“It’s a game-changer”: Underwater hotel on Great Barrier Reef to open in 2020

“It’s a game-changer”: Underwater hotel on Great Barrier Reef to open in 2020

Queensland’s first ever underwater hotel will be built in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with plans for it to open in time for Easter next year.

The Queensland government revealed yesterday that it will provide $1 million in funding for an upcoming eco-tourism opportunity in Lady Musgrave Island, which will reportedly allow guests to sleep up to three-metres below the ocean’s surface in a floating, underwater hotel.

An artist's impression of the pontoon

An artist’s impression of the vessel, operated by local business Lady Musgrave Island Experience, that will contain the underwater hotel.

Set in the lagoon surrounding Lady Musgrave Island, the sustainable hotel – part of a 36 metre, three-level multi-purpose pontoon operated by Lady Musgrave Experience – will reportedly be fixed to the sea bed and offer accommodation for up to 24 people.

An artist's impression of the pontoon.

An artist’s impression of the vessel, which will run on solar power and be made partly from recycled materials.

“This pontoon is a game-changer for Lady Musgrave and the Great Barrier Reef and will create a whole new way for visitors to experience the island and the region,”  Queensland Tourism Industry development minister Kate Jones said.

The Queensland government expects the multi-level pontoon to draw an extra 16,000 visitors to the world’s largest coral reef every year, driving more than $1.8 million in visitor expenditure.

The vessel will reportedly run entirely on solar power and will partly be made from recycled materials. It will also be fitted with UV lighting for experiencing the Great Barrier Reef at night, while the upper decks will offer opportunities for diving, snorkelling and environmental data collection.

Lady Musgrave Experience managing director Brett Lakey said the project would increase the world-class offerings and capabilities for Lady Musgrave Experience – driving benefits throughout the Southern Great Barrier Reef region.

“This development will ensure the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef is an attractive gateway for visitors, providing some of the best tourism experiences on the Reef,” Lakey said.

The initiative is expected to support up to six jobs during construction and 14 jobs once operational.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]