Heart Reef
A naturally formed, heart-shaped coral reef in the Hardy Reef system of the Great Barrier Reef, about 17 metres across. It can only be seen from the air, by helicopter or seaplane.
Heart Reef lies in the Hardy Reef system on the outer Great Barrier Reef, about 70 kilometres from Airlie Beach. This naturally formed, heart-shaped coral reef is about 17 metres in diameter. A sightseeing pilot discovered it in 1975. It became world-famous after aerial photographs were published and is now a popular symbol for proposals and honeymoons. To protect the coral, diving, snorkelling and boats are prohibited near Heart Reef, so the only way to see it is from the air. 1) Take a helicopter sightseeing flight from Airlie Beach (Whitsunday Airport) or Hamilton Island, which takes about one hour. Some itineraries land on a nearby pontoon or coral sandbank for snorkelling. 2) Take a seaplane flight over Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. You can choose to land on Whitehaven Beach and stay for a while. 3) Add a short helicopter tour (about 10–15 minutes) from the Reefworld pontoon. The price is around AUD 300–800, depending on the route and duration. Along the way you will see extensive reef systems, lagoons and sandbanks, making this the most impressive way to grasp the scale of the Great Barrier Reef. Note that window seats are limited. For photos, sit on the left or right side of the aircraft. Flights may be cancelled or rescheduled in poor weather.
Opening hours
Sightseeing flights several times daily (weather permitting)
Nearby sights
- Reefworld Pontoon, Hardy Reef
- Bait Reef
- Hook Island (Manta Ray Bay & Butterfly Bay)
- Hayman Island & Blue Pearl Bay
- Langford Island
- Whitsunday Cairn
- Hill Inlet Lookout
- Chalkies Beach