Ratings are averaged based on 254 reviews.
We loved our stay on Heron Island. There is so much which we care about there. The Birds, the turtles that come back to the island to nest, the reef and marine life. Its not a big island so you can walk around it pretty easily. We found the talks and information offered good, if a little rule driven. ( I guess this is needed sometimes ) What I found completely unacceptable was the use of a leaf blower on the island. Intrusive, noisy and just lazy practice. A broom could do just as well. And who minds some leaves in this beautiful place? A beautiful haven for wildlife. Marina Marangos
it was an amazing experience. This island is a paradise on earth, I will do it again for sure 100%!!
Food was very good except for the pasta pesto genovese. Snorkeling was fun. Birds were amazing. Didnt see the turtles. Rooms were rustic. No air conditioning
The staff were amazing, particularly the staff doing the talks guided walks and snorkelling.
The food was adequate but why have chips with all meals that were not pasta or salad.
The volunteers working on the turtle counts etc on the beach we're also wonderfully helpful.
Beautiful experience
Great little Island with magical snorkeling and sunsets to die
for,its a real shame the island food wasn't to the same
standards
This was our second stay on Heron. This time we went to see the turtle hatchlings, and we weren't disappointed! It was a wonderful experience and highly recommended, as is the wonderful snorkelling in and around the reef. The variety of marine life—turtles, fish, sharks, rays, and the reef itself are all just spectacular, as is the bird life (if you can cope with the noise—day and night, bird poop, and smell).
The facilities are a little worn around the edges, but we can see it is a constant battle for staff to keep the place pristine in such a tropical environment, and after all it is a nature reserve so all that goes with that territory, so no complaints there. The staff are always friendly and go out of their way to provide exceptional service. I will say this though... Our last visit was 2 years ago and the Shearwater Restaurant (the only place to eat) had an a la carte lunch and dinner menu. This time it was buffet for breakfast and dinner, and lunch was the same very limited menu for the entire week! The buffet breakfast was great but the dinner buffet was hit and miss mosts nights. For families this type of meal is probably the go, but for adults only it wasn't great, and to be honest we both don't eat enough to justify the hefty price per person for a buffet of dishes that were not that appealing... And if you're on a tropical island snorkelling and being active all day, food becomes even more important, particularly when on holiday!
I really hope they get their act together and turn around the poor lunch choices, and return to an a la carte dinner menu. Also, there is nowhere to just get a snack. They used to offer pies and toasted sandwiches at Baillies bar, but no more. Oh dear. sorry this is all about the food! But it was such a disappointment. That said, Heron is still a wonderful holiday destination and I recommend it to everyone. We will certainly be returning (may have to bring our own fruit, veggies and sandwich maker!)
Sea, sand, safe snorkelling with deeper reef diving for the more ambitious and comfortable accommodation. Plus, an extremely interesting insight into the research on the world's reefs and the effect on our everyday way of life. The birds can be a little overpowering so, if this could be a problem, choose a time when they have migrated, but you will miss the turtles. Our only negative was the food. Good range and presentation but the preparation was well below our expected standard.
Hello,
Heron Island was amazing and most things were great.
However on arrival at the ferry terminal they did not have our booking.
They only let us on because I have all of the booking documentation and some people did not show up.
When we arrive they had our booking date wrong they had 15/2/23 to 19/2/23.
After speaking to you guys they fixed it.
Even if they had our dates wrong it does not explain why we were not book on the ferry.
It was very stressful.
What a beautiful island where pristine beaches and clear waters brim with protected marine and wildlife. It is not 5star but a piece of conservative paradise that endeavours to educate and let's you join in and enjoy its wonders. Absolutely stay again and would recommend to all ages.
The ocean and aquatic life was magical.
loved the fact that luggage was transported to boat
Heron is a marine research and wildlife protection paradise, of which the resort is a privileged guest. Visitors should not come to heron resort expecting five star services and entertainment. Great for anyone who is happy without the 24/7 need for I.T. and not precious about dining. Yes, the resort has simple fare and I can imagine the problems reported on quality and supply could be exacerbated in peak times. Overall, for lovers of wildlife, simple pleasures of escape and islands. Great.
A fascinating island. Food was expensive but tasty. The glass bottom boat trip was cancelled. Maybe a informative video could have replaced this. Staff were helpful but more were needed. Clean and comfortable rooms but there appeared to be music, drinks and partying late at night in staff accommodations near guest cabins behind (157 and 158) which made it hard to sleep some nights. Would go again but would pay extra for beach from cabin.
I don't know what all the bad reviews were about ! If you know what your getting which is a beautiful island absolutely surrounded by beautiful reef.. animals and all the marine life one could hope for .. you know you aren't staying in a posh 5 star resort !! Food was great .. nice options that changed every night . Few things ran out but no problem !
Brekky buffet I recommend going earlier but nonetheless it's free and you get what you need .
Partner had the best battered fish for lunch he's tried in a long time .
We stayed in the wistari suite .. it was everything you needed. Cold aircon..working fans.. good water pressure.. birds that came up to your little balcony everyday.
The staff were friendly .. front desk weren't always as helpful as they could of been. But nonetheless we had the best trip and we can't wait to come back !!
Basic resort, but catered for all our needs. I would only recommend Heron if all you want to do is Dive, snorkle or lye in the sun, otherwise theres not a lot to do. Do not go if you dont like birds, as they are everywhere and noisey. The snorkling is great, you see so much, just off the beach, sharks, rays, turtles and lots and lots of different fish.
We stayed in a beachside room and that was very nice, great sea breezes, if you can afford it, its much better than a Turtle room.
A good buffet breakfast every morning, but get there early as they run out of certain things. A good priced snack bar and lunch menu, just wish they had some of the things from the lunch menu on the dinner menu. Overall a great beach holiday.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 4 day break on Heron Island. We both enjoy watching wildlife and were pleasantly surprised at the comfort of the accommodation, the amazing access to the beautiful and endangered animals - it was very special. I believe you do have to be keen on wildlife to really enjoy the Heron Island resort, humans are made very welcome but are not the VIPs on the island or in the sea.
Our only note for improvement is to add some vegetable sides to the menu.
Staff are lovely. Guides are knowledgeable and keen to answer all your questions. We are looking forward to another visit.
The 4 nights on Heron Island were very nice. The boat transfer was easy and very comfortable. Our room was really nice, very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the snorkelling and exploring the island.
Had a few issues with noise from the birds as it's nesting time. And the dining options are limited. The staff were amazing and working very hard. It will be great when they can get some more staff.
We enjoyed our stay
Heron has never failed for a recharge
No comment
We had a wonderful time on Heron
All staff are helpful, friendly and positive, they love Heron and spread this love onto you
Rooms are basic, but clean, food is good
I loved our family trip to Heron Island, service in general was Amazing, all staffs are friendly and we felt very welcome! Definitely a Paradise! We had such a great time as a family.
Great resort, would go back. You can snorkel straight from the beach.
Great location, a fishing charter service would be valuable, also day excursions to other cays.
Dive shop assistant in a time warp, and could not accept constructive criticism that Watairi reef no 1 was, on the occasion we snorkeled there, a very poor site in terms of both fish life and coral. All other dive staff great, as were other snorkel sites.
Visit this place for the scenery and nature which are both fantastic. Don’t expect a five star resort but overall it is well worth the trip.
Fantastic! Wonderful friendly staff. Great room. Can't beat the location!
Almost everything about our stay was fabulous.
If we had one quibble it was the food - it was hit and miss. Some lunches/dinners were great but others were just okay. And often it was served cold. Not what one expects from a restaurant at restaurant prices. Still, it's a small inconvenience given the location and what the staff are dealing with in these COVID-19 times. Breakfast however was really good. We intend to make a return trip next year. It was that good!
Nice place, but I was unlucky, it rained the 3 days I was there. The nature guides were very good and did their best, despite the weather, staff were very friendly and helpful.
The food is very ordinary
Wonderful experience and great value. Food and service were average on the island but we still had a wonderful time. Thank you.
Stunning location with wonderful snorkelling and beach adventures for families
The best snorkelling I’ve done. The sea life is abundant and pristine. It’s safe, clear water with options for most weather conditions. Yes the stars of the island, the turtles, where there in numbers. We snorkeled with them, watched them from the wharf and every day watched nests erupt and run to the water.
The restaurant food is nice. Not overpriced considering your on a secluded island with options for all. If you get sugar cravings byo.
Accommodation is ample. Not 5 star, especially the mattress but clean and tidy.
Things you don’t find out till you get there are :
1. The birds are very noisy at night and their poo smells.
2. Quiet a few of the water based activities are tide and weather conditions dependent.
3. The trip on the boat across can be very rough. Sea sickness tablets are a must.
4.Numbers are capped on the tours. Book early.
The staff are young, enthusiastic and friendly. We especially enjoyed the walks and talks. The information and friendly atmosphere made these good times.
I mean nothing as a negative. This was the best weeks holiday we’ve had. We throughly enjoyed it all. We would love to take our family back.
Dining was very limited and fairly basic...not sure if this can be improved but if there is a chance to do that it would help very much.
Room was clean and though we didn't need it cleaned everyday the staff did come by to ask.
Room upgrade was very much appreciated because of a plumbing problem.
Would come back...Snorkelling was excellent as was the turtle walks
We stayed 6 days on Heron with our 8 and 10 yr old. This is my second trip having been there 20 years ago! It’s still magic, the location is fantastic - snorkelling off the beach every day and we took two boat trips out to see the deeper shelves which is totally worth it. The restaurant and bar are great (4/5) stars; they do really well considering it’s 2 1/2 hours out and bot trips to replenish not every day. The reef talks and eco tourism are faultless - the kids wanted to go to ever talk so I didn’t feel guilty about taking them out of school! The staff are terrific, bar one or two and the knowledge outstanding, especially Mossi and Rachel! Experiencing swimming with turtles, different types of rays and tons of fish and then trekking down the beach at night to see Mum green turtle nest or a baby hatchling nest eruption - absolutely priceless! The rooms are basic and definitely in need of a bit of tlc (in the bathrooms, touch up work at least needs attention too) but to me you can dismiss this - it’s not luxurious but to be transported to this reef world is so so worth it. Recommend bringing some lunch goods for a few days if you have kids to save on costs as a dinner will cost $100 for four without drinks. Breakfast included, room serviced every day and beach towels provided!
We have been visiting Heron Island for the past 8 years and are pleased to say we have noticed many improvements in this last stay. The food in the restaurant has improved significantly, staff in all areas more friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is more positive. We are hoping that there not too many changes however to the beautiful natural environment that makes Heron Is so unique.
Regards
Leisa Stranback
non
We travelled to Heron Is for the first time in March 2020, and had a rollicking trip over as the swell was up because of the cyclone! The customer service officers at Gladstone Marina advised us that it would indeed be rough sailing and that the normal diveboat tours would not be operating for the next few days. We were offered a postponement, but we decided to go. Once at the island, we were further advised we couldn't get snorkelling gear either due to safety concerns, so one of the key island activities was unavailable. However, we persevered and enjoyed the terrestrial activities and, in particular, were blown away by the sophisticated and unique sounds of the resident musicians at the Baillie Bar of an evening - Brett and Kate (from well known Sunshine Coast-based band Dubarray). Brett's hip hop inspired rhythms and Kate's atmospheric vocals blend in such a unique way! Their clever mix of live and electronic sounds perfectly matched the chilled out atmosphere and beautiful sunsets. The Staff were great - food was great - and package we had was very affordable. We did get to snorkel on the inshore reef on the last 2 days, despite less than perfect visibility, and swam with a turtle and a lemon shark! And seeing turtle hatchlings break out to the sea was an incredible experience! - the hatchlings and the well selected live music really made our Heron Is getaway - and more than compensated for the unlucky weather. Next time we will check the forecasts more carefully though.
Great place to stay to experience all the reef and island has to offer in comfortable surroundings.
My second time to heron island, but definitely not my last. a few issues with cyclone winds (!) but still managed to snorkel away from too much wind. Lots of running after seagulls to stop them picking up the baby turtles, alot of marvelling at the beauty and the birds. And not sure what they have done but the food compared to last year was absolutely fantastic. Always a bonus to have live music also. Many thanks for keeping heron so special and laid back. NEVER CHANGE. although the food change was fantastic.
An excellent location, at which the resort is actively developing its services after a change of ownership. I look forward to going again.
Heron Island is great place to go and unwind and get away from everything. I found phone reception is non existent which i found liberating. I loved the food very fresh and flavoursome. And I have to say I found the restaurant menu very refreshing- simple with a variety of catered dishes and well priced. The staff are great and really make you feel welcome. Great place to go for snorkeling and to just sit back and relax.
Beautiful white beaches, crystal clear warm blue waters, stunning coral and fish of every shape, size and colour, resort perfect, food excellent, staff excellent and the best hands on and visible manager I have ever met, Turtles turtles everywhere. If you love nature and relaxing this is a must.
I had always wanted to swim with turtles & Heron Island did not disappoint me. The wreck 200metres off sure at sunrise is an abundance of turtles, rays, sharks & fish & the water is just like a bath temperature wise. Our Turtle room was lovely & well serviced daily & the housekeeping ladies were very friendly & efficient. The food in the restaurant was good & the seafood buffet I ordered was wonderful. The resort has a new GM & he is ironing out some small issues with service delays in the restaurant & very open to feedback. The staff are all very friendly & willing to assist in any way. We were also privileged to witness a nest of baby turtles hatching, an experience that we will never forget & I pray that some are still lucky enough to be swimming their way to a wonderful underwater life in anticipation of returning to the same shores on Heron Island in 30 years time to have their own babies.
Thank you Heron Island we love you
Revisited heron for 4 nights/5 days - having stayed 15 years prev - this time with some of our family. This resort’s biggest asset is the sea life and birds. The resort was the same but that’s okay because it’s the surrounds, activities and staff who really make this place so special. Breakfast, dinner, snorkelling gear included in the tariff. The marine centre has very good equipment and the staff are so helpful to fit you out with your gear for the duration of your stay. They also have guest showers, towels on the day of check in or checkout for snorkelling/swimming when you your arrive or before you leave. We did 3 snorkelling tours - excellent value at $50pp - we went to 3 different locations. This time of year was excellent for turtle laying, hatching, bird breeding. We upgraded to point suite which was fantastic for afternoon sunsets but the other rooms - beachside suites and turtle rooms are more than adequate. We spent each day exploring and swimming and snorkelling and afternoons at shark bay before heading back to our room for sunset. This is a must for your bucket list. We hope to come back with all of our family in the next year or two. A very memorable experience. The other plus is no phone reception or wi fi so we were not distracted by our electronic devices. There are public phones to check in with loved ones if you need. Keep doing what you’re doing Heron Island. We are some of your greatest fans.
We had an incredible stay at the resort at the height of turtle and bird nesting season. The birds were highly entertaining and Rachel at the Information Centre was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about them and the turtles that were nesting and also the inhabitants on the reef. Plenty of turtles laying eggs and hatchlings to watch scurrying down to the beach. Diving and snorkelling from the boat was amazing and the reef was so healthy and full of life - turtles, reef sharks, rays and thousands of various fish. Already planning to go back next year at the same time!
Water, marine life (especially turtles), reef are all amazing.
The birds and the overwhelming stench of their droppings is awful. Also, the constant noise day and night does not allow much sleep.
The reception, shop and office are air-conditioned.
The restaurant, Baillies Bar/Cafe and cabins are not. A small fan in each cabin does not cope with Queensland heat. There is no respite for guests from the heat. Common areas at least should be air-conditioned.
The pool area also needs shade sails and a fence.
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
What a gem of a small Island on the Barier Reef. Connecting with nature, snorkeling, strolling around the island on the beach. Space enough for all. Felt priviledged to see the turtles daily come ashore to nest and leave.
Our spacious Reef room was on the second floor. Our veranda was a great space to relax looking through the trees and aqua seas and listening to the birds.
Fortunately the restaurant had an outer seating area with low lighting which made it far more atmospheric than the bright lights within. The breakfast and dinner buffets had a good selection.
All staff on the Island were friendly, very helpful and very knowledgable in their field of expertise.
We stayed 5 nights and would definitely stay longer. Not having internet and mobile connection on our mobiles was BLISS! It was an enriching and inspiring holiday and will return in the future.
We had an awesome family holiday at Heron. Whilst the accommodation could do with an upgrade and aircon in the hotter months, overall I would highly recommend it!
It was great to be able to snorkel so close to your room. Turtles were in abundance. All staff were professional, friendly and very helpful. Alex in the Restaurant was professional, polite and went out of his way to help. Room 188 was superb. To have aircon was fantastic and made our stay more pleasurable. I have to say that this was the best holiday I had been on for such a long time - I was relaxed from the moment I stepped off the Ferry and felt I had had a great break.
only the room can be hot during the night. Also better with fly screens.
Room service was nearly non-existent, our room (not beachfront) was extremely hot with difficulty sleeping. Overall the snorkelling and turtle watching made up for the negatives.
Heron is a great timeout for all ages. Beautiful location with great diving and snorkeling. Turtles everywhere. Sharks, and rays and plenty of fish as well. Largest sand whiting I've ever seen. Small island that is easy to walk around. The reef kills the surf making it easy to find a nice place to flop in the crystal clear water. The food is mostly buffet with a enough variety to suit most people. It isn't 5 star dining but there is more than enough to fuel the tank. At lunch you can buy a (nice) meal from a small set menu if you need a break from the buffet. Given the location I thought the food was great, others comment that the standard of dining leaves a bit to be desired and if 5 star is your go - you will be disappointed. The staff were fantastic and kept the resort in great shape. There are a lot of birds crapping all over everything but the resort was kept remarkably clean. There are not a lot of activities outside of basic water sports and if you must have the internet you have to pay for it. The "library" in the only bar on the island had a very limited selection - almost 1/2 the books in a foreign language. If you opt to disconnect from the internet for a few days I strongly recommend that you bring you bring a book (or two), puzzles or some games along. The accommodation is good - again, not five star but well maintained, clean and functional. There is no TV in the room but there was a small fridge & tea/coffee. Overall, the turtles alone made the trip worth it - everything else was cream on top. My thanks to all of the staff for their hard work and smiling faces.
perfect in every way
It is an amazing natural paradise
An amazing experience for our family. From swimming with turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and a multitude of beautiful fish, to watching nesting turtles make their way to the beach and hatchlings make their way to the water, Heron Island is a wonderful learning experience. The beautiful turquoise water is stunning. The resort needs a revamp, the food could be better and the rooms are old and poorly cleaned. Overall we would visit again as the island is amazing!
We absolutely loved every minute of our stay on Heron Island. We had never snorkelled before and did not have much expectation. From the first moment we opened our eyes under water, we were amazed and hooked! Our room was perfect, the food was plentiful, and having a screen free week has done wonders for our family, Loved every minute!
We had a great Christmas 2019 on Heron Island. It was such a lovely place to visit. Would definitely like to go again! :)
Our family loved every minute of our 3 night stay on Heron Island. The jade green and aqua water is spectacular and the reef sensational. The birds were very active when we stayed so be aware of the almost certain risk of being pooped on. A big hat helps! The rooms are basic but nice at the lower end of the price scale however there is no sink apart from the bathroom vanity and no cutlery to make even a sandwich from items in your mini fridge. From the turtles and hatchlings to the myriad fish, rays and reef sharks we were mesmerised. Buffet was enjoyed by all ages and staff were friendly and helpful. We didn’t want to leave!
The Island is amazing and we all love every bits of it. Sunset, turtles, snorkelling, fish, diving and even the bar and food were all amazing. Staff there were so helpful and friendly. Highly recommended.
I will definitely be going back. Not a place for people used to 5 star luxury treatment. Luckily I'm not one of those people. The more natural the better and you don't get much closer to nature than Heron Island. Loved everything about it. Even got used to the natural bird noise and smell of the island. Beachside suite was simple but all we needed. Food was excellent.
The only thing that needs work is probably the cleanliness of the rooms and restaurant and bar areas .
The only negative was the Buffet dinners were not up to scratch .
Reception need to get their invoices correct with promotion or deals customers have.
Enjoyed the stay on the island.
All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.
Enjoyed all the facilities and the snorkelling off the beach daily.
.
We made some very special memories on Heron Island and would visit again however there is room for improvement. As with many guests our time here was relatively short and therefore precious. Having to waste time repeatedly trying to arrange a particular activity was quite stressful but eventually this was sorted but not until we stamped our feet! All of the staff are very polite and obliging, the whole thing just needs a bit more direction
great place- but only for a few days. Small island, really can only snorkel at high tide.
Kayaks on the island- but you can't use them!
Good food, excellent room (we paid for an upgrade).
Naturist talks and walks very good
Enjoyable stay highlighted by snorkelling and turtle watching. Lack of sleep due to the loud noise of mutton birds throughout the night was our only concern.
A relaxing time spent in an idyllic location
Very relaxing, well run, highly recommended.
Great experience. Must do!! We thought the birds would be a little more ‘annoying’ than they were... October was ok, for birds... not too noisy.
Plenty of turtles, rays, fish, coral and sharks to be seen right off the beach.
People should keep in mind this is a national park 100 km from the main land, so the resort is always going to have some natural struggles. In saying that the Island natural wonders mind blowing. If you love to dive or snorkel you will not be disappointed.
We loved our brief holiday at Heron Island. My daughter and I are both keen swimmers and snorkellers and Heron was perfect for this.
4 days is plenty. Food a bit basic.
Staff very busy. Location excellent. Boat ride just long enough to relax.
We enjoyed all that nature has to offer on the island and would consider going back for the snorkelling alone. The food offered in the restaurant was delicious, however the service was lacking. It seems the restaurant was understaffed because it was difficult to find a cleared table in the morning. You also had to go earlier in the morning to ensure there would be mugs and cutlery.
Heron Island is an amazing place to visit, the water is so clear and the bird and fish life are beautiful.
A great place to relax and unwind. Good for snorkelling and reef walking off the beach with an abundance of wildlife -birds,rays,sharks, fish,turtles and nice coral. Luckily for us there were not too many birds at the beginning of September. Stayed in Turtle room - reef room better outlook. Bed was comfortable and food was great and the staff were awesome!
A very comfortable resort in an idyllic location with great staff.
I love snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, and Heron Island is now my favourite location. There is not as much damage to the coral as further north, the off the beach snorkeling is the best I have experienced, and offshore locations are a 5-10 minute boat trip rather than 1 hour plus. The dive staff are also very helpful.
The guided nature walks were also excellent.
My only minor criticism is that our main course on one night was warm rather than hot. Similarly the breakfast buffet could have been hotter.
Will return
Fantastic location, great for families our children are 6 & 8. Amazing snorkelling with great coral diversity. Food at resort was great for the whole family. Will definitely visit again. Liked the fact there are no day trippers. We are from Tassie so not that big on crowds. July school holidays was awesome getaway, weather was perfect.
We had a great time! The weather wasn’t the best during our trip which was sad but still enjoyed it. The ocean is amazing! We got the best photos. The food is great considering how far off the grid it is. The accommodation is very basic. It’s all you need but no aircon, tv or wifi. It’s full of birds which we didn’t realise. I can see how people might not love this. They are noisy 24/7 and have a funny smell. Perfect to go with another family and disconnect from your device and connect with nature! I recommend going one way at least by helicopter!
