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New $10 million floating hotel lets you stay in the Great Barrier Reef

A new $10 million floating hotel on the Great Barrier Reef is offering Australia’s first underwater suites, which means tourists are able to wake up to the natural wildlife.

The Reefsuites at Hardy Reef are set to be a “game changer” for the local tourism industry, according to Tourism Minister Kate Jones.

“This will be one of the most iconic tourism projects in the world,” she said in a statement.

“We want to invest in tourism attractions that we know will attract more visitors to the Whitsundays and support local jobs – this project will achieve just that.”

The two exclusive suites sit four metres below the surface, with just three inches of glass separating you from the reef life outside.

At night, outside lights illuminate the waters so you can see what happens in the reef after dark.

Floor to ceiling windows are a part of the experience so you don’t miss anything.

The project began in 2017 as the pontoon was reconstructed after damage from Cyclone Debbie. The project was developed by Cruise Whitsundays and the Queensland Government.

“Today is a landmark moment for Australia,” says Luke Walker, from Journey Beyond, the parent company of Cruise Whitsundays.

“We are extremely privileged to have access to such a truly breathtaking and remote part of Australia and to provide both local and international guests the chance to gain a deeper appreciation of our wonderful Great Barrier Reef,” he says.

Each Reefsuite has a two-person capacity, but guests can also camp under the stars as the roof of the pontoon is set up to accommodate a dozen queen beds in custom-built canvas canopies. Up to 28 visitors at a time can be on the pontoon.

Scroll through the gallery to see the pontoon and how the suites will look underwater.

Photo credits: Cruise Whitsundays

Tags:
tourism, animals, queensland, great barrier reef, snorkelling