Our Sustainability Journey

Nestled at the northernmost point of Australia’s Whitsunday archipelago, Hayman Island is the nearest Whitsunday Island to the Great Barrier Reef’s outer reef. Since its launch in July 2019, the story of InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef has been intrinsically linked to its exquisite surrounds. The Resort recognises that its doorstep location to one of the world’s natural wonders comes with a responsibility to treat the surrounding environment with great care and consideration.

Energy Efficiency

After the destruction of Cyclone Debbie in 2017, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef undertook work to rebuild the island’s infrastructure with sustainability measures at the forefront of the redesign.

Engineers began by implementing a resort-wide building management system to better monitor energy consumption, in addition to installing variable speed drive technology on all pump equipment.

The guest experience was also integrated into the resort’s energy-savings initiatives with the execution of in-room Suite Control systems. These interactive systems allow guests to optimise their in-room climate while minimising energy consumption, and have so far reduced energy costs 20% to 45% per annum.  Automated blackout curtains were installed in all guest rooms, along with dimmable light fixtures. All outlets utilise LED fittings, which reduce energy output by 75% and last years longer than conventional fittings.

Waste Reduction

The Resort also employs several systems that contribute to an overall reduction in waste creation. Rather than continuously import thousands of litres of drinking water a day, the property houses a highly advanced Reverse Osmosis Desalination plant that is capable of recycling salt water from the ocean into fresh, potable water.

An onsite treatment plant also processes wastewater and recycles the by-product into the resort’s irrigation system, which is utilised to keep the grounds vibrant and thriving during the dry season.

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s culinary team utilises a Liquid Food Composter, which effectively uses microorganisms to break down food waste and convert it into a nutrient-rich liquid. This high-speed composter reduces the amount of waste that the Resort would otherwise send to landfill by 450 tonnes per year.

Guest Experience

Guests also receive a complimentary, reusable water bottle upon check-in, reinforcing the 2021 Queensland ban on single-use plastics. Filtered water stations are placed in convenient guest areas so that visitors can refill their bottles and remain hydrated throughout their stay and well beyond.

The Grove, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s on-site boutique, strives to support businesses that either operate sustainably or support environmental causes. Bracelets that fund ocean cleanup and protection charities, certified B Corp swimwear companies and clothiers that produce items from recycled materials can all be found in-store.

If desired, environmental education can also play a key role in any visit to InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Conference groups can pre-arrange interactive sessions with a Marine Biologist on Blue Pearl Bay or neighbouring islands and include sustainability theming into their stay.

Hayman Island itself is also a dedicated wildlife sanctuary. The island team is committed to animal welfare, and guests can see native fauna thriving across the island, from flying foxes and cockatoos to protected species such as Proserpine rock wallabies.

Sustainability Partners

The resort proudly supports regional sustainability efforts by working with local environmental partners.

Stay for Good

This September, in conjunction with IHG’s ‘Giving For Good Month’ initiative, we’re proud to support the OzHarvest organisation in the fight against food insecurity. For every night you stay at our resort, we’ll donate $1 to OzHarvest.
Just one dollar provides two nutritious meals, prevents one kilo of food waste from reaching landfill, and helps reduce carbon emissions.

Food insecurity is impacting more Australians than ever. Each month, 50,000 peoples go without essential support – a 54% increase since 2024. Rising living costs, housing challenges, and higher grocery prices are making life increasingly difficult for many families.

By supporting OzHarvest, we’re helping to feed those in need and protect our planet for future generations.

 

About OzHarvest

Since 2019, IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with OzHarvest through the ‘Awesome Partnership’ – a nationwide collaboration dedicated to creating a sustainable food culture and reducing waste.

We work closely with OzHarvest to ensure surplus quality food from our hotels and resorts never goes to waste. Whenever possible, excess food is collected from our properties and delivered to charities that provide meals to those who need them most.

In addition, IHG proudly supports the OzHarvest Nourish Program, which gives at-risk young people the training, skills, and confidence to pursue a career in hospitality.

 

Anything Environmental

We work with a local Airlie Beach recycling plant, Anything Environmental, to reduce our contribution to landfill. Our team sends all recyclable waste to their nearest depot for weekly processing.

Whales of the Whitsundays

The shallow protected waters of the Whitsunday Islands are a unique haven where majestic marine giants choose to bring new life into the world. These shallow waters create the perfect nursery to cradle the precious moments of birth for humpback whales, travelling thousands of kilometres to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef for this captivating natural spectacle to unfold.

The Whitsundays are the World’s first Whale Heritage Site within a World Heritage Area. Our commitment to preserving and respecting this critical birthing habitat is unwavering, ensuring that generations to come can marvel at the beauty and grace of humpback whales in their most vulnerable and intimate moments.

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is a gold corporate sponsor of the Whales of the Whitsundays program (WoW).   The WoW helps to make these awe-inspiring moments possible, fostering a deep connection between nature, those who seek unforgettable marine experiences and the historical deep First Nations cultural connections of the land and sea country of the oldest culture on Earth.

We are committed to helping preserve and celebrate the wonders of our Whitsundays’ Whales.

Eco Barge

At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, our connection to the surrounding reef goes beyond admiration – it drives our commitment to protecting its fragile ecosystem.

As proud supporters of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc., we are helping champion vital marine conservation efforts across the Whitsundays.

Eco Barge is a locally founded not-for-profit organisation dedicated to removing marine debris, rescuing and rehabilitating injured marine turtles, and educating the community on sustainable practices. Their work plays a critical role in preserving the pristine beauty of our coastal waters and safeguarding the health of marine life.

Through this partnership, we contribute to initiatives that directly reduce waste in the ocean and support the long-term well-being of the reef and its inhabitants. From hands-on clean-up missions to community outreach, Eco Barge’s work embodies the kind of positive, purposeful action we strive to align with.

Together, we are committed to protecting the Whitsundays’ most precious natural assets – ensuring the reef and its wildlife can thrive for generations to come.

People4Ocean

At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, we are proud to partner with People4Ocean, a brand dedicated to protecting our oceans through reef-safe, environmentally conscious sun care.

By stocking People4Ocean products, we not only provide our guests with premium, safe sun protection but also contribute to initiatives that preserve and restore marine ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality, safety, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that our guests can enjoy the beauty of the reef while helping to protect it for future generations.

When you choose People4Ocean during your stay, you’re joining us in making a positive impact on the planet – one sun-safe day at a time.