Hamilton Island has unveiled next-generation virtual reality vision of the Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
The remarkable three-dimensional, 360-degree interactive vision was created in partnership with Samsung Electronics Australia, Hamilton Island and Rapid VR, and gives travellers the ability to depart reality and experience Hamilton Island from the comfort of their armchairs.
YouTube 360 video
Experience Hamilton Island in Virtual Reality via YouTube’s 360 video service which allows you to look in any direction and when you want—not just where the camera is pointing. This new 360 technology works in Chrome browsers where you can tap and drag to look around. Smartphones with the YouTube app installed will be able to view the interactive content when clicking on the YouTube link allowing viewers to experience Hamilton Island by moving their phone in the direction they want to go. Users without YouTube’s app installed or who view on different web browsers will still be able to watch the content however it will be supplied in a flattened mode without the 360 functionality. (See below for a 2D teaser trailer if you don’t have the functionality to view the one above.)
360 Hamilton Island virtual reality app – available mid July 2015
Download the interactive 360 Hamilton Island Virtual Reality experience direct to Android and iPhone smartphones. Discover the beauty of Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays by simply moving your phone in the direction you want to explore or using your finger to navigate. The App is designed with additional functionality that allows users to experience the content with Google cardboard viewers.
Viewed through Samsung headsets, the film footage is a powerful way for travellers – domestic and international – to preview Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef inspiring them and giving them a unique taste of their next holiday destination.
Glenn Bourke, Hamilton Island’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “According to Tourism Australia, Australia is the highest-rated destination for “world-class beauty and natural environments”, and the Great Barrier Reef is among the top three most appealing attractions. As a result, we’re excited a wider audience can now experience the beauty and wonder of the Reef and Hamilton Island through a new downloadable App.
“Hamilton Island’s virtual reality experience is so real that people reach out to touch the three-dimensional images that pass by. For example, you take a helicopter flight out the Great Barrier Reef flying over Whitehaven Beach and then stunning coral formations, including the Heart Reef. Then you find yourself swimming in crystal clear waters among the coral as schools of colourful fish dart past. Next, ahead of you the gates of qualia swing open for you to enter and explore the luxury of this world-class resort and spa.
“While it’s fascinating to be transported away through virtual reality, nothing is more remarkable than visiting the reality of Hamilton Island itself,” said Mr Bourke.
Qantas Group Executive, Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Olivia Wirth said: “As one of the largest private investors in Australian tourism, we are constantly looking at different ways to showcase the wonderful destinations on our network,” she said.
“Our Virtual Reality headsets have already proven a hit with our customers in our lounges and on some of our international flights. It’s a fantastic way for us to give our customers a unique experience of the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island, which we expect will translate into more people choosing to visit the Whitsundays for their next holiday destination.”
The Hamilton Island and Great Barrier Reef App will be available early July for download for smartphone and android users.
Hamilton Island Virtual Reality 2D Trailer from Hamilton Island on Vimeo.
