Heron Island

If you would like to stay right on the Great Barrier Reef, then Heron Island is by far your best option. This Queensland island is situated in the Capricorn section of the reef off the city of Gladstone. This section of the reef is further from the mainland than many of the northern sections of the reef. This means that the water is clearer and pollution from agricultural runoff is much less. The reef quality is better and visibility for divers and snorkelers is superior. Access to the island is by helicopter transfer or a fast catamaran service that operates daily. There are no day tours available so if you want to visit Heron Island, you must stay at the resort.

The resort on Heron Island is excellent. The island itself is a coral cay which is a sand island lying on the leeward side of the coral reef. Coral Cays are almost always great places to see wildlife. They are havens and nesting sites for seabirds and also become rookery's for several species of turtles. Heron Island is both and there is usually plenty to see. The other advantage of staying on a coral cay, is that you can walk in off the beach and you are immediately snorkeling over the coral itself. Accommodation is excellent quality and is mostly in individual cabins that are right on the beachfront. There is a magnificent restaurant and the resort has a great reputation for its food and service.

The main activities at Heron Island revolve around the Great Barrier Reef. The dive shop caters for both boat and shore dives and all equipment and qualified staff are available to take you to the best dive sites. Unqualified divers can do a scuba diving course at Heron Island and become accredited. There is also a government run research station tat conducts ongoing research into the health of the entire reef system.

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