Heron Island

Heron Island

Official Rating

‘Exclusive Island Getaway’

Heron Island is an exclusive island for guests only. Nestled beautifully on an idyllic coral cay, the resort is unlike others in that it is directly located on the Great Barrier Reef - meaning you can quite literally snorkel off of the island in to the crystalline waters beyond. Heron Island caters for both couples and families with rooms specifically designed to accommodate for every need. Couples will adore the furnished balconies and their easy access and views of the sea, while parents will love the idea of an extra bed or two for their little ones. The resort itself only takes twenty minutes to walk around, yet there is so much to do here – from delicious dinners at Shearwater Restaurant – to the abundance of wild-life and exotic marine inhabitants. Turtles return to the area year after year to lay their eggs and guests are invited to watch the hatchlings make their way to water. June is another exciting prospect when whales pass by the island on their annual pilgrimage.

In Our Opinion

‘Beautiful, unspoilt Heron Island calls lovers, families and nature buffs to its stunning surroundings. This is an exclusive resort where every need is catered for. The diving spots of the Great Barrier Reef are a sight to behold and there are 20 distinguished sites in the surrounding area.’

Shearwater Restaurant
The Shearwater Restaurant serves an exciting array of dishes under the banner of themed buffets. Open 07:30 – 09:30 for breakfast, 12:00 – 16:00 for lunch and 18:00 – 21:00 for dinner.
Baillies Bar & Pandanus Lounge
Baillies Bar & Pandanus Lounge is an excellent spot for cold drinks and a catch up. The bar provides panoramic reef views and has its own cocktail bar, entertainment lounge band and two pool tables. Open 12:00 – 20:00.

Leisure
• Day spa
• Swimming pool
• Turtle tour*
• Stargazing*

Services
• Boutique
• Laundry services
• Meeting facilities
• Porter service
• Reception safe
• Tour desk

Land Sports
• Guided tour through the Heron Sky*

Water Sports
• Snorkelling
• Kayaking*
• Guided fishing trips*

* Facilities and services that are charged

Diving
Heron Island offers a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with a range of PADI dive courses available for beginners all the way up to the experienced diver. Heron Reef is blessed because of its close proximity to some of the world’s best diving sites. Including such infamous locations as Heron Bommie, Gorgonia Hole, the Coral Gardens and 3 Rocks.

Discover Scuba Diving
These lessons are for beginners who want a taste of diving and who have no prior experience. Pool sessions, equipment and a one-to-one supervised dive with a qualified instructor is included in the price package.

Follow up dives
A follow on from the previous course which includes equipment and instructor guide.

PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral
This course allows students who have completed the necessary theory and pool components to complete their Open Water Diver Qualifications.

Guests wanting to experience the incredible diving opportunities must bring a completed Australian standard medical with them.

Heron Island welcomes families with children of all ages and offers the following facilities and services to ensure they have an enjoyable stay.

Accommodation
• Units can accommodate between 1 and 2 children

Services
• Medical facilities available on site

Beach & Sea
• Beach is safe
• Shallow, gradual entry in to water
• Water temperature is around 18 degrees in July/August and 29 degrees in the summer

Kids Clubs
Junior Rangers
Ages allowed: 7 - 12
Opening times: operates in Australian school holidays September to October
Cost: $15.00 per child, per day attended

Babysitting?
• A babysitting service is available on the island

Heron Island makes an ideal choice for your romantic occasion. Book your accommodation and add one of the following wedding packages.

Romantic Wedding includes:
• Celebrant fee, accommodation and transfers
• Marriage license and certificate
• Wedding co-ordinator
• Bridal bouquet
• Groom’s boutonniere
• Wedding cake for two
• Bottle of chilled sparkling wine
Cost: From $2480.

Ultimate Wedding includes:
• Celebrant fee, accommodation and transfers
• Marriage license and certificate
• Wedding co-ordinator
• Bridal bouquet
• Groom’s boutonniere
• Wedding cake for two
• Bottle of chilled sparkling wine
• One hour massage for two
• In-room floral arrangement
• Sunset cruise for two
Cost: From $2940.

Optional extras include:
• Photography/videography
• Live musician
• Bridal hair and make-up
• Spa treatments
• Beach picnics
• Wedding cake for more guests
• Chair covers
• Sunset cheese and wine cruise
• Unique Heron Island table gift
• Rose petal décor
• Intimate dinner for two

Legal documents required, please check.
Please enquire for further details and pricing.
Subject to availability.

Location

Located 44 miles north east of Gladstone, off the coast of central Queensland. Unlike other resorts, Heron Island lays claim to being a resort on the Great Barrier Reef.

Heron Island Transfer Options
Regular flights to Gladstone are available via Sydney & Brisbane, once at Gladstone there is a choice of transfer options to get to Heron itself.

Boat
The Heron Islander provides a comfortable & spacious transfer from the mainland to Heron Island taking approximately 2 hours. The schedule for the Heron Islander departs Gladstone Marina at 11:00 hours and arrives at Heron Island at 13:00 hours. It departs Heron Island at 13:00 hours and arrives at Gladstone Marina at 15:45. A transfer from Gladstone airport will take you to the marina.

Seaplane
Why not begin your holiday by catching a scenic seaplane flight between Gladstone and Heron Island and experience a unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef. An amazing and alternative way to arrive into Heron Island in both style & luxury. The scenic seaplane transfers will allow you to watch tropical islands from above, spot whales, sharks or turtles and view amazing turquoise reef formations before landing on beautiful Heron Island!

The Cessna departs from Lake Ahwonga, a 20 minute transfer from the Gladstone Terminal, as this aircraft must take-off & land in water. Shared transfers are provided in either a Lexus or Hummer and are included within the flight rate. This aircraft is boarded via a short step ladder (3 steps up) and upon arrival and departure from Heron Island, guests will alight the seaplane in the tropical shallow water up to knee height.
Not suitable for anyone with serious mobility issues.

The Beaver is amphibious, this means it can take-off from the Gladstone Airport and land in the water adjacent to Heron Island, therefore no transfers are required. This aircraft is boarded via a short step ladder (3 steps up) and upon arrival and departure from Heron Island, guests will alight the seaplane in the tropical shallow water up to knee height.
Not suitable for anyone with serious mobility issues.