Intercontinental Hotel

Hayman Island, Queensland 2017 - 2019

Hayman Island Resort renowned for it’s tropical gardens and iconic landscape was destroyed by Cyclone Debbie in March 2017. All that remained were the damaged crowns of what were once majestic shade trees, snapped and fallen trunks of the ‘hero landscape’ coconut palm plantings and unrecognisable gardens that had been totally removed from the landscape.

The essential design principle that underscored the landscape restoration program was to honour the integrity of the garden’s original design and restore the gardens to their earlier grandeur. Cyclone Debbie provided an unprecedented opportunity to review the gardens functionality with the intention to improve design outcomes and enhance the outdoor garden experience.

The gardens cover an area approximately 16 hectares, separated into 23 individual gardens or precincts. Approximately 35,000 plants were procured and planted around the resort.