Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef

Overview

Stay on an exclusive island surrounded by the marine paradise of the Great Barrier Reef. Beautiful Heron Island is a natural coral cay situated on the Great Barrier Reef, offering the chance to snorkel straight off the island. With no day-trippers and just 109 guest rooms, the resort offers the chance to switch off completely from the outside world, with no phone reception and no televisions.

Spend time enjoying the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities on offer here – choose from 20 different dive sites just minutes away from the island, marvel at the green and logger turtles that return each year to lay their eggs, and watch for whales that pass by in June on their annual migration. Heron Island is also a birder’s paradise with 19 different species regularly spotted.

A range of accommodation options cater for all tastes, from Turtle Rooms situated amongst the gardens, ideal for families, through to Beachside and Point Suites offering spectacular sea-views, secluded Wistari Suites and an exclusive Beach House. Each of the rooms and suites features a balcony or terrace, fridge, ceiling fan, beach towels, tea and coffee making facilities, beach towels and umbrellas.

Covering 18 hectares, Heron Island can be walked around in just 20 minutes yet still has space for excellent facilities. Heron Island runs a complimentary daily activity programme that includes guided reef walks, island ecology walks, guided birdlife walks, wildlife presentations and documentaries and snorkelling lessons in the swimming pool. Additional activities that can be arranged at extra cost include snorkelling excursions to the reef edge, scuba diving, sunset wine & cheese cruises, turtle viewing and stargazing.

The island is accessed via Gladstone, north of Brisbane – seaplanes depart Gladstone daily for Heron Island and a water-taxi service is also available.

Sustainability at Heron Island Resort

Exemplifying ecotourism at its best, Heron Island Resort has been awarded an Advanced Eco-Certification by Ecotourism Australia. In addition to running their own power generator, producing potable water and treating wastewater, Heron Island Resorts also provides these services to the independent Heron Island Research Station and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station (QPWS). The University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station is a world-class research and teaching centre. The facility is utilised by over 60 institutions, domestic and international, as part of educational programs, workshops and of course as a base from which to conduct ground-breaking research. Visit the research station on a guided tour during your stay to gain a detailed insight into how the station operates and the research that is conducted there.