Heart Reef

Overview

Heart Reef is a naturally formed coral reef in the heart shape, located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is a popular spot for scenic helicopter tours and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters and coral formations.

Heart Reef is one of the most iconic and photographed natural wonders in Australia, known for its distinctive heart shape and stunning underwater beauty.

Scenic View Marine Life

Location

Address

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Neighborhood: Heart Reef Area

Coordinates

-16.923700, 145.778500

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$200

Children

$150

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-October

Best Time of Day

Mid-morning

best light for viewing and photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

2 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

warm and pleasant

• clear skies
• warm waters

summer

hot and humid

• extended daylight

autumn

warm and pleasant

• clear waters
• pleasant temperatures

winter

cool and pleasant

• clear skies
• cool temperatures

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Check weather
Dress appropriately

What to Bring

essential

ID tickets camera

seasonal

jacket water bottle

not allowed

large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

• sun exposure

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cards

Currency

AUD

Typical Costs

scenic flight $150

tours $200

Dress Code

casual, comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 1 month
• official website
• 48 hours
• available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Great Barrier Reef App

Size: 40 MB

Features: Map, Tour guide, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Cairns Airport

Distance: 5 km

Travel Time: 10 minutes

taxi

$20 10 min

public_transport

$3 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus

$2 15 min

taxi

$15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique natural wonder

Historical Significance: Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Insider Tips

Best views from scenic flights
Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds

Local Recommendations

• Try local seafood
• Ask for guide Sarah

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello G'day

thank_you Ta

where_is Where's

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Over Heart Reef

Best Time: Mid-morning

Tips: Wide angle

Result: Great shot of the heart shape

#heartreef #greatbarrierreef

Photography Rules

allowed areas all areas

prohibited areas N/A

flash photography allowed

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Whitehaven Beach

Distance: 20 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Beach

Hamilton Island

Distance: 30 km