The first time I locked eyes with a massive two-metre-long grouper, affectionately known as George, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

It was just the two of us, hovering in the endless blue, suspended above the coral.

His curious gaze met mine, and in that moment, I felt the raw power of the Great Barrier Reef – not just as a world wonder but as an ecosystem teeming with life, stories and surprises.

There’s no way to prepare for its magnitude until you’re there, living it.

Well, luckily for you, you can do just that at Reefworld, an incredible floating pontoon on Hardy Reef. Whether you want to drift off in Australia’s first underwater hotel or sleep under the stars, these Reefstays are an adventure like no other.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Reefstay at Reefworld, and why this bucket-list experience should be your next getaway.

Sleep with the fishes at Reefworld. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

What is Reefworld?

Located on Hardy Reef, about 80 kilometres east of Airlie Beach, Reefworld is a floating pontoon that serves as your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Operated by Cruise Whitsundays, this sustainable pontoon offers day trips and overnight stays that immerse you in the heart of one of the world’s most spectacular marine environments.

Day visitors come and go, but the real magic happens when you stay overnight.

Reefworld offers two overnight experiences: Reefsleep, where you sleep on the top deck under the stars, and Reefsuites, Australia’s first underwater hotel rooms that let you sleep with the fishes – literally.

Getting there: Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach

To start your Reefstay adventure, you’ll board a high-speed catamaran from either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.

The two-hour journey is a breathtaking introduction to the Whitsunday Islands and the surrounding turquoise waters.

The ride is an experience in itself, offering picture-perfect views of the ocean and islands.

Pro tip: Plan a few extra days on Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach to explore their attractions before heading out to the reef.

Stay on Hamilton Island before and after Reefworld. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

Reefsleep: A night under the stars

Reefsleep is the perfect choice for adventurous souls looking for a night of luxury in the wild.

This experience offers a truly unique way to spend the night on the Great Barrier Reef, with nothing but the night sky, the ocean breeze and the gentle sounds of the reef to keep you company.

Enjoy luxury in the middle of the ocean. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

What to expect

After the day visitors head back, the pontoon transforms into your private oasis.

You’ll sleep in custom-designed swags (think of them as luxe, waterproof sleeping bags with a mattress) set up on the top deck. Each swag is positioned for maximum privacy, and you’ll be drifting off while looking up at one of the clearest skies imaginable.

You’ll have almost all of the reef to yourself after the day visitors leave.

Snorkelling in the tranquil waters, with the fish and corals in full view, is an experience like no other.

I’ve snorkelled many times in my life, including many times on the Great Barrier Reef. But diving in the water at Hardy Reef with only a handful of other people was a whole new ball game; it felt like entering another world.

One moment I was above, surrounded by sky and sea, and the next, I was swimming beside schools of fish, their scales shimmering like jewels. Every turn revealed something new, from the shy movements of a green sea turtle to the delicate dance of coral swaying with the current.

The experience includes sunset canapes on the upper deck and a gourmet dinner made from fresh local ingredients, served on the lower deck.

Imagine having a tipple while the sun sets and later enjoying a glorious dinner under a blanket of stars.

Enjoy canapes as the sun sets. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

The next day, rise to the sound of the ocean and the early morning light on the water. After breakfast, you’ll have time for more snorkelling or simply soaking in the views before the day visitors return.

Why you’ll love it

Reefsleep gives you the ultimate combination of adventure and tranquillity.

It’s ideal for anyone who wants to unplug, experience the reef up close and fall asleep under one of Australia’s most star-studded skies.

Reefsuites: Australia’s first underwater hotel

If you want to take your Reefstay to the next level, Reefsuites are for you.

They allow you to experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before – without even getting wet.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

What to expect

The Reefsuites are built beneath the pontoon, with massive glass windows that give you an uninterrupted view of the reef.

From the moment you step inside, you’re part of the underwater world, watching tropical fish, the occasional green sea turtle and, of course, George glide past.

Both suites are designed with modern, elegant furnishings. You’ll have a spacious king-sized bed and a beautifully appointed ensuite bathroom. Showering and sitting on the loo has never been so exciting.

In addition to private snorkelling and access to the reef after the day visitors depart, Reefsuites guests enjoy exclusive use of the pontoon after hours, with meals prepared and served in a private dining setting with the other Reefsleep guests.

Take advantage of a secluded reef. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

As night fell, the reef took on an entirely different aura. Lying there in the underwater suite, I could feel the stillness, but also the life just outside the window.

It’s an intimate, magical experience to fall asleep as the marine world goes about its nightly routine.

George lingered most of the night, and he kept me company as I drifted off to sleep watching the shadows of the fish, wondering what else was out there in the dark, living its secret life while the rest of the world slept.

Fall asleep as the marine world goes about its nightly routine. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

Why you’ll love it

Reefsuites offer an extraordinary luxury experience with an unbeatable view.

It’s like sleeping inside a giant aquarium, but far more elegant. Perfect for couples or those wanting to splurge on a special escape.

What’s included?

Both Reefsleep and Reefsuites include a range of all-inclusive benefits to make your stay as seamless as possible.

Here’s what you can expect:

All meals: From dinner under the stars to breakfast by the reef, meals are included and feature fresh, local ingredients.

Snorkelling gear: All the equipment you need to snorkel Hardy Reef is provided, including stinger suits during the summer months.

All snorkelling and scuba gear is provided. Photo: Irjaliina Paavonpera

Semi-submersible tours: Get a closer look at the reef without getting wet on the glass-bottom boat tour.

Exclusive reef access: After hours, you’ll have private access to explore the reef with fewer crowds.

What to pack

If you’re staying in the Reefsleep beds, storage is minimal, so only bring with you a small overnight bag.

Your accommodation in Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach should be able to store the rest of your luggage, but check with it beforehand.

The weather can cool off at night, so bring a light jacket or sweater; protect your skin and the reef by using reef-safe sunscreen that doesn’t harm marine life; and you’ll want to capture the underwater beauty and the stunning sunset so bring a camera or GoPro.

Top tips for booking

1. Book early

Both Reefsleep and Reefsuites are incredibly popular, so make sure to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season.

2. Stay a few extra days

Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach are fantastic spots to explore before or after your reef adventure. Plan a few extra days to enjoy island life.

3. Consider a helicopter tour

To get the full picture of the Great Barrier Reef’s majesty, book a helicopter tour and fly over Heart Reef for that iconic shot.

This article first appeared in Australian Traveller. Read the original here.