Heron Island Resort
Heron Island, Australia
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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. Itâ€(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 youâ€(TM)ll be removed from civilization, the resortâ€(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
Stuck on island as boat has issues, only choice to pay $700 extra to leave today !
Ok, let me start at the end. I'm currently stuck on the island and told my ferry trip back to mainland is cancelled with only choice a $700 helicopter flight or another night here with a 30% discount and would therefore miss my flights home. Whole thing is extremely frustrating. No back up boat. Not even a free lunch for the stress and extra charges. This resort is already at peak price for what it is and now as I'm about to leave I have this extra huge expense to leave. Not happy but will update with outcome
Parksy631 - Sydney, Australia
Most relaxