Heron Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Australia

It's what you don't see around Heron that makes the resort so special. You won't see any buildings above the tree line. And in this national park you won't bump into any day trippers either. The reef experience on Heron is exclusively for guests, a unique experience few other resorts in the world can offer. There's a relaxed island lifestyle that sets Heron apart, a sophisicated yet casual resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the natural attractions that have made Heron famous around the world.

You'll enjoy some of the world's best reef diving. There's a choice of spectacular sites just minutes from the beach, and can you imagine a better place to learn to dive? Join a guided reef walk to learn more about the unique ecology of the Great Barrier Reef or snorkel off the beach and come face to face with the kaleidoscope of marine life just below the surface. Enjoy a day trip to explore an idyllic, uninhabited coral cay or spend the day just lazing by the pool. The choice is yours. At night there's live entertainment, dancing or a quiet drink at the Pandanus Lounge. On Heron, all meals are included in your tariff and you'll find a range of accommodation to suit your budget. As you would expect, Heron takes great pride in maintaining the higher standards of food and service.

GETTING THERE
Air Connections
Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Gladstone with Qantas. Gladstone is a 1 hour and 20 minute flight from Brisbane (or a 6 hour drive from Brisbane). Australian residents can check with Holiday Magic for the best available airfares.
Rail
Queensland Rail offers a Tilt Train service which operates six times a week between Brisbane and Gladstone. Guests arriving from Cairns can travel on the Tilt Train and the Sunlander from Cairns to Gladstone. Guests may be required to stay overnight in Gladstone before being transferred to Heron Island.
Boat Transfer
Arrival: The boat transfer service departs Gladstone Marina at 11.00 am daily, final check-in time is 10.30 am if not arriving off a flight at the airport. The courtesy transfer to the Marina leaves the airport daily at 10.15 am, after the arrival of the early morning flights into Gladstone. The coach arrives at the Marina 10-15 minutes later.
The boat transfer arrives at Heron island at approximately 2.00 pm Heron Island time. Buffet lunch is served upon arrival at Heron Island.
Departure: The boat transfer departs Heron Island at approximately 2.00 pm Island time or 1.00 pm EST. Arrival time into Gladstone is approximately 3.45 pm EST and a courtesy transfer is available for immediate transfer to the airport.
Flights arriving into Gladstone to meet the boat transfer, must arrive no later than 10.00 am. Flights departing Gladstone must depart no earlier than 4.20 pm. Bookings can be made through Holiday Magic. To fully confirm boat transfers, arrival and departure details for Gladstone must be advised.
Please Note: This service does not operate on Christmas Day.

Helicopter
Heron Island is just a half hour helicopter ride from Gladstone.
Australian Helicopters depart Gladstone Airport daily on demand during daylight hours (generally 0800 - 1800). The flight takes 30 minutes. Bookings can be made through Holiday Magic. It is essential that Australian Helicopters are advised of exactly how guests are arriving and departing Gladstone (eg flying, driving, train or staying overnight). If arriving by air, flight numbers must be provided as transfers cannot be confirmed until this information is provided. All guests must confirm directly with Australian Helicopters their flight transfers prior to arrival in Gladstone either via phone on +61 7 4978 1177 or email gla@austheli.com or alternatively call the resort directly on +61 7 4972 9055. Baggage Allowance: Passengers on Australian Helicopter transfers to Heron island are restricted to one suitcase (maximum weight - 15kg). Excess Luggage storage available at the airport free of charge.

HERON ISLAND - GREAT BARRIER REEF