Dreadful smell in location of the sweets/salads buffet section
Advice on snorkelling - best times locations / access needed
Greater clarity e.g. guided reef walks ‘can’t be booked’ but they are - first in best dressed, on the day.
Excellent tour of research facility / guide handled ignorant and informed questions with tact and sound knowledge
Loved the nature
Loved no internet
Loved no TV
Incredible food
Fantastic vibe and great live band.
The most amazing place, what an experience you provided us especially our children. To be able to wake up and see turtles on the beach, swim with stingrays, sharks, endless coral fish and again turtles! The room and food was better than expected. Staff are welcoming, friendly, professional and provided many informative talks. We will definitely be back Heron Island.
Great Value, Surreal location and the Wildlife makes Heron Island a true slice of paradise.
Every day there were so many interesting things to do with a knowledgeable guide......
Reef walk at low tide,bird walk , island walk ,turtle walk at night..... the live music in the bar was excellent and the buffet breakfast terrific!
The staff were all wonderful, always helpful.
Only problem was that the rooms did not have fly screens and the flies were many .
We were there at peak nesting time so there was a cacaphony of bird calls ... amazing noise! But what an experience!
Excellent
Although should be recommended to take travel sickness tablets before boat trip or take the plane. Very sick
Heron Island is a magical place with so much or so little to do. The island activities provided you with great options and a ideal way to experience all this coral cay has to offer.
We enjoyed the snorkelling trip (cost additional), bird watching and island walk (free), night turtle walk (free), tour of research centre (free) and daily island snorkelling (our gear was included in are package).
We flew ionto the island via the seaplane and out via a helicopter. Although this did add to our costs, it is totally worth it to witness the island from above. Beware of sea sickness from the launch (boat) transfer particularly on the way to the island.
The daily breakfast was a typical buffet style and we would usually grab a toasties (to share) from the snack bar for lunch. Hats off to the chef for the nightly dinners at the Shearwater Restaurant.
We thoroughly enjoyed (and packed into a lot) during our 4 day stay on Heron Island.
Heron Island provides the most amazing barrier reef and coral quay island experience anyone could wish for. If you want to know why so many people want to save the worlds coral reefs and migratory turtles & birds...go visit Heron Island...and take your kids.
To truly appreciate this place you need to be comfortable to swim/ snorkel or go in the underwater boat! So many giant sea turtle. Definitely one of my favourite locations. Not much technology on the island (which is a great thing)! Advise to take some food and snacks yourself as the only restaurant is quite expensive and not much selection for lunch and dinner.
Heron island is an unspoilt paradise immersed in nature and completely surrounded by reef. The snorkelling and turtle laying and hatching was amazing.
Heron Island was possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been to. The Island is small and intimate taking approx 20 -30 minutes to walk around and what a walk it is. Each side has a different story to tell, with different animals, coral and terrain. We went with our two children aged 9 and 14. I can honestly say it was the time of their lives. We snorkelled every day and saw the most amazing varieties of fish and coral every time. The highlight of our stay would be swimming with the sharks, rays and turtles that live around the island. The accommodation was perfect. We stayed in a turtle family room which was a small cabin, clean and simple, perfect for our families needs. It was located right in the heart of the island making access to the restaurant, bar and ocean ideal. The room was serviced everyday and we were given fresh towels when needed. The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful and the food was to die for! Absolutely divine food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The management of the island and the restaurant was perfect, in that, it made it feel like there was not may people there giving you that feeling of privacy, like you had the place to yourself mostly and this was a peak times. We would highly recommend anyone and everyone to visit this amazing place as you will not regret it or ever forget the experiences you will have. Our only tip would be to plan the activities you would like to do and then book them straight away as we missed out on a few things only because we thought we could book whenever and then found it was all booked up. Heron Island thank you for your absolute beauty, lovely staff and amazing life experiences!!!
We have been coming to Heron Island for a long time. The food was much improved and the room we stayed in was light and airy. There’s not much negatives on an Island that is so beautiful.
The one negative was having to leave a day early due to a weather front. That’s fine but it was lack of communication that made things more difficult. We were meant to be leaving Saturday 8th Dec. At no time on Friday morning were we approached to tell us there wouldn’t be a boat leaving again until Monday morning due to the weather. We heard it from another tourist and then we asked at reception. In order to make our connecting flights on the Saturday we had to pack up in 20 minutes and leave Friday morning. Some notice would have been great!!
Anyway Heron came through and after a very rough trip back on the ferry had a room booked and paid for in Gladstone. Still my favourite destination ????
Heron is a wonderful rustic experience for anyone that loves nature, wildlife and marine life up close. The accomodation is probably 3 star and adequate for your stay but being called a ‘resort’ and the daily rate does set a higher expectation. The facilities are tired and could do with a refresh but staff are lovely and the food fantastic, tasty, well thought out and great value. The ferry is comfortable and delivers a great service.
My daughter and I planned our trip to Heron Island to celebrate the end of a difficult year and it was the perfect choice. The accommodation was comfortable but in need of upgrading (which the resort is in the process of doing) and the staff were most efficient, friendly and helpful. The only restaurant on the island meant that there were limited choices, however the food was delicious. Most of all we enjoyed the prolific wild life that abounds on the island at this (November) many birds nesting, turtles coming to lay their eggs in the sand and fascinating creatures of the sea. It is a safe haven for all to kick back and enjoy the treasures the island has to offer.
If you like to snorkel and observe nature, then this is the place for you. A precious jewel on the reef with an abundant diversity of life.
Had a wonderful family holiday to Heron Island. Stayed in our own little villa near the ocean, dined on fabulous buffets and swam with turtles, stingrays and sharks. Staff were amazing.
Wonderful holiday
We went when there is lots of bird life nesting, and to be honest 1st impressions when you get off the boat and walk to accommodation probably wasnt great as there is lots of bird poop and it smelled. But as we stayed there over the next couple of days, it really didn't bother you after a while as you see the beautiful inland for all that it is. Your in with nature and that's the best part of the experience. Sea life was amazing, so if your into snorkeling or diving a great spot to go. No phone or internet service, but that was great as you put the phone away and only look at it for the time!!!
Food was great for adults, but the kids menu was limited, would of liked to see more healthy options for the kids as not all kids want to eat deep fried food all the time. Wasn't impressed with the fact we had a meal package and were supposed to get a packed lunch on the ferry home and this wasn't supplied. They did offer chip packets and kit kats because they hadn't suppled any lunch, but declined as this isn't lunch and therefore had to buy lunch once back in Gladstone. That was really my only disappointment of the trip.
Such a great destination. Real island feel for 5 days, could have stayed longer and do more of not much.
We bought a package to Heron Island through Travel Online for our family of 4, and found it extremely good value - including boat transfers, accommodation, breakfasts, free snorkelling hire and $100 f&b credit. Heron Island is a wonderful place for a family holiday especially if you are into snorkelling/marine life.
The resort is a little rundown and the food lets it down. The dinners were small meals on the al carte nights with many people left hungry and on buffet nights deserts ran out. The alcarte menu was repeated twice during our 5 nights.
Comfy bed & pillows, no phone reception is good.
PICTURE PERFECT, LOTS TO SEE AND DO, HEAVEN FOR KIDS, VERY GOOD FOOD, FRESH AIR AND NICE EXCURSIONS.
Was amazing stayed with a 2 and 3 year old. the snorkelling was amazing the semi sub was awesome for the kids but tiny but ran down . the only complaint was waits for food at the restaurant as kids were running wild but the food was good quality for adults but the kids food wasn’t a huge selection pretty much $15 each a meal for chips and chicken nuggets but that is the only complaint and that’s being picky. the staff were super friendly the snorkelling was amazing and for a tiny island plenty to do highly recommend was an amazing experience
nice
A very special place - a beautiful island and the bird and marine life were amazing. We had a very relaxing holiday, wonderful snorkelling and were absolutely THRILLED that our teenage daughters had no WIFI or mobile coverage and were forced to talk to us! In the evening we played a lot of cards and taught them how to play 500. We found the accomodation a little basic but it was adequate. Overall a lovely winter break for our busy family.
