Heron Island

This was our third trip to Heron Island. Our first trip was 10 years ago to the month, 18 months ago and then, obviously, this year. The island itself remains beautiful. The views are breathtaking and obviously the marine life and birds are stunning. Interestingly enough, 10 years ago you we could see so many reef sharks in the bay just by standing on the jetty, this has changed over time, to be expected. Our arrival at the marina in Gladstone was a pleasant change this time around. The lady at the counter was lovely and friendly, I think her name was Julie. It was a smooth and easy bag check in. Arrival at the island was good and as normal directed to the conference room for the induction. I would suggest that while the content remains the same this be "beefed" up a little bit to get a better understanding of the island and what you can do. It would be great to include that parents are asked that their children do not chase the birds or attempt to harm them (yes this did happen, and parents stood by to watch birds being scared), to please not allow their children to kick items around for example chess board pieces and to respect other guests. Bizarre this needs to be said but it does as there were a few families whose children were quite misbehaved using the chess pieces as a ball or an item to use to practice karate kicks. I would also suggest that in this induction, a representative from the marine Centre come in and chat to the guests. All information can be given at the same time with what activities are on offer and where to check the tides, winds etc. each morning. This is something we did not notice before (for some reason) and was very handy to know about each day. Check in was fine, we had paid in advance, though had to point this out as we were asked to pay again. As the island was not busy we were able to go to our room immediately which was a bit of a score as it can be a long wait otherwise. We were booked into a Turtle Room. Interestingly enough, the room looked very different to the examples of the room shown on the website when booking. I am not sure if this can be done but it would be good to know what the rooms look like and potentially an option for a guest to choose a room number they are comfortable in if having been before. The room was comfortable and the bathroom clean. A little run down but clean and it was spacious. A review of this room in particular, the bed was dismal and so uncomfortable. it tended to "roll" to the middle, the pillows were very uncomfortable for us unfortunately, hubby used a display pillow as that was more comfy :) As mentioned the bathroom was clean however there was no water pressure, you had to "dance" under the shower to get wet and to try rinse soap or water was interesting :) After a few days we went to reception to see if we could upgrade our room, and fortunately we could, we moved to the Wistari room and oh what a difference. The bed and pillows were super comfy, a comfy c

The best place on earth! You wont regret coming to heron island the rooms are all in very close proximity to the beaches and everything is a 5min walk

We absolutely loved our stay at Heron Island. It was picture perfect. The snorkelling was incredible, so much marine life right off the shore. The staff were all incredible and super friendly. I've seen some bad reviews about the accommodation which was basic but fine, same as the food which was actually good. Also people complaining about no phone reception or tv although we found it was very refreshing to completely switch off from the rest of the world. If you can't enjoy Heron Island for what it is and need fancy accommodation and internet, then go somewhere else!

Its nature and close encounter to birds and turtles and marine life

Heron island is a beautiful location with an opportunity to swim with turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish from the beach. We were lucky to see the baby turtle hatchlings too. It’s amazing. The research tour and talk was also excellent; informative and gives an insight into the research carried out by the PHD students and team lead by Prof Stuart kininmonth it is worth booking and cost $20 pp it was worth it. The reason I didn’t give it a 5* was because of the quality of the food and service. Breakfast was the worst, sometimes nothing there to choose from. Barista coffee is still handmade and I don’t know why a machine isn’t there for self service? We had to queue to. We didn’t bother to have a lunch but dinner wasn’t the best. Heron Island deserves better. It is a special place and deserves better dishes. Please could the booking process and the checking in procedure to be clearer to how things work on the island. How to book a flight etc. also heron island is open all year round. Not sure why any dates after April are not available to book on the website? We felt the rooms could be cleaned better and that the blinds were broken and required fixing. The rooms are basic and dated. But it’s all about the reef. Don’t expect 5* accommodation. However you’ll get 5* marine life to Swim with you :) Also be prepared to pay for wifi . Bring a book if you want to do very little. We would go back again if we visited heron island. Mother Nature hands us beautiful experiences like Heron island. We also met lovely, friendly people on the island. We shared wondeful memories together.

Marine life is amazing. The 2-legged, upright walking land creatures of the island are a severe disappointment. The restaurant service and cleaning service is appalling. A turtle would easily have done a better job. And been a welcomed addition to the stay (as opposed to the sour-faced grunting Neanderthals we encountered).

I’d give 5-stars, but the food… Bland, dry, overpriced. Same meals every lunch & dinner. I think the food is definitely not good. Drinks? Sure they’re overpriced to be expected on vacation. Atmosphere: GREAT. I love the huts (rooms). Spacious. Clean. Island - appropriate. Island was well kept (very island-like, if you’re looking for 5-star resort grounds, then an authentic island experience is NOT for you. Amazing snorkeling. Saw baby sea turtles swim to the ocean. Snorkeled with fish, turtles (husband saw stingray, not me) & when we were out of the water we saw sharks & more rays. Great place. We will return, but I’d rather bring bread, peanut butter & jelly….vs eating the lunch & dinner served. At least the subpar breakfast is “free”