cruise Whitsundays.