Heron Island is ribboned by sugar white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of brilliant coral - where stress is replaced with a sense of soft adventure. Heron Island is a Marine National Park where all flora and fauna are protected - because of this the Heron Island Resort does not allow day trippers.

Accommodation at Heron Island
Rooms at Heron Island range from the Turtle, which is set amongst Pisona Forest (watch it come absolutely alive with birds during nesting season), to the secluded Point Suites, which provide the ideal location from which to watch the sun set. Taking top place is the Beach House, a freestanding house that is all yours for the duration of your stay on Heron Island. It boasts exclusive access to the beach.

Many of the resort's rooms offer sea glimpses through the island's unique vegetation and some offer direct beach access. The different styles of rooms (there are six unique types) arc around the natural curve of the island, from the jetty to North Beach. All boast either a balcony or a terrace to help you soak up the atmosphere. Inside, you have tea - and coffee - making facilities to help make yourself at home.

Checking into your room is easy. You can do it at the Marina in Gladstone so when you arrive on the island, you are free to go straight to lunch, snorkel or head straight to the beach to relax. Beach towels are provided.

The Beach House (1) - The Beach House offers a superior style of accommodation with a high degree of privacy. Set within a grove of trees, a private boardwalk provides access to the beach. Air conditioned, the Beach House offers a separate bedroom with spacious ensuite including a bath and shower and an expansive living area including oversized sofa and a work desk. Other in-room features include a fully stocked mini bar (replenished daily) and CD player. The Beach House also offers its own private outdoor shower. Point Suites (4) - Set in a premium beachfront position with an outlook that offers uninterrupted reef views and magical sunsets, Point Suites are Heron's superior grade of accommodation. With an interior designed for relaxation, Point Suites are air-conditioned and enjoy a range of additional services and in-room comforts including a fully stocked mini bar (replenished daily), a CD player and phone. Wistari Suites (2) - An excellent alternative for guests seeking maximum privacy. Located on the point and situated within a garden setting with ocean views. Interiors are spacious with contemporary design elements including a 3 seater couch and armchair and king size bed in an area separate to living. A private outdoor terrace features stylish wooden furniture and a two person hammock. Wistari Suites are air-conditioned and have a fully stocked mini-bar with CD Player and telephone in each room. Heron Beachside Suites (20) - Offering absolute beach frontage with direct access to the water and views of the reef, Heron Beachside Suites are generous in size with villa-style inclusions. Double glass sliding doors fill the room with natural light and connect both the spacious bedroom and separate living space to a large outdoor balcony. A large bathroom and an in-room CD player are among some of the other features of a Heron Suite. Reef Room (50) - Positioned closer to the beach, Reef Rooms offer filtered reef and water views through a canopy of beachside trees. The living area extends outdoors to a balcony or garden setting, interiors are light-filled, modern and comfortable. Turtle Rooms (32) - Located in a garden setting a short walk away from the beach, these cottages have a relaxed casual style. Built in duplex fashion with two rooms per block, all Turtle Rooms are at ground level and feature a large deck and outdoor area. Interiors are bright and fresh, compact but comfortable. Standard and Family Rooms are available. All of the rooms feature • A balcony or terrace • Ceiling fans • A refrigerator • Tea and coffee making facilities • A clock radio • Ironing facilities • Extra pillows and blankets • En-suite bathroom with shower hairdryers •Umbrella Point and Wistari Suites and The Beach House also offer • Bathrobes and slippers • Coffee plungers • A mini bar • Evening turndown service • Air-conditioning Heron Island Resort Information • Breakfast, lunch and dinner included • Eftpos facilities • Daily activity sheet - The Heron Times • Swimming pool • Beach towels • Board games • Guest departure facilities • Guest laundry facilities • Cots available free of charge • Resort boutique • Marine centre and shop (PADI/NAUI qualified) for dive equipment hire • Marine parks interpretative centre • Registered nurse and first aid centre • Heron Kids Junior Rangers Program (see notes below) • Conference facility for up to 100 people • Aqua Soul spa centre Aqua Soul Spa Centre Drawing its inspiration from Heron Island's dramatic Great Barrier Reef location, Aqua Soul Spa is influenced by the rich and diverse beauty of the sea. Aqua Soul Spa has been created to enhance your health and well-being by embracing the powerful healing qualities of the sea and earth. Indulgent and nurturing, each signature therapy is a blend of marine and other natural elements designed to balance the physical and emotional body, refresh the mind and restore your natural energy. Conferences, Incentives and Weddings on Heron Island Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a coral cay with soft white sand and crystal clear waters. Heron Island has one conference room that can seat up to 100 delegates theatre style. It is possible to arrange corporate events and weddings also on Heron Island. Romantic, intimate incentives can also be arranged incorporating both Wilson and Heron Islands. Heron Island Junior Rangers Children from 7 to 12 years old can join Heron Island's Junior Ranger Program, which operates during Australian eastern seaboard school holidays (or through prior arrangement outside of this period: 2 weeks notice needs to be given prior to arrival and a minimum of 3 children are needed in this case.) Heron Island's newly revised Junior Rangers Program has been developed by Heron Island's experienced team of marine biologists and naturalist guides with the cooperation of the University of Queensland, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The Junior Rangers Program offers a range of nature-based activities designed to nurture a sense of exploration and caring for the environment, from reef walks, bird-watching and beachcombing through to tree planting and even the opportunity to design and run your own resort island. Junior Ranger activities contribute to the earning of a variety of colourful embroidered badges, from the "Three-Kilometre Badge" through to the highly prized "Junior Ranger Badge." A one-off registration fee applies for each Junior Ranger participant with fees generating funds for the Queensland Turtle Conservation Program. Registration costs cover the provision of a Junior Rangers Workbook, Junior Ranger Hat, embroidered badges and Junior Ranger activities throughout the duration of your stay. Heron Island Location Covering 18 Hectares, Heron Island lies on the Tropic of Capricorn (23 degrees south of the equator), 72 kilometres NE off the coast from Gladstone, central Queensland. 534 kilometres north of Brisbane. 1,183 kilometres south of Cairns. Transfers to Heron Island Resort Courtesy coach transfer departs the airport at 10.15am to connect with the launch departing Gladstone Marina at 11.00am daily (except Christmas Day). The launch takes approximately 2 hours. A helicopter service departs Gladstone Airport daily on demand during daylight hours. The flight takes 30 minutes. Guests arriving/departing via Gladstone Airport will be transferred to/ from the Marina and Airport. Please make your way to the front of the Terminal once you have collected your luggage to meet the transfer service. N.B. A small number of Gladstone flights arrive after 10.00am and depart before 4:30 pm. If you are booked on one of these, the Helicopter Service is your best transfer option. By Boat: At 34 metres, The Heron Islander is specifically designed to provide a comfortable and spacious transfer from the Queensland mainland to Heron Island. Launched in 2007, she comfortably seats 170 and has a top speed of 30 knots (55kmh).

By Helicopter: Total baggage allowance: 15kg per person (secure luggage storage facilities are available for guests travelling via helicopter for any excess luggage). Additional luggage can be transferred with our compliments on the launch.

You can get your holiday off to a stunning start by taking a Great Barrier Reef scenic helicopter flight. From up high, it looks like just a drop in the ocean. It really is the ultimate way to appreciate the island’s unique location.

Helicopter transfers are subject to availability. Please confirm availability on all services with our reservations team to avoid disappointment. Check in for helicopter transfers at least 30 minutes prior to departure at the Australian Helicopters desk adjacent to Qantas at Gladstone Airport.

Note: Heron Island operates 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) all year round.

Home ~ Queensland ~ Luxury Queensland Island Accommodation ~ Heron Island, via Gladstone