InterContinental Hayman Island: Your Family’s Private Island Adventure 2025-2026

Discover InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef, where adventures meet family luxury on a private island accessible only by helicopter or boat. This exclusive 182-room resort offers families four restaurants where kids 11 and under eat free (specifically the Reef Serenity, Redefined offer), massive resort pools, direct reef access, and complimentary transfers, creating the perfect family escape without the crowds of typical island resorts.

Why Families Choose Hayman Island

Hayman Island delivers what no other Great Barrier Reef resort can match: complete privacy with world-class family facilities on an entire private island. The absence of road access means no competing for pool chairs or crowded beaches, just your family and fellow resort guests enjoying paradise. Your children experience true island adventure while parents relax in five-star luxury, all within the safety of a controlled, exclusive environment.

The island’s position in the northern Whitsundays provides direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, transforming every snorkelling trip into an unforgettable marine education experience. Protected beaches offer safe swimming for young children, while five distinct dining venues ensure even the pickiest eaters find their favourites. With kids 11 and under staying free using existing bedding and eating free from dedicated children’s menus, plus return boat transfers included in the Reef Serenity, Redefined offer, the value becomes extraordinary. The memorable island arrival experience, whether 55-minute boat transfer or 15-minute helicopter from Hamilton Island turns arrival into an adventure that begins your family’s exclusive island story.

Current Families Package

Family Value Package Details

From $2,247 for 3 nights (Book by 31 October 2025 for travel until August 2026)

Why The Reef Serenity, Redefined Package is Exceptional:

• Kids accommodation completely free (using existing bedding)
• All kids meals included at four restaurants
• Transfers normally cost extra—completely included
• No hidden resort fees or surprise charges
• Everything pre-paid for budget certainty

Package Terms: Book by 31 October for stays until August 2026. Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Minimum 3-night stay required.

Island Accommodation

The resort features four distinct wings: Pool Wing for easy pool access, Lagoon Wing near calm waters, Beach Wing with immediate sand access, and Pavilion Wing with varied accommodations. All rooms include coffee makers, hair dryers, daily housekeeping, safes, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, and workspaces—essential for managing the devices, chargers, and general chaos of family travel.

For larger families or multi-generational groups, the 3-Bedroom Hayman Beach House spans 400 square metres, accommodating up to eight guests. The exclusive 4-Bedroom Hayman Residences offers 650 square metres of pure luxury for the ultimate family gathering.

Family Room Configurations

Get the best offer with our Reef Serenity, Redefined package.

Four Distinct Dining Venues

Pacific

Family breakfast headquarters open 7:00am-10:30am with ocean views and extensive breakfast options. Children enjoy pancakes and fresh fruit while parents savour barista coffee. Dinner service offers sophisticated Australian cuisine with a dedicated kids menu featuring familiar favourites. The ocean-facing setting provides entertainment through passing boats and marine life spotting.

Amici

Pizza paradise for families serving Mediterranean cuisine with wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta perfect for sharing. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes children, with staff happy to create simple pasta dishes for younger diners. Italian desserts including gelato ensure happy endings to family meals.

Bam Bam

Poolside Asian adventure for lunch or dinner beside the infinity pool. Pan-Asian menu with Vietnamese influences includes mild options suitable for children, while parents explore bolder flavours. The outdoor setting allows children more freedom while maintaining dining elegance. Sharing-style service introduces kids to new cuisines without pressure.

Aqua

All-day pool dining from 11:30am-4:00pm becomes family base camp during pool days. Kids order familiar favourites like fish and chips between swims while parents enjoy fresh seafood and salads. Poolside service means no trudging through resort for lunch. The casual atmosphere perfectly suits wet swimmers and sandy feet.

Note: All venues include 10% surcharge Sundays, 15% public holidays. Kids menus available at all restaurants with a family package.

Casual Dining Experiences

Grove Boutique & Café

Snack central operating 9:30am-5:30pm with Vittoria Coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream. Perfect for different family schedules—early risers grab coffee, kids get afternoon treats, and everyone finds something when hunger strikes at odd hours. The boutique setting offers holiday shopping opportunities.

Signature Island Experiences

Marine Discovery Adventures

The resort’s Great Barrier Reef location enables extraordinary marine encounters. Snorkelling equipment is available for exploring nearby reefs, with guided tours to Blue Pearl Bay revealing vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. Low-tide discovery walks require no swimming skills—perfect for younger children to explore exposed reef flats finding starsfish, shells, and hermit crabs in natural pools.

Daily fish feeding sessions from the resort jetty create excitement as colourful fish gather for their meal. These educational moments teach children about marine species without requiring water confidence. Nature walks reveal island ecology from tropical birds to harmless lizards, turning the entire island into a natural playground.

Beach & Water Activities

Protected beaches offer safe swimming perfect for young children. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding equipment allows family adventures exploring hidden coves. Sand provides endless entertainment for castle building, while clear waters invite snorkelling practice in shallow areas.

Whitehaven Beach excursions take families to seven kilometres of pure silica sand—perfect for all-day adventures with picnic lunches. Langford Island’s sand spits appear and disappear with tides, creating natural walkways across shallow waters that fascinate children.

Childcare Services

Professional babysitting services cost $50/hour for one child, $60/hour for two children, or $70/hour for three children, with a 3-hour minimum booking. Book 24 hours in advance through reception. While there’s no formal kids club, daily activities provide structured entertainment. These qualified childminders enable parents to enjoy spa treatments or romantic dinners while children remain safely supervised.

Weekly Activities Program

The downloadable weekly schedule (viewable in advance of arrival) details specific activities and times. Special experiences acknowledge the Ngaro people as traditional owners through cultural education appropriate for children.

Whitsundays Weather Guide

Family Travel Seasons

The tropical Whitsundays climate means warm weather year-round. April-November offers the best conditions with daily highs of 25-29°C and minimal rain: perfect for reef activities. December-March brings higher humidity with afternoon tropical storms, though mornings remain ideal for water activities. Sea breezes maintain comfort, but high UV requires constant sun protection and hydration for children.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Island Discovery Arrive via boat from Hamilton Island—kids love spotting dolphins, whales and islands during the 55-minute journey. Check into your Family Lagoon Suite before lunch at Aqua poolside. Spend the afternoon between the pool and beach, letting kids adjust to island time..

Day 2: Reef Adventure Join a morning snorkeling tour to nearby reefs with flotation devices and expert guidance for beginners, followed by the excitement of fish feeding from the jetty. Afternoon brings low-tide discovery walks revealing fascinating reef creatures in shallow pools—perfect for non-swimmers—or kayaking and paddleboarding adventures in crystal-clear lagoons. Evening options include award-winning dinner at Amici or exploring Bam Bam’s Asian flavours, with optional nature walks afterwards where families might spot possums and other island wildlife in the trees.

Day 3: Beach Day Final morning at Hayman Pool with kids alternating between swimming and sandcastle building. Grove café provides ice cream bribes for good behaviour before packing. Afternoon departure via boat transfer, with exhausted happy children sleeping on the journey home.

Get the best offer with our Reef Serenity, Redefined package.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary

Follow the 3-day foundation, then add:

Day 4: Whitehaven Wonder Full-day excursion to Whitehaven Beach includes boat ride, swimming in crystal-clear waters, sandcastle competitions, and a picnic lunch on the world’s whitest sand. Return for quiet room service dinner with tired children.

Day 5: Resort Relaxation Morning kayaking in calm waters before kids enjoy babysitting service while parents visit spa. Reunite for afternoon pool games before special farewell dinner at Pacific.

Get the best offer with our Reef Serenity, Redefined package.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Extend the 5-day experience with:

Days 6-7: Pure Island Relaxation & Family Connection

Day 6: Unwind and Create Memories Embrace the luxury of unstructured time on your private island. Spend the morning lounging by your favourite pool with a book while kids splash safely nearby, or stake out the perfect beach spot for a full day of swimming and sandcastle building. Afternoon brings opportunities for family fun at the entertainment arcade, friendly tennis court matches, or simply drifting between pool and beach as the mood strikes. This is the day where families truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other – no schedules, no rushing, just pure island time together.

Day 7: Departure Day – Savouring Final Island Moments Begin with a leisurely breakfast, taking time to soak in those last Great Barrier Reef views. Enjoy final swims at your favourite beach or pool while reminiscing about the week’s adventures. Pack at your own pace while kids make the most of remaining island time. As your afternoon transfer approaches, take a moment to review hundreds of perfect family photos captured throughout the week—tangible memories of laughter, discovery, and connection that will last long after your island paradise fades into the horizon.

Get the best offer with our Reef Serenity, Redefined package.

Getting to Paradise

Transfer Logistics

Mandatory Requirements: Book transfers 14 days in advance with flight details via hayman.reservations@ihg.com or +61 7 5501 9992.

From Hamilton Island Airport:

• 55-minute boat launch: Most economical, smooth sailing with toilet facilities
• 15-minute helicopter: Exciting aerial views but may overwhelm younger children

From Airlie Beach:

• 60-minute boat transfer
• 20-minute helicopter transfer

The journey becomes part of the adventure: children press against windows watching islands pass, spotting turtles and dolphins, building excitement for the exclusive island experience ahead.

InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef delivers the ultimate family escape combining Great Barrier Reef adventures with five-star comfort on your own private island. At $2,247 for three nights with kids 11 and under staying and eating free, plus boat transfers included, this package offers extraordinary value for Australia’s most exclusive family destination.

The combination of private island exclusivity (no day-trippers ever), four restaurants where kids eat free, protected beaches, daily marine encounters, and professional babysitting when needed creates the perfect family sanctuary. Your children experience genuine island adventure—from reef walks to fish feeding—while parents enjoy spa treatments and sunset cocktails, all within the safety of a controlled luxury environment.

With mandatory 14-day advance booking for transfers and limited family suites during school holidays, early planning is essential. You’re not just booking accommodation—you’re securing your family’s private island adventure where every tide pool becomes a classroom, every meal is included, and every sunset creates memories worth more than any luxury.

Get the best offer with our Reef Serenity, Redefined package.

Last updated: September 2025 | Prices in AUD | Subject to availability Book: ihg.com/intercontinental | Call: +61 7 5501 9992 Kids 11 and under stay and eat free with the reefside serenity family package. All transfers must be booked 14 days in advance.