Exclusive inside sneak-peek of new $10m underwater Reefsuites

A new $10m floating hotel complete with both luxury underwater suites and glamping under the stars is a “gamechanger” for tourism on the Great Barrier Reef. TAKE A LOOK INSIDE.

AUSTRALIA’S first underwater suites are the iconic “hero” of a new $10m floating hotel on the Great Barrier Reef.

The luxury Reefsuites, at Hardy Reef off the Whitsundays, let tourists sleep with the fishes on the world’s biggest living wonder.

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Officially opening this Sunday, guests can enjoy one of two suites with panoramic floor-to-ceiling views into the blue.

Ang and Aaron Barton inside one of the underwater rooms at Reefsuites.

But the real party starts after dark.

Outside lights illuminate the watery abyss to give visitors a window into the mystery of the underwater world.

“It’s a landmark moment,’’ Luke Walker, of Journey Beyond, parent company of operator Cruise Whitsundays, said.

“We’re really excited and lucky to have access to such a truly breathtaking and remote part of Australia.

“It is a “hero” experience. You see big groper, barracuda, angel fish, Maori wrasse, turtles and stingray.’’

The floating hotel is located at Hardy Reef off the Whitsundays.

About 4000 pieces of coral from the old pontoon moorings were replanted onto reef walls to rejuvenate Hardy Reef.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said it was a “game changer” for the local tourism sector.

“This will be one of the most iconic tourism experiences in Australia,” she said.

The $10m project was floated in part by taxpayers with $2.75m in funds to reconstruct the pontoon damaged by Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

Guests will see Giant Trevally, Groper, Maori Wrasse, barracuda, angel fish, turtles, stingrays and more.

At $799 per person all inclusive, the two suites have a soundproof divider wall which can be opened up into a room for four.

On the roof of the pontoon, glamping is another option with a dozen queen beds in custom-built canvas canopies, under the vast starry sky.

Guests will be able to undertake a complimentary snorkelling tour at Hardy Reef. Picture: Lachie Millard

It’s a cheaper option to rival the $2,500-a-night underwater hotel room off Zanzibar and the $70,000-a-night all-glass underwater villa in the Maldives.

Reef guides like Crystal Lacey educate guests about the sea creatures and health of coral to encourage them to become ambassadors for the World Heritage-listed 2,300km-long Reef.

Guests will also be able to glamp on the ReefWorld pontoon’s roof.

ReefWorld pontoon on the outer reef, 74km off Airlie Beach, is a hub for day trippers from the mainland and Hamilton Island.

But by night, says Mr Walker, “ahh the serenity”.

WATER VIEWS

Price per night: $799 per person

How do you get there: Return cruise from either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.

Included: Welcome drinks on arrival. Premium food (locally sourced produce) and premium beverages via on board chef. Complimentary guided snorkelling tour, the opportunity to go in the semi-submarine (included in cost) access to the underwater chamber /observatory. Return transfer from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island via bespoke Cruise Whitsundays vessel

How deep down is it: The bottom of the suite is 4 metres below

What do you see? Giant trevally, groper, Maori wrasse, barracuda, angel fish, turtles, stingrays.