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The Hayman Story

The Hayman Story is one of romance, luxury and exemplary quality. It is the story of an incomparable Australian icon that began in 1866.

Commander Nares of the Salamander, a ship that protected early settlements along the North Queensland coast, named Hayman in honour of his navigator, Thomas Hayman, Master RN.

In the early 1900s, Monty Embury secured the lease to Hayman and built a biological research laboratory on the island in 1933. When Whitsundays fishermen Bob and Bert Hallam acquired the lease in 1935, they established the Great Barrier Reef Game Fish Angling Club attracting local and international game fishing enthusiasts who arrived by coastal steamer.

One of them was Zane Grey, American novelist, filmmaker and big game fisherman who, like those before him, was captivated by Hayman’s unique beauty. Grey planted the first coconut palm on the island and, in 1936, Hayman became the idyllic tropical backdrop for his comedy drama, White Death.

In 1947, Australian aviation pioneer, Sir Reginald Ansett fell in love with the island and acquired the lease for 10,000 pounds. A resort was constructed and on 4 July 1950, the Royal Hayman Hotel was opened by Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Arthur Fadden. Hayman soon earned the reputation as Australia’s foremost leisure and honeymoon destination and attracted widespread international recognition.

By July 1985, the Royal Hayman Hotel had closed its doors and a new chapter of the Hayman story had begun. Work commenced on transforming the island into the luxury lifestyle destination that it is today. No expense was spared on the Hayman redevelopment with more than 1000 palm trees procured from along the North Queensland coast and the 22 iconic date palms, which form Hayman’s spectacular avenue of The Formal Garden, individually transported from a vineyard in Swan Hill, Victoria.

More than a hectare of magnificent marble was used in flooring throughout the resort. Antiques, fabrics and exquisitely handcrafted furniture were sourced from around the world, and superb artworks were purchased from leading galleries and artists.

In 1987 the new Hayman was unveiled and was invited to join The Leading Hotels of the World.

In 1998, BT Hotel Limited acquired Hayman from Ansett Australia.

From mid 2000 to the end of 2002, Hayman undertook a multi-million- dollar enhancement program. Accommodation was refurbished, new rooms were created and a new beachfront restaurant and dedicated children’s facility were opened.