Hardy Reef is certainly a must-visit destination on the Great Barrier Reef.
With almost 3000 individual reefs within the Great Barrier Reef, Hardy Reef is about 80 kilometres from Airlie Beach, the mainland town of the Whitsundays. The reef is ideal for all water activities and marine life spotting. The boat journey to the reef takes around 2 hours, where you’ll find one of the Great Barrier Reef’s pontoons.
Things to do on Hardy Reef
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Snorkelling
Hire the gear and jump in the water to explore the Great Barrier Reef through snorkelling! It is one of the best and easiest ways to see the reef, with even beginners able to learn on the spot. You can join a guided tour or cruise around at your own pace.
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Scuba diving
Scuba diving is the perfect way to experience the reef more intimately, allowing you to go deeper into the water and explore further. You could swim alongside various marine life and get up close to the coral. A medical questionnaire must be completed before diving, and you will need a diving certificate to enter the water.
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Semi-submarines
Prefer to stay dry? The semi-submarines are designed for those who wish to see the Great Barrier Reef without getting in the water. They cruise through the water, allowing you to view the colourful coral and a variety of marine species swimming around.
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Scenic rides
Another way to reach Hardy Reef is by taking a 30-minute scenic flight from Airlie Beach! You will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef as you travel to the pontoon.
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Pontoon
The pontoon is the hub for all these activities on the reef. It provides the perfect way to spend the day exploring this breathtaking underwater world. Permanently anchored above Hardy Reef, it allows for easy access to snorkelling or diving, or you can simply relax and enjoy the blue waters.
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See the marine life
Hardy Reef is home to a vibrant array of marine creatures. Expect to see everything from parrotfish and barracudas to beautiful turtles, reef sharks, and even moray eels! The diversity of marine life in these waters may surprise you as you jump in.