Heron Island, Gladstone, Queensland

 

 

Welcome to
Heron Island

Become nature's guest

There are only a rare few places where you can see the best of the underwater world without getting wet, and within seconds of arriving. Heron Island is one of those places. 

Located off Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the moment you step foot on the tiny coral cay, giant shovel-nosed and cow-tail rays, blacktip reef sharks and turtles are often part of the welcoming party in the waters under the jetty. 

Stroll the edges of the island and you’re likely to pass a turtle in the shallows. Arrive in turtle season (November – March) for one of nature’s greatest shows as turtles nest and hatchlings are born on the island’s edge. 

It’s the turtle story that’s most polarising on Heron Island. In the 1920s it was a turtle soup cannery. Now, it’s a highly protected green zone on the Great Barrier Reef where these precious creatures thrive and future generations take their first tiny steps. 

Things to do on Heron Island

To chat face-to-face to a local about all the best things to see and do on Heron Island, step into a Visitor Information Centre

Under the waterline, Heron Island has 20 dive sites: 24 hectares of coral reef for snorkelling; and the channel, your entryway to the island for snorkelling in the morning and late afternoon, where spectacular eagle rays and friendly reef sharks frequent.  

Sharing the island is the University of Queensland research station, the largest island-based research station in the southern hemisphere, which run tours for guests most days. This is the perfect opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the research being undertaken on the Great Barrier Reef to help protect it today, for the generations of tomorrow.  

On land, the island is relaxed, with a community energy. Pisonia forests hang over earthy pathways where nesting seabirds and people share greetings when you pass.

The resort accommodation ranges from the Turtle Rooms to Point Suites, but regardless of where you stay, the water and the natural abundance of the island is never far away. 

Heron Island is accessible by water on the Heron Islander (2 hours) departing Gladstone Marina every day except Tuesday and Thursday. The island is also accessible by helicopter (30 minutes) departing Gladstone Airport with Marine Helicopters and by seaplane (25 minutes) with Australia by Seaplane, located close to the main Gladstone Airport terminal.

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