Heron Island Resort

Heron Island, Australia

8 Moderate Deluxe

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About the Hotel

Off the east coast of Australia between Cairns and Brisbane, Heron Island is a coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef. It�(TM)s also home to Heron Island Resort, whose reef experience is reserved exclusively for guests, a claim few other resorts in the world can offer. Though you�(TM)ll be removed from civilization, the resort�(TM)s creature comforts are many. Enjoy live entertainment, superb meals, and laid-back island lodgings that include Point Suites with their uninterrupted reef views and Wistari Suites that promise maximum privacy.

Location

Heron Island Resort
Via Gladstone
Queensland
Heron Island, Australia 4000

Nearest Airport: GLT

Features and Amenities

On-Site Amenities
Beach Access

Interests
Active & Adventure

Reviews for Heron Island Resort

A Real Mixed Bag: Natural Paradise, but Resort Needs Attention

Reviewed 6 days ago

Heron Island is truly a natural wonder, and the wildlife and scenery make it an unforgettable experience. The lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and abundant sea life are breathtaking. We were privileged to witness turtles nesting on the beach and had endless opportunities for birdwatching (be warned the birds are everywhere!!!) —an absolute dream for nature enthusiasts. If you’re seeking an unspoiled corner of Australia teeming with natural beauty, this island is hard to beat. However, the resort itself tells a very different story. It feels like little has changed or been upgraded in the last 20 years. The accommodations are extremely basic, with most cabins lacking air conditioning (though the fans were effective). Dining options are limited to one restaurant on the island. Breakfast is an adequate but unremarkable buffet, and lunch offers simple salads, sandwiches, and burgers at fairly high prices given the captive audience. Dinner alternates between à la carte and buffet, depending on guest numbers, but both options felt limited. They try very hard to accommodate families with children on the buffet night by allowing limited kids meals to be ordered. By in large the staff in the restaurant were outstanding, friendly and helpful. Despite these challenges, the staff deserve immense credit for their efforts. Given the apparent lack of investment in infrastructure and resources, they work tirelessly to provide the best experience possible. Special mention goes to the activity staff and the water activities centre, who were outstanding. The range of guided activities for both kids and adults added so much to our trip. The guises snorkelling boat trip was a highlight- staff amazing!! In summary, Heron Island is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in its wildlife is truly special. However, if you’re planning a visit, come with realistic expectations regarding the resort’s accommodation, food, and service. This destination is perfect for those willing to trade luxury for the chance to explore a unique, unspoiled paradise.

Tracy C

Highly recommend if you like snorkeling and turtles

Reviewed 1 week ago

I almost cancelled my booking for the turtle experience after reading some negative reviews.. but I'm glad I didn't! This island is beautiful and my family had a great time. Yes the rooms are basic, but I found them clean and spacious, ceiling fans kept us cool enough at night. We could swap beach and bath towels at reception whenever needed. I would recommend for a 3 night stay (I think longer would be a bit too much) and bring your own snacks or meals you can make with a kettle only. Breakfast buffet was awesome each day (sadly the price will not include breakfast from next year). Would recommend to anyone who enjoys snorkeling and isn't too fussy about food or fancy accommodation.

ashleighr140

Gone downhill.

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

This is the sixth time we've been to Heron Island over the last 29 years. Last time was pre the Chinese corporation taking over and OMG has it gone down hill in a landslide! Accommodation is falling apart and just trying to get to our reef room and up the rotting stairs is a danger especially as there is absolutely no lighting in the broken up pathways and the wooden steps are slippery when it's rained. The menu is limited to 3 mains + 1 vegetarian and the buffet breakfast that used to be great is limited and uninteresting. Wish we could say Heron Island is at least half the place it used to be but it isn't. Didn't enjoy the welcome to country speech either seeing as this is already our Country. We don't seem to be important enough to give us any clean towels or restock our room with anything it's almost as if they've got your money now go fend for yourself. Most staff are great as usual so at least that's a plus. Won't be back as it's gone too far down hill to be bothered. Will go somewhere else next time where we get treated like valued guests.

Gillian A

Don't believe the negative reviews of this place - it's awesome.

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

I recently did the "Turtle Experience" on Heron Island with a friend and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. I had read several negative reviews about the food and the resort, so we arrived with relatively low expectations. However, the breakfast buffet was awesome and the meals that I had at night were yummy. We stayed in a Beachside room upstairs which was comfortable and probably got some extra breeze from the sea at night as there is no air conditioning in the units, only ceiling fans. We got up early two of the mornings and was rewarded with turtles returning to the sea after laying their eggs and beautiful sunrises. The activities included in the Turtle Experience Package such as guided reef walks, guided island tours and turtle walks were all worth doing, thoroughly enjoyable and educational. We also did two of the paid activities - the Tour of the Heron Island Research Station and the Sunset Cruise. The staff member who took us through the research was very knowledgeable about the work done on the island and able to answer people's questions. The sunset cruise provided us with some beautiful photos of the sunset, but I think that I should have chosen a guided snorkeling activity instead of this cruise. We snorkeled around the jetty and the wreck several times and once at Shark Bay. I found the early mornings gave the most ideal conditions for snorkeling around the wreck, but it depends on the tide times. I thought that the snorkeling was amazing as there were lots of fish, rays, turtles, sharks, sea cucumbers and clams to look at. I would recommend a stay on this island to anyone who enjoys snorkeling (or bird watching).

Travel4me070 - Brisbane, Australia

Beautiful tropical upland for wildlife experiences

Reviewed 1 month ago

Great place to be embedded with nature - birds, turtles, fish, sharks, forest, beaches. The clearest water and most beautiful beaches. Rooms are simple but tidy. No air conditioning so can get hot even with fans. Loved the naturalist talks and walks.

Sofia G