HERON ISLAND RESORT
Great Barrier Reef ExperienceHERON ISLAND
Great Barrier Reef Experience
OPEN TO READ HERON ISLAND'S ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
From Heron Island:
Heron Island is famous around the world for its spectacular coral reef, its extraordinary variety of aquatic life, migrating whales, nesting turtles and as a breeding ground for an abundance of birdlife. The Heron Island Resort is Great Barrier Reef ecotourism at its best, and has been awarded an Advanced Eco-Certification by Ecotourism Australia.
Heron Island runs its own power generator, potable water production and wastewater treatment, and also provides these services to the independent Heron Island Research Station and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station.
Heron Island is a protected habitat for a stunning variety of wildlife. An amazing array of animal life can be discovered throughout the year. The island is a significant nesting location for two vulnerable turtle species, the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta). Strict guidelines are in place for the viewing of nesting and hatching turtles.
Through all but a few months, Heron Island is a breeding and nesting sanctuary for a variety of birds, primarily the Black Noddy Terns (Anous minutus) and the Wedgetailed Shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus). Bird nesting holes are protected with covering boards as the nests are often found in the middle of a trail or path.
FEATURES
- TURTLE ROOMS
Located in a garden setting, a short walk away from the beach and close to the central resort facilities. With two rooms per block, all Turtle Rooms are at ground level and feature a deck and outdoor area.
- REEF ROOMS
Positioned close to the beach and offer reef and water views through a canopy of beachside trees and shrubs. Family room configurations are available. Maximum 3 – 5 people depending on which configuration. Disabled Access is also available.
- HERON BEACHSIDE SUITES
Beachside Suites offer spectacular views and are set in a prime beachside location with direct access to the beach and reef. The Suites offer a large bathroom, mini-bar and a CD player. Bedding includes a King Size Bed and single divan. Maximum 3 people.
- WISTARI SUITES
Wistari Suites enjoy secluded garden setting with ocean views and offer maximum privacy. The Suites are a short stroll away from the central resort facilities, beach and walking tracks. Bedding includes a King Size Bed or twin. Maximum 2 people.
- POINT SUITES
Point Suites are positioned with uninterrupted views of the reef and magical sunsets over the ocean. From there you can walk out onto the lawn and resort gardens. Bedding includes a King Size Bed or twin. Maximum 2 people.
- THE BEACH HOUSE
Located beachside and set within a grove of trees, the Beach House offers filtered ocean views and a private boardwalk, providing direct access to the beach. With only one Beach House on offer, it couldn’t be any more exclusive. Bedding includes a King Size Bed and a single divan (a rollaway can also be put in the room). Maximum 4 people.
ACTIVITIES
As if having one of the wonders of the world at your doorstep weren’t enough, Heron Island Resort Accommodation offers a host of informative or just plain fun activities for you to choose from. Of course, you might choose to do nothing at all. That’s up to you.
Complimentary Activities
Guided reef walks: A stunning one-hour walk out to the edge of the reef that lets you in on its secrets
Island ecology walks: Learn how the island maintains its ecological balance
Guided birdlife walks: Discover some of the 19 birds that visit or live on Heron Island
Wildlife presentations: Researchers from the island’s Research Centre chat to guests about their research
Snorkeling lessons in the swimming pool: Get the basics of snorkeling sorted before taking on the Great Barrier Reef
View the fish with seascopes: Take a bucket with a glass-like bottom to see the underwater world of Heron island easily
Tennis (night and day) and table tennis: Borrow your equipment from Baillie’s Bar and get set for a game, set and match on the island’s tennis court or table tennis table
Nature slide show presentations and marine documentaries: Get to know the natural secrets of the island without getting your feet wet
Trivia night: Enjoy some friendly competition as you try to outwit the other guests
Other Activities (charges apply)
Dive the Great Barrier Reef with more than 20 dive and snorkelling sites, including the Heron Bommie, one of Jacques Cousteau’s favourite dives!
