What is Heart Reef?
Heart Reef is a small, naturally heart-shaped coral formation in the Whitsundays area of the Great Barrier Reef. It has become one of the most famous images of the reef and is best seen from the air.
Heart Reef is part of Hardy Reef, off the coast of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. The formation is about 17 metres across.
It was made famous by aerial photographs, particularly after the French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand included it in his book Earth from Above.
Seeing Heart Reef
To protect the coral, swimming, snorkeling and diving at Heart Reef itself are not permitted. The best way to see it is on a scenic flight by helicopter or seaplane from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
Many scenic flights also pass over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, giving visitors views of the reef and islands in one trip.
Heart Reef has become a popular place for marriage proposals and romantic gestures, with some couples arranging helicopter flights to propose above the formation. Nearby pontoons on Hardy Reef offer snorkeling and diving on other parts of the reef.