Heron Island

About

Heron Island is a true coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, 72 km off the coast of Gladstone, entirely surrounded by rich coral reef accessible directly from the beach without a boat. Famous among divers and marine biologists worldwide, Heron Island hosts the Heron Island Research Station (University of Queensland) and is an important sea turtle and seabird nesting site. The Heron Island Bommie is one of Australia's iconic dive sites, with exceptional coral bommies, sharks, rays, and marine diversity.

History & Significance

Heron Island is a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef established as a research and tourism destination in the 1920s. It hosts the Heron Island Research Station (University of Queensland), one of Australia's longest-running marine research facilities. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected marine national park, recognised for its exceptional coral biodiversity and as a critical nesting ground for sea turtles and seabirds.

Getting There

Visitor Tips

• •November to January is turtle nesting season — spectacular and free to witness as turtles crawl up the beach at night. The reef walk at low tide with a ranger is an excellent introduction to coral biology. Book far in advance as it's a small resort with only 109 rooms.

Cultural Significance

Heron Island is a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef established as a research and tourism destination in the 1920s. It hosts the Heron Island Research Station (University of Queensland), one of Australia's longest-running marine research facilities. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected marine national park, recognised for its exceptional coral biodiversity and as a critical nesting ground for sea turtles and seabirds.