> Heron Island Resort | Great Barrier Reef Stay from $280

Key details

About the Resort

Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island

Near the snorkeling area

Great

8.5

8.8

/10

4.3

4.1

Loved by Heron Island guests

Professional staff

Clean room

Fresh food

Beautiful island

Relaxing break

"Every snorkel we saw turtles, friendly reef sharks, stingrays and fish."

LizCantor from Australia

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"It is a real reset timeout from day-to-day life."

Oaky from Australia

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"You don't even have to get in the water to see turtles, sharks, rays and fish."

Cath

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3.5-star eco-resort on the Great Barrier Reef

Accommodations

Heron Island offers a range of comfortable accommodation options set within an ancient Pisonia Forest, including Turtle Rooms and Beachside Rooms. All rooms are designed to provide immediate access to the ocean, with some rooms featuring private decks. Ground-level Turtle Rooms feature outdoor areas and easy access to North Beach.

Diving and Snorkeling

The island serves as a hub for marine enthusiasts with PADI-certified dive courses available. Dives include trips to signature dive sites like Heron Bommie and Coral Gardens, featuring an array of marine species. Guided snorkel tours are also available, showcasing colorful fish and corals just off the beaches.

Dining Options

Dining at Heron Island includes the Shearwater Restaurant, where meals feature panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef. A diverse menu offers a range of dining options, catering to various dietary preferences. Baillie's Bar serves drinks alongside scenic outlooks, creating a social space for guests.

Family and Children Programs

Heron Island provides a Junior Rangers Program tailored for children aged 6 to 12, focusing on marine biology and environmental education. This program is designed to inspire curiosity about the natural world and offers interactive learning sessions. Infants under 2 years stay free, with portable cots available for families.

“Heron Island isn't trying to be something it's not. This eco-resort embraces its natural surroundings, offering an immersive experience for those eager to explore the Great Barrier Reef, both above and below the water. It's a unique destination where the focus is on wildlife encounters and marine adventures, not high-end luxury, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic and educational getaway.”

Emma JohnsonEditor-in-Chief at Toresort

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningButter Chicken Ace

The restaurant impressed with the butter chicken and varied dinner menu. Breakfast buffet provided plenty of options.

Olivia from Canada

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Sports & FitnessSnorkel Dream

Snorkeling the reef reveals turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and colorful fish. The dive sites are a short boat ride away.

Kenji from Japan

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Children's AmenitiesFamily Fun

Kids can observe marine life from the jetty. The resort is safe and welcoming for families with young children.

Isabella from Brazil

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Room FeaturesBeachfront Bliss

Staying in the beachside suite offers open space and turquoise water views. Beach towels and snorkel sets are provided.

Xavier from France

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Select your room type

Heron Island offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Reef Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Balcony
Shower
room details
Reef Family Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed and 2 Single beds
Balcony
Shower
room details
Turtle Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Balcony
Shower
room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Heron Island offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.6/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Paid Wi-Fi in public areas
Safe deposit box
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Luggage storage
Private beach
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Billiard tables

Services

Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Children's buffet
Board games

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Manicure
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Massage
Pool with view

Room features

Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Dining Onsite

On Heron Island, the culinary journey offers refreshing diversity and genuine flavors, all set against stunning backdrops. From healthy vegetarian selections to sumptuous drinks at scenic terraces, each dining venue celebrates the island's unique environment.

Shearwater Restaurant

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free options

Ambiance

Nestled within the serene island landscape, this restaurant features an inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

Key Offerings

A wide selection of nourishing meals catering to different dietary needs, complemented by tranquil views of the surrounding nature.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wistari Terrace

Beverages including fine Australian wines

Ambiance

An idyllic outdoor setting with panoramic views, perfect for enjoying drinks before embarking on marine adventures.

Key Offerings

Enjoy refreshing drinks in a scenic environment, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead on the Great Barrier Reef.

Reservation

Not needed

Hours vary

Baillie's Bar

Casual drinks and light snacks

Ambiance

A laid-back venue where guests can soak in the breathtaking reef views while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

Key Offerings

An ideal spot for socializing over drinks while admiring panoramic vistas, serving a cozy selection of snacks to accompany your beverages.

Reservation

Not needed

Hours vary

Location

Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island

Nearby

Island

Heron Island Dock

600 ft

Shipwreck

800 ft

Explore Heron Island

Activities, Dining, and Entertainment Near Heron Island

Heron Island Dock

3 minutes' walk

Heron Island Dock serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offering stunning views. Ideal for snorkeling and marine wildlife observation.

Shipwreck

3 minutes' walk

The Shipwreck is a fascinating dive site and part of local marine history. Snorkelers can explore the wreck and its surrounding aquatic life.

