The renovations will take in its Heart pontoon and its Reefworld product which offers the opportunity to stay out overnight on the reef. Both are operated by its subsidiary Cruise Whitsundays
Hardy Reef is especially notable for Heart Reef, a coral formation shaped like a heart.
The refurbished Heart pontoon is expected to reopen in April this year, while the Reefworld experience will re-emerge on July 1 as a more exclusive product, catering only to overnight guests.
Since Reefworld opened in 2019, it has accommodated both day-only guests and those wishing to stay overnight, either on deck as part of the Reefsleep experience or underneath the waterline in one of just two Reefsuites.
“As part of Journey Beyond’s ongoing investment strategy and the continued premiumisation of the Cruise Whitsundays portfolio, the refurbishment of Reefworld represents our commitment to taking our guests further and elevating their experience on the Great Barrier Reef,” said Journey Beyond’s CEO, Chris Tallent.
“This upgrade will ensure Reefworld remains Australia’s number one unique accommodation offering on the Reef, enhancing the unforgettable overnight stays available on the pontoon in one of Australia’s most iconic locations, the Great Barrier Reef.
The Reefworld works will yield new beddings and furnishings for Reefsleep and other redesigned elements of the experience, as well as delivering an elevated F&B offering.
“This next phase cements Reefworld as a globally unique, reef-immersive stay,” said Tallent.
“Overnight guests will feel like they have the Great Barrier Reef entirely to themselves from the first snorkel of the day to the final glass of Champagne beneath the stars.”
When it reopens, Reefworld will be able to accommodate up to 36 people overnight.