Secrets of The Reef Flat Guided Tour – addition to our complimentary walk, where you will journey from the reef flat to the reef crest, rarely explored by most people. Suitable for those with a thirst for knowledge who want to see some rarely seen reef creatures.
Enjoy Half-Day Reef Snorkelling Tours offering a kaleidoscope of coloured fish and coral on Heron and Wistari reefs, all within easy reach of Heron Island
Enjoy the reef without getting wet on our Heron and Wistari Reef Cruise, with our naturalist guide providing commentary
Join a Turtle Tour to spot turtles nesting and hatchlings (peak nesting times December through to April)
Inspire your children to become eco warriors in the Junior Ranger Program, available for children from ages 7 to 12 years old (only available during Australian school holidays)
Watch magnificent sunsets on the Sunset Cruises (adults 18+ only)
Enjoy a specially prepared Beach Picnic Hamper at any spot you choose on Heron Island.
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment at the Aqua Soul Spa
Enjoy a guided tour of the southern night sky with Stargazing. Binoculars and a telescope are provided.
What we love…
Heron Island is a true coral cay, located right on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is ribboned by white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of coral with beautifully coloured marine life. At this World Heritage-listed Marine National Park all flora and fauna is protected, so the island is a nature lover’s paradise.
Tell me more…
If you’re wondering about the best time to go to Heron Island, Queensland’s year-round gorgeous weather makes the resort an ideal destination any time of year.
Heron Island is famous around the world for its spectacular coral reef, extraordinary variety of aquatic life, migrating whales, nesting turtles and as a breeding ground for an abundance of bird life.
Get the Facts
Where is it? Great Barrier Reef
What? Ecotourism resort
Extras: Conference facilities
Who? Suitable for everyone (especially turtles!)
Rates
Sounding Good? Read on…
Exemplifying eco-experiences at their best, Heron Island has been awarded an Advanced Eco-Certification by Ecotourism Australia.
In addition to running their own power generator, producing potable water and treating wastewater, Heron Island also provides these services to the independent Heron Island Research Station and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station (QPWS), the only two other tenants on Heron Island.
Additionally, Heron Island offers an array of programmes, activities and excursions designed to allow guests to experience the Great Barrier Reef in a way no other hotel can provide.
Heron offers many activities such as guided island and reef walks, semi-submersible cruises and private beach picnics. An amazing array of animal and bird life can be discovered throughout the year, such as the delightful Green and Loggerhead Turtles. Heron is also world famous for its fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling. Experience some of Australia’s best dive spots – more than 20 dive sites are available, half of which are only 15 minutes from the beach.
At certain times of the year, turtle nesting and hatchings take precedent over all other island activities.
Hosts: Aldesta Hotels & Resorts Properties
Address: Heron Island Resort via Glastone Qld
Rates and availability provided by Booking.com
PRICE RATE POLICY
Every enquiry and booking through GREEN GETAWAYS AUSTRALIA shows your support for the fabulous environmental initiatives undertaken by this property.
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (CLICK TO READ)
From Heron Island:
Heron Island is famous around the world for its spectacular coral reef, its extraordinary variety of aquatic life, migrating whales, nesting turtles and as a breeding ground for an abundance of birdlife. The Heron Island Resort is Great Barrier Reef ecotourism at its best, and has been awarded an Advanced Eco-Certification by Ecotourism Australia.
Heron Island runs its own power generator, potable water production and wastewater treatment, and also provides these services to the independent Heron Island Research Station and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger Station.
Heron Island is a protected habitat for a stunning variety of wildlife. An amazing array of animal life can be discovered throughout the year. The island is a significant nesting location for two vulnerable turtle species, the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta). Strict guidelines are in place for the viewing of nesting and hatching turtles.
Through all but a few months, Heron Island is a breeding and nesting sanctuary for a variety of birds, primarily the Black Noddy Terns (Anous minutus) and the Wedgetailed Shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus). Bird nesting holes are protected with covering boards as the nests are often found in the middle of a trail or path.
FEATURES
- TURTLE ROOMS
Located in a garden setting, a short walk away from the beach and close to the central resort facilities. With two rooms per block, all Turtle Rooms are at ground level and feature a deck and outdoor area.
- REEF ROOMS
Positioned close to the beach and offer reef and water views through a canopy of beachside trees and shrubs. Family room configurations are available. Maximum 3 – 5 people depending on which configuration. Disabled Access is also available.
- HERON BEACHSIDE SUITES
Beachside Suites offer spectacular views and are set in a prime beachside location with direct access to the beach and reef. The Suites offer a large bathroom, mini-bar and a CD player. Bedding includes a King Size Bed and single divan. Maximum 3 people.
WISTARI SUITES
Wistari Suites enjoy secluded garden setting with ocean views and offer maximum privacy. The Suites are a short stroll away from the central resort facilities, beach and walking tracks. Bedding includes a King Size Bed or twin. Maximum 2 people.
- POINT SUITES
Point Suites are positioned with uninterrupted views of the reef and magical sunsets over the ocean. From there you can walk out onto the lawn and resort gardens. Bedding includes a King Size Bed or twin. Maximum 2 people.
- THE BEACH HOUSE
Located beachside and set within a grove of trees, the Beach House offers filtered ocean views and a private boardwalk, providing direct access to the beach. With only one Beach House on offer, it couldn’t be any more exclusive. Bedding includes a King Size Bed and a single divan (a rollaway can also be put in the room). Maximum 4 people.
ACTIVITIES
As if having one of the wonders of the world at your doorstep weren’t enough, Heron Island Resort Accommodation offers a host of informative or just plain fun activities for you to choose from. Of course, you might choose to do nothing at all. That’s up to you.
Complimentary Activities
Guided reef walks: A stunning one-hour walk out to the edge of the reef that lets you in on its secrets
Island ecology walks: Learn how the island maintains its ecological balance
Guided birdlife walks: Discover some of the 19 birds that visit or live on Heron Island
Wildlife presentations: Researchers from the island’s Research Centre chat to guests about their research
Snorkeling lessons in the swimming pool: Get the basics of snorkeling sorted before taking on the Great Barrier Reef
View the fish with seascopes: Take a bucket with a glass-like bottom to see the underwater world of Heron island easily
Tennis (night and day) and table tennis: Borrow your equipment from Baillie’s Bar and get set for a game, set and match on the island’s tennis court or table tennis table
Nature slide show presentations and marine documentaries: Get to know the natural secrets of the island without getting your feet wet
Trivia night: Enjoy some friendly competition as you try to outwit the other guests
Other Activities (charges apply)
Dive the Great Barrier Reef with more than 20 dive and snorkelling sites, including the Heron Bommie, one of Jacques Cousteau’s favourite dives!
Secrets of The Reef Flat Guided Tour – addition to our complimentary walk, where you will journey from the reef flat to the reef crest, rarely explored by most people. Suitable for those with a thirst for knowledge who want to see some rarely seen reef creatures.
Enjoy Half-Day Reef Snorkelling Tours offering a kaleidoscope of coloured fish and coral on Heron and Wistari reefs, all within easy reach of Heron Island
Enjoy the reef without getting wet on our Heron and Wistari Reef Cruise, with our naturalist guide providing commentary
Join a Turtle Tour to spot turtles nesting and hatchlings (peak nesting times December through to April)
Inspire your children to become eco warriors in the Junior Ranger Program, available for children from ages 7 to 12 years old (only available during Australian school holidays)
Watch magnificent sunsets on the Sunset Cruises (adults 18+ only)
Enjoy a specially prepared Beach Picnic Hamper at any spot you choose on Heron Island.
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment at the Aqua Soul Spa
Enjoy a guided tour of the southern night sky with Stargazing. Binoculars and a telescope are provided.