Our stay on Heron was amazing. The wildlife / sealife /coral is out of this world. The resort is a bit dated but given its remote location and exposure to nature and the elements it is to be expected. Overall the food was good in both quality and quantity. The only thing that let down our stay was the lack of cleanliness in the rooms. Would definitely stay again but would be asking that the room he thoroughly cleaned before our arrival.
very relaxing
A basic non luxurious stay in a magical place - well organised to help guests experience the reef, fish, turtles, birds and canopy of plants. Well informed and inspiring marine scientists on hand with free information walks.
Food was appalling although staff were very responsive to try and provide what we needed....it would have been great to have self catering facilities.
The resort has changed ownership and I hope it retains its unique culture and laid back non commercial and non touristy approach....I want to return!
Wonderful experience and the staff were great. would recommend wifi be available free of charge, even if only in central area. And perhaps snorkel gear at least should be included.
I went at a relatively quiet time which I think is an advantage for many reasons.
The sea journey to Heron was an experience I will not be repeating; VERY rough, not the regular catamaran so was smaller and did not have stabilizers ( which may not have made a difference anyway). Majority of passengers seasick including me who was "moribund" on arrival. The crew were magnificent caring for sick passengers even though it was difficult for them to stay upright. Care and consideration by crew and island staff on arrival for me, who could not even lift my head or move, and a young woman who had injured a knee badly going down on the deck as the boat was pitching, could not be faulted.
I knew the journey back to Gladstone was not going to be so bad but made arrangements to fly back anyway. It was a comfortable and interesting trip in the float plane which takes only 30 minutes and as the only passenger returning, I had the best seat; next to the pilot who told me about the islands and reefs we flew over.
One could not do better for a good value holiday and a genuine reef experience. The resort, the birds, the turtles (in season) the snorkeling and diving and other free or low cost activities such as guided educational walks and visit to the research station make for and enjoyable and interesting stay.
Amazing place, a must see for people who enjoy snorkeling/diving. It is possible to see turtles, fish, squid, sharks and rays from the beach/jetty. The island itself is home to heaps of birds, you will get bird poo on you at some point! The best place to be is on the beach or in the water exploring the reefs, coral, ship wreak and swimming with all the sea creatures.
Heron Island is a remarkable experience and an amazing location. Can't believe we live in Brisbane and have never been. We experienced so much wildlife and the trip was loved by our extended family aged 8-74!
.
Our 5th visit to Heron & we love it & will return, however, a few suggestions would make a huge improvement. More dining options, bring back fish & chips, pizza & light evening meals in the bar. Restaurant buffet still very average. Please reinstate the tennis court - this would be brilliant, a foot wash bowl outside every room to prevent the beach coming inside, more door mats, get rid of the smelly 'grey water' pipe discharging into the ocean in front of the pool & please acknowledge our room requests made 6 months in advance. It is a however a jewel of an island providing a unique environment for those who love marine & bird life.
First, this is an extraordinary location and it is really an experience to be able to see the turtles laying eggs, reef sharks, rays and all the tropical fish swimming in the clear water, the local bird life and just the relaxing environment.
The staff is very friendly and seem to enjoy their work.
However, there are a few things that could be improved.
It started when we checked in in Gladstone, and there was a large confusion with the rooms. We were a group of six people, and had booked two rooms, but it appeared that there were four rooms in total booked for us. Whether this was a mistake by the travel agent or by the resort themselves, is not clear. It is also a bit indicative of the to some extent unclear and not fully complete information we got from the travel agent before the trip. However, it got sorted and we got the two rooms we had booked.
The next thing which was a bit concerning was the service at the restaurant. One thing is that it sometimes ran out of certain things, e.g. orange juice in the morning, and the topping up of some dishes on the buffet sometimes took very long.
Another thing was the way orders for wine and drinks were handled. The staff seems to be not very experienced in handling this. Several nights we had problems getting the correct orders: Wine by the glass instead of by the bottle as ordered, wrong wine which was poured directly without first showing the bottle to confirm being the right one and so on. Once when getting wine by the glass instead of a bottle as ordered, they took away the glasses but did not return with a bottle, so we had to chase them up to get our wine before we had finished our meal.
Another, albeit small, thing was the room maintenance. When arriving at the room we found that one of the down-lights was not working. We directly notified the reception, and they promised to fix it. However, nothing happened the next day, so we had to mentioned it again. Eventually it was fixed, just to go out again shortly after.
Having said these things, which should be take as areas for improvement, in total we were very happy with our stay.
Heron Island was great - it’s natural beauty & total uniqueness took my breath away. I’ve never seen something like it. The resort was comfortable and I quickly felt very much at home there. I loved my little bungalow! I dove everyday and appreciated the documentaries and stargazing events they planned for the evening. Turtle and bird watching was also spectacular! This is a special place; I’ll be back as soon as I can!
a small area of paradise.
we had a fantastic holiday
the main negative issue is around dining room.
every breakfast we had to ask for bowls
staff were slow to respond to shortages or requests from patrons.
the staff appear very young and few more senior personal would help
The only problem we had was poor dining room service on the 2 Al carte dinner nights. The Wait staff were good but we understand that problem was in the Kitchen. Thy gave us more than satisfactory compensation for this poor service, Their buffet meals always good and the Wait Staff service was very good.
Whole island seems to be a bit run down from last year's visit. Over all still one of the best places to visit in qld. This time around we found lunch time menu much better , more suited to older people and families. If anyone from Heron reads this can you please bring back the kayak's .
Great for a digital detox, no TV, no internet, no phones which makes it great to unwind.
Snorking around the wreck and Shark Bay were wonderful with turtles, rays and sharks. Scuba was so-so.
Disappointed at the limited availability of beach towels given it’s a beach resort.
Heron island is one of the most amazing places in the world. The under sea life and GBR are amazing. The island staff made it very easy to dive when you have children ( the junior rangers programme runs at the same time as the diving). The lack of mobile signal and wifi makes it the perfect place to unwind ( although you can get wifi in the bar). You can get meal plans but it was just as easy to do meals as you go. You can use a cashless system so feels the same as all inclusive- just with the bill at the end! We will definitely return.........
Great snorkeling off beach and boat
Awesome ! Would recommend it for anyone who loves the ocean !
It was a special time to be able to stay on the reef. It is an iconic part of Queensland, and not to be missed. We enjoyed the "not glitzy" feel to the whole island, even though everything was catered for. The staff were helpful and friendly, and were also very knowledgeable about the reef and flora and fauna if that is their area of expertise. Loved our week there.
From the launch trip over from Gladstone to returning after 5 nights we enjoyed our stay very much. Accommodation was very nice. There's actually quite a lot to do with activities every day if you want to take part. Enjoyed the snorkelling mostly and swimming with lots of beautiful fish and other marine creatures. The activities staff were really knowledgable about the reef and the Island and were very helpful and friendly. A highlight was a visit to the Research Station to learn about the exceptional work they are doing there and being able to handle the sea creatures from their "touch" tank.
Limited for young children otherwise great especially for people concerned for the environment. Some maintenance needed. Major disappointment was submersible out of action for duration of our stay.
Wow loved every minute. Enough to keep you busy. But enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle, bustle of everyday living.
As a family of 5 with small children, I was worried that an island might not be suitable but it was! The staff were very accommodating and the resort was very safe. Our children saw sharks, turtles and whales.
The food in Shearwater restaurant was great and the sunsets alone were worth the journey.
I scuba dived and that was incredible!!
Everyone should go to Heron island!
