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.