Snorkeling and Diving

3 minutes' walk

Snorkeling and diving excursions depart from the nearby dock, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Rentals are available.

Beach Relaxation

3 minutes' walk

The soft sandy beaches invite leisurely hours under palm trees. Perfect for solo travelers or couples seeking a tranquil getaway.

Heron Island Restaurant

3 minutes' walk

Heron Island Restaurant offers fresh seafood and local dishes in a casual beachfront setting. Vegetarian options are available.

The Lighthouse

3 minutes' walk

The Lighthouse features an elegant ambiance with panoramic ocean views. Signature dishes include gourmet pizzas and seasonal seafood.

Marine Adventures

3 minutes' walk

Marine Adventures offers guided night walks where families can observe bioluminescent marine creatures and starry skies.

Island Movie Nights

3 minutes' walk

Island Movie Nights on the beach showcase family-friendly films in a cozy outdoor setting. Check the schedule for upcoming screenings.

Getting around

City Centre
Heron Island 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Gladstone (GLT) 106 min · 43.6 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas at additional cost.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of AUD 35.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Heron Island from previous guests about their experience

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Heron Island offers an amazing opportunity to snorkel and experience exceptional marine life, including turtles, rays, and reef sharks right off the shore, making it a haven for nature lovers. The spacious rooms offer a relaxing stay close to the beach. While some guests have noted that the facilities are ageing, the restaurant receives praise for its delicious food. The island also boasts diverse birdlife, adding to its unique charm.

Review score

Based on 2 verified reviews

7.5 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Free Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Location

9.7/10

Facilities

7.6/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Pros

Beautiful beach

Great diving sites

Helpful dive team

Amazing wildlife

Cons

High food prices

Limited dining options

Management issues

Ben from United Kingdom

Couple

Turtle Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 21, 2026

6/10

mixed feelings about this stay

limited dinner menu infrequent housekeeping

the wildlife impressed me. i saw nesting turtles and hatchlings.

The food options were limited. dinner was especially disappointing. Vegetarian options were scarce, and the vegetable pot pie i ordered was overpriced and unappetizing. also, housekeeping only came every fourth day. I found this infrequent given the nightly rates.

0 Helpful

Geoffrey from Australia

Couple

Reef Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 07, 2025

9/10

lovely wildlife experience!

friendly staff informative details top tier food breakfast inclusion

The staff were friendly. They provided informative details! the restaurant stood out, delivering top tier food. the inclusion of snorkeling gear plus the breakfast with the room was a plus. i really appreciated it!

i noticed some power outlets in the room didn't work.

Facilities

9/10

the dive shop has a wide array of equipment available, including over 50 sets of snorkeling gear and 2 dive boats. there are three marked walking trails around the island, each well maintained and with clear signage. a library offers a selection of books and board games.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Heron Island

What is the ideal time to enjoy a beach getaway at Heron Island?

17 November 2024

Visiting during summer offers warmer waters, but each season on Heron Island has its own unique benefits worth exploring.

Are travel costs to Heron Island included in the accommodation price?

5 December 2024

Room rates cover daily breakfast and snorkel equipment. Ferry transfers cost $150 return for adults and $76 return for children aged 3-12 years. Please note that ferry services do not operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Christmas Day.

Is it possible to bring my own boat to Heron Island?

25 January 2025

Personal vessels are not allowed on the island. Access is only available via ferry or helicopter.

How can transportation to Heron Island be arranged?

8 February 2025

Transport arrangements can be facilitated by contacting the reservations team, who can add ferry transfers to your booking.

Where can I park my vehicle if I choose to stay on the island?

15 March 2025

Secure parking arrangements can be made with Compleat Angler Gladstone.

If my departure falls on a day when there are no ferries operating, what alternatives do I have?

2 April 2025

On those days, helicopter transfers are available as an alternative mode of transportation.

What are my options for reaching Heron Island from Gladstone?

21 May 2025

Access the island via a passenger ferry, which operates every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays, or book a helicopter transfer. Information on local shops is also available on the island.

Are there accommodations available with air conditioning?

14 June 2025

Air-conditioned options include the Beach House, Wistari Suites, Superior Point Suites, and Point Suites.

Does Heron Island provide any family-friendly accommodation options?

9 July 2025

Turtle and Reef Family Rooms can accommodate up to five guests. Existing bedding accommodates four, with a roll-away bed available for the fifth guest. While special requests for room placements can be made, they cannot be guaranteed.

Is there an opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef while staying on the island?

28 August 2025

Heron Island is renowned for its exceptional coral reefs and marine life, offering a range of snorkeling and diving experiences that cater to all levels of marine enthusiasts.