If you want access to the Great Barrier Reef, you can't do better than this place. The place literally sits right on top of the reef, and gives you instant access directly to the reef. But if you're looking for amenities, luxury accommodations, pampering, nightlife, multiple dining options, or a high end resort in any way, Heron Island isn't your place. It's pretty Spartan, austere and "back to nature" in feel. The rooms did not have heating, much less air conditioning -- enough said.
1
Third time we have been to Heron and it remains unspoiled. It is a little on the expensive side but for that you get great accommodation, great food and the perfect location. Snorkelling is amazing - swam with turtles, rays and fish and saw a colour changing octopus like Hank from Finding Dory. Interesting walks and very knowledgable guides. Could not ask for more.
fantastic , idyllic , amazing
Buffet was really good however first night was from the menu which was very small and not worth the money.
Location was wonderful. Staff very helpful. Accommodation somewhat dated. Food options very limited and extremely expensive.
What a stunning location the island is! The staff were very friendly and breakfast and lunch options were good. The room was terrible though the bathroom in particular the shower was very unclean, the whole room was dated and dark and the bed was like concrete and pillows old. I didn't have high expectations of the room before we got there but I'm afraid they were even worse than I expected. The Island and location however were second to none
Some unbelievable sights - turtles, sharks, rays. The stars and moonlight were delightful.
Food portions on a la carte nights very small.
Very relaxing and picturesque
Great resort with very friendly and knowledgeable staff! The room was very spacious and comfortable, and very clean. Ceiling fans and sea breeze kept the temperature lovely, and there was a large balcony.
Service was a bit slow at times (2 hours for dinner with kids is too much - my daughter fell asleep before her dinner arrived) and the meal options were quite expensive as you are a captive audience.
Don't buy the wifi- I couldn't connect.
Would be good to have a couple of facilities for the kids, maybe some playground equipment or buckets/spades, and also a shade over the pool.
Dining options are extremely limited. The food at the restaurant is average at best, and very expensive, except for the buffet breakfast which is fine. They need to reintroduce brasserie type meals at the bar to make it affordable for families, as used to exist.
Heron island is special. It teems with life above and below the water. The breakfasts are scrumptious. Good snorkelling off the reef edge.
The snorkelling is incredible, the birds, turtles and fish are plentiful. The rooms are comfortable, the amenities were great, the value for money was exceptional.
Totally worth the money, in every respect.
Feb-March was a great time to go, because there were all types of baby birds all around the island, baby turtles hatching everyday, we saw a mother turtle drag herself out of the water and into the dunes to lay, snorkelling we saw so many reef sharks and massive sting rays, as well as all the beautiful fish.
The staff were really great, the snorkelling trips are well worth it, because even though you can do so much independent snorkelling and see so many amazing things, they take you out to areas of the reef where you would not be able to access without a boat, to the reef edge where there is so much diverse life. We saw a number of large sea turtles swimming around over the few days, and the areas where they took us had much more impressive coral than what we could see on our independent snorkelling session (not that the coral closer wasn't impressive, but it's just well worth doing a few of the trips). The snorkel trips they take you to different places too depending on the weather/tide/currents so we went on one most days.
My partner and I went as our first holiday together, and it was simply amazing. Can't stress enough how great it was.
This is one incredible island if you love marine life, birdlife, snorkelling/diving and sitting around on a beach. Comfortable simple accommodation. Buffet/ al la carte alternate night dining. Good children activities. Good bar and live music at night. Bring your own book and games. It's a total tech detox here.
:) Thank you for your friendliness with all staff; the holiday could be much improved with updating facilities to entertain (pool table run down) and better quality music (evening Bar) and more options for vegetarians in the menu.
We loved Heron Island for the amazing wildlife - turtles, sharks, rays, coral, birds, colourful fish - the island had it all. The accommodation was a little disappointing, especially considering the very high prices. The food in the only restaurant was ok, but provision for vegetarians was poor (despite giving dietary preferences in advance).
Most shocking was the poor environmental performance of the resort - very little provision for recycling, and all the electricity is generated by polluting diesel, despite the high potential for solar panels. This contradicts the supposed aims of the resort to promote conservation of the oceans.
We will definitely go back to Heron Island
If seeing Sea Turtles or swimming with sharks is on your bucket list then this holiday is for you! The resort isn't too bad and rooms are fairly comfortable but you are at Heron to see the reef not the rooms! The wildlife is right at your doorstep, stunning sunrises and sunsets. Truly a great experience for the whole family , we will definitely be back again!
We had a wonderful time snorkelling everyday and seeing all the amazing fish, sharks and turtles swimming around the island. Fantastic weather in November. Birds can get a little noisy but we got used to it and it really became part of the experience. Great staff who were all very attentive and friendly. Everything was run very efficiently. Felt like our stay on the island was longer than the three days we actually spent there which is a true indication of how relaxing the island is. Will definitely visit again.
I have been overseas and travelled to numerous places. My 5 day holiday with my daughter was the most relaxing, enjoyable and informative holiday of the lot. The free talks on the wildlife was enlightening. Being single it is the one place I could go and enjoy without feeling self conscious. The staff are wonderful and the restaurant was fantastic with service, variety and service. I will definitely go again - even on my own.
Great place to disconnect from the world, no phones or TV just turtles, sharks, stingrays and birds
A wonderful holiday in a great location with excellent service and food.
We had the most fantastic holiday. The weather was lovely, water temperature perfect. Two adults, 4 youngsters enjoyed fishing, snorkelling, walking, relaxing. Comfortable accommodation, well appointed. Thoroughly enjoyable. Would return in a heartbeat.
A beautiful and relaxing location to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Abundant with marine and bird life, great service and food.
Accommodation a little tired, but clean and well presented.
Great holiday to get the family closer and little technology to interrupt it.
superb isle, accommodation reasonable.Staff friendly & helpful.
Attention needed: - the submersible needs the exterior windows cleaned regularly - have seen it done in other areas by a diver with cloth/sponge.Visibility was poor due to the build up of grime and therefore photos taken were scrapped.
We felt that management needs to pay attention to maintenance of accommodation eg: runners on screen door, window screens, dislodged smoke alarms, dripping taps,etc.
However, the isle is beautiful and we enjoyed our 4 days there.
Heron island was an awesome holiday, the staff were friendly and the island is beautiful. There is a great selection of activities on offer and plenty to entertain. There is only one restaurant on the island, the food was pretty good but it's quite expensive for what you get but considering its imported that's to be expected. Definetly worth getting the seaplane over, what an experience! The fishing trip was a particular highlight for us.
Excellent location.
Everything we expected and more for a family holiday 2 adults 2 children 14 & 10,
We spent 3 nights on Heron island and only wish we had booked a longer stay,
Staff were pleasant and helpful, Food was wonderful & plentiful, the room was as per picture on the website, and all we required as we were only in the room to sleep, and up early to make the most of the time we had on this magical Island paradise.
We went to Heron Island and had a wonderful time. The island is home to many natural wonders....birds, turtles and The Great Barrier Reef.
The resort is 3 star but we knew that before we went. What we didn't expect was the fantastic attitude and service of the staff; every single staff member was fantastic and nothing was a problem or too much to ask. Highly recommend. :)
We loved it because it was such a beautiful environment to explore and enjoy; the swimming, snorkelling, guided walks and lots of time to do little except relax. The accommodation was low key and simple (exactly what we were looking for), the island was very quiet and peaceful.
Overall organisation was very efficient. We did have problems though with getting a hot shower which we felt was unacceptable given the price of the room. This was the only room complaint…otherwise comfortable, clean and well serviced.
The one source of dissatisfaction was the price of the non-negotiable evening meal. Would have been content with a simpler and cheaper meal….or at least the opportunity to choose one. Would almost be better to just add the $45's to the package deal and you would have the awareness taken away before you started!. Breakfasts were great.
We had a great four day stay. The only complaint was that we had cold water in our shower which wasn't too good when we came back a bit cold from snorkelling. Because we had to have 3 minute showers we thought at first that you didn't have the water very warm so we would be quick. Eventually when we told reception it was fixed quite quickly and we had a beautiful warm showe twice! Apart from that all was great!
All staff terrific - friendly and helpful, special props to Sarah who took the information centre tours and talks.
Food - buffet was as expected (good+) but the food from menus was outstanding (very good to excellent)
Few items of lack of attention to detail - room supplies of tea&coffee had not been replenished from the previous guest, tea & coffee station in the dining room only had hot water one time, another time the hot water was tepid, the labels for skim and full milk had not been put out one time, and my dinner order went missing for one meal.
I would like to see a bottle of water brought to the table immediately after being seated, sometimes I was not offered water until I had almost finished eating
We had a wonderful time and were treated really well by the staff. The only issue that could be addressed in the future is the cost of dining and limited opportunities for families. The cost in the dining room is fine for single or couples who are earning but for families the price gets prohibitive
The resort is in need of renovation,as it looks run down. My room in particular was in need of a very thorough spring clean and exhibited several faults such as broken blinds, a curtain partially loose from its rail, veneer on bathroom vanity and bedside table was lifting. Shower glass door and mirror needed replacing. Wooden lattice and banister on outside stairs were loose. However the bed was comfortable and the staff were pleasant. Dining possibilities were extremely limited and expensive.
Spectacular
We felt we were in paradise. You will never see as much life and varied life as at Heron Island. It is our favourite holiday location.
It was our 1st time on this island, it was a wonderful place to be in holidays!!!
All was great except our room, we were just near the motors and it was very noisy.
All the rest was amazing, the island, the sand, the fishes, the turtles, the sharks, the rays, the weather, the birds, the sunsets and the food.
I hope come back one day with my family.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Kids loved the ranger programme, could't get enough snorkelling. Food was good, room adequate - clean and tidy.
Location is superb. However, resort is desperately in need of more dining options. Buffet breakfast is o.k. Restaurant food for lunch & dinner is overpriced and average. It would benefit greatly from an expansion of casual meals available from the bar.
A wonderful chance to witness first hand the magnificence of probably one of the last portals into the life of the Great Barrier Reef.. Go now before the rest of the world discovers Heron Island.
we love Heron Island for the wildlife, birds, turtles and snorkeling. Its so lovely. but the ferry timetable has changed which means you arrive after 4pm, so its a wasted day. and then your departure leaves at 10am. we hope the timetable reverts back to the way it was, as many other guests also made the same complaint. water pressure in the shower was terrible and only a trickle of hot water. they need to sort out their water problems big time. funny thing is we were there 12 months ago and they were dealing with issues back then, with their staff also and said they were about to make some good improvements, yet nothing has changed. but we have seen it slide down hill since we started going there around 5 years ago. understaffed, rooms needing attention, bar menu limited to just pizza. last year the bar menu had many more options. we were not made aware of the changes. Its a shame to see because the snorkeling, marine life and birdlife is just so beautiful.
Awesome location and incredible wildlife, understaffed and somewhat rundown. The buffet every night was a little disappointing considering our previous trip there we enjoyed a full dinning experience.
I had to keep my eye on our account was wrong quite a few times ,I worked out that I would have been charged around $1100 more than I should have.The food was very average had pizza nearly every night ,the lunch menu was a lot more enjoyable then the dinner menu .Our accomodation was run down expecially in the bathroom . The holiday for snorkelling was fantastic and marine life , but not sure if I would recommend it though
Heron island is definitely a unique place and an unforgettable experience. The island is straight from a fairytale with its beaches, size, bird and marine life and breathtaking water and quintessential Great Barrier Reef corals, complete with no less than sharks themselves, Sea turtles and Stingrays. Colorful fish are abundant and there's plenty for both diving and snorkeling. If you're lucky (as I was) you'll get to see a mother turtle hatching its eggs on the beach. Makes you feel you're inside a National Geographic DVD. 5 stars from me.
Great things about Heron island - swimming and snorkelling around the island and turtle watching at nights.
On the down side, the food is expensive with limited options, and it takes nearly the whole day to get there if you're travelling from Sydney.
We enjoyed our stay at Heron Island its a low key resort as main aspect is the Turtles and marine life, cabin units on island very comfortable with no TV Radio it is a great way to unwind and just enjoy the sounds of the bird life day and night and a rare opportunity to observice Turtles coming a shore to lay their eggs and their hatching emerging form the nests in the sands. We found the only Island restraunt a bit over priced and menu limited but food was of a good quality. The snorkeling was around the island reef with Sting Rays and Sharks is awesome and enjoyed the guided nature tours which were very informative including the tour of the Research Center. would recommend Heron Island but for us it was not about the resort but it was the natural Beauty and wild life of the Island.
Reef and snorkeling incredible.
Facility is quite short staffed; not everything available due to limited staff.
from the upgrade to a beachfront suite, the accessibility of snorkling off the beach, the integration in nature and education about it, food and staff I couldnt fault it! the "no locked doors" policy took a little getting used to, but really fostered a relaxed and trusting environment. I hope to go back!
This island has the most amazing wildlife available if you like marine creatures. You can snorkel off the beach at high tide, or head out on the boats. In a few days, I saw turtles, sharks, cuttlefish, parrot fish, flute fish, and an octopus changing colours to hide in a rock. Loads of rays of various types. Over the years, however, some corners have been cut, in particular the standard of the buffet food, which used to be exceptional but is now just average.
Heron Island is an unspoilt paradise..lovely..great facilities..would go again.
It was wonderful to be able to snorkle with sharks, rays and see turtles laying eggs on the one island.
We had a fantastic family time on the island for five days, will go back again!
Will go again
Location was AWESOME! Loved snorkelling although food could've been better. Overall it is a great place for a family holiday!????
Great to be literally staying on the reef. Wonderfully relaxing. No IT access is a plus. Service is friendly but bit too laid back. Would benefit from a stronger Concierge or host role. We Reported light fitting in room not working twice. Had not been fixed when we left. Also garden sprinkler was spraying directly on front step. Huge slip hazard. This took several days to fix despite housekeeping reporting it more than once.
Heron should be listed as one of the wonders on our planet-so beautiful, peaceful, affordable, educational, clean and accessible.
Plenty of activities. Informative Walks. Pleasant Staff. Good food. Good Entertainment. Bird noise and presence was not an issue. Lack of snakes and reptiles a plus. Not many insects to bother even the most fastidious city slicker. Very cosmopolitan patronage. Enough space to feel private.
To celebrate our 70th birthdays we wanted to take our family on the best holiday we could think of. Ten of us - 7 adults and 3 children - had an unforgettable and wonderful time on Heron. The freedom and beauty and the fun of snorkelling, reef walking, baby turtles, research information, wonderful staff in all areas, great accommodation and meals - everything about Heron Island made for the best holiday in the world. Thank you for everything!!
It was very emotional, rewarding and awesome following the baby turtles to the surf.
Totally enjoyed our 5 nights stay at Heron Island. Much better snorkelling conditions and much more freedom in the area you could snorkel in. Loved being able to watch the turtles come up and lay their eggs and return to the water. Just had the best time. I guess the smell of the birds had to be adjusted to when we first arrived but didn't really notice it as the days went on.
Beautiful natural island with all your needs catered for. Recommend for young and old and especially amazing for scuba divers and snorklleers alike. You just have to also appreciate the abundant and numerous if not noisy bird life.
Second visit to Heron in 11 years. Great place, reefs, wildlife etc. weather was fantastic, very lucky to avoid storms. Accompanied this time by son and partner who also had a great time, more in the water that out. Dining room not up to 4/5 standard, service generally slow and not coordinated and quality average. Turtle room fine and maintained.
heron is a fascinating place and we are very lucky to be able to travel there.
Heron Island was great. Location was excellent with no mobile / internet or TV. It was good to disconnect from the world and really relax. Staffing and facilities were good. Food was great except that there was no ice cream at the restaurant, but there was as the shop :-)
excellent, stunning, and very good service
I went to Heron Is with my teenage sons.. we loved it. from the National Park - ocean and land.. snorkelling the shipwreck to seeing turtles and great stars at night... more I wish I could have stayed longer !!
We were on the B and B package for 6 nights.
The island offers the chance to snorkel at any time during the day, even at extreme low tides. And there is fish everywhere, especially out past the wreck. Plenty of stingrays at Shark Bay and near the Gantry with sharks and turtles around too. We swam with turtles out past the Gantry and in the deeper areas past the wreck.
The noise and smell of the thousands of birds on the island isn't noticed after a few hours on the island. They actually become a source of entertainment while resting between snorkeling sessions.
Viewing the turtles laying eggs isn't a hard task either. We went out for 45 minutes about 200 metres away from our cabin. We saw three turtles; one coming out of the water inching up the beach, one just starting to dig the nest and another one laying eggs.
The staff on the island are very friendly and efficient which made the stay very enjoyable. Breakfast every morning was also very good along with the other snacks you can get during other hours. The 'Happy Hour' coupons are a great idea too as we could use them at a time that suited us.
We will be going back but perhaps for a longer time as for us, six days didn't seem enough.
The location is great for anyone interested in the natural history of coral cays and the Great Barrier Reef. Sara provided a number of guided tours and each one was excellent as she provided a lot of relevant information using a very professional and well honed delivery. We arrived just as the noddies, shearwaters and turtles were nesting, perfect timing to experience some great natural history. The semi-submersible tour provided a great look at the corals and fish.The only complaint, and this is minor, is that we got very little hot water for showers and what we got was warm, not hot. Would definitely visit again and recommend Heron Island to others wanting a first class natural history and tropical island experience.
It took a day to get used to all the nesting noddy terns and their smell, but the island was beautiful, the reef really accessible, and the service and staff great. Didn't want to leave!
lovely to see such wonderful sea life. accomodation quite adequate. meal lovely
just beautiful
We loved our stay on Heron Island, Grandparents, parents and children. We loved the peace and quiet (even the birds). The setting of our rooms amongst the trees was beautiful.
Our one comment would be it would have been great if there had been a kids room for after dinner. Perhaps a movie.
The children really enjoyed the 90 min. activity session they did.
Very relaxing - felt pampered and special. All the staff were incredibly helpful. Beautiful location and all the free talks about aspects of the Island were very informative
The food was amazing and service in restaurant excellent,however the room's are in need of a refresh.My daughter and I went for the scuba diving,which was wonderful however the times need to be more flexible as we where unable to schedule anything else as the other activities where at the same time.
Heron Island itself is a true paradise - a remote coral cay surrounded by pure white shelly sand, crystal clear coral reefs and filled with abundant birdlife. Corals and marine life within metres of the beach. The resort is relatively well managed and aims for a very high level of service, but misses the mark on several of the smaller details - which you begin to notice. Rooms are nicely renovated, but not entirely clean. We arrived to a wet mopped floor, the shower hissed and was unable to maintain pressure. The greeting was nice with a welcome Cocktail. Bar and restaurant are nice, food is great, but the service is below par - many of the staff really need to learn how to provide friendly customer service. Activities plan strives to be engaging, but it really needs work. The research station tour we took was not very engaging. No Kayaks or watersports equipment to enjoy the divine waters. Island well caters for diving, but not much else. Spa is very nice and the service and massages we had were exceptional, but the pricing is a little steep. Be prepared for the boat trip over, if the forecast is for windy or rough seas, take your Quells (seasickness tablets) in advance. Thankfully the natural surrounds are truly magic and the real reason to visit.
We really enjoyed the walks with the two naturalist girls , we learnt so much. Had a lovely comfortable Reef room with a good view. We were pleased to see that there was a meal option at Baillies bar as well as the restaurant. Wine is far too expensive but overall a great holiday.
I was a little disappointed with the food, it could have been a bit more up market.
But over all we had a good time over there.
Very enjoyable. Will go again.
First sorry for my English (I'm Spanish). We were on the island in late September or early October 2013.
If what you want is to see the Great Barrier Reef on a small island, this is your place. Nature is everywhere, the island is a bird sanctuary and is full of them but not invasive. Coral beaches of white sand all around the island, we saw whales, sharks, some turtles and all kinds of fish.
If you are looking for luxury this is not your place, drinking water is a water treatment plant and the food is not very good, but price is right and the drinks are not expensive. There is only a romantic but small pool where children play. The people are friendly and attentive. The catamaran ride is not as bad as we had read and I thank the captain stopped to see some whales.
Would definitely return again.
If you are at all interested in nature you will enjoy staying here, if you are not don't go! The snorkelling off the beach is world class and even the constant calling of the birds fits in with the whole experience. Get up early for a chance of turtles in season, or just to enjoy the lovely light out of turtle season.
What a wonderful island. It was very relaxing, our room was great, the people were so friendly, the weather was superb and everything was at your fingertips. We would definately go there again.
needed more time there
It was very relaxing
Lovely holiday destination.
I loved this place so much I felt so priviledged to be able to visit. Rooms were clean and functional.The food was great. Most of the staff unreal and happy.
The birds, reef, turtles, sharks and rays simply unbelievable. WOW No TV and internet was great. A complete break and surrounded by the most amazing nature, it was the best holiday i have had.
We had amazing 3 days on Heron, watching turtles, sharks, Birds and did some excellent diving. The place is so well organized and staff is very friendly and helpful!
Very picturesque, breathtaking views, a very relaxing place to stay, no phone and best of all no television. Snorkeling and diving at it's best.
Had a great time,saw baby turtles hatching and females laying butt best of all I experienced the wonders of scuba diving...awesome!site says dressy clothes for dinner but really don't need much..most people wore shorts and bathers all the time ..really informal
We loved our stay. We were given an upgrade to a beachside unit which was a surprise and one we appreciated. All the bookings went like clock work so we didn't encounter any problems The staff at the resort can be recommended for their professionalism and courtesy.
Excellent experience on the Great Barrier Reef
Don't expect any high star resort. We found our 4 night stay at HI to be a truly enjoyable holiday destination though. No tv, phone, internet or motorised water sports (nice change). We had world class snorkelling and diving, swam with the reef sharks and saw baby turtles emerging straight from outside our room. The birdlife is literally over the top. The island is small but we were never crowded anywhere. I'd recommend upgrading to the reef room.
A must see for every family. Will return again. Logger heads make up only 1% of the turtle population. To see one hatch was amazing.
Its an awesome place to see the great barrier reef
Would like to come back.
Fantastic trip with excellent staff. Food was amazing. Kids really enjoy the first class service and staff on ferry ride was very helpful with the rough journey unexpected. Recommend to all who needs a good holiday.
great package deal hope to do it again next year
Heron island is a gem, the water, the reef, the weather...perfect! Enough things to do on the island if you stay up to a week. My 4 days were enough for everything I wanted to do. Price is a good deal since it includes the food too. The food was good, with sufficient variety, but it seemed to not be enough. One has to ask for more food to be put on the counters. So, it was a bit slow in the dining room. Bar and other facilities were good - great staff in the Marine centre, overall a very nice mood at all times. I think previous guest commented on the noisy birds - well, they are noisy, but you can get ear plug and that solves your problem. It's the nature of the island that comes first, so..adjust your attitude and enjoy :) I would go again!
A resort that caters for couples and families. Absolutely stunning views and lots to do. A great way to spend quality time together getting back to nature and water. Staff are super professional and friendly. Superb services.
Beautiful place and comfortable. Would go again. We were lucky that weather was perfect for snorkeling and the other activities. Water supplies lacked for a few hours but got fixed at the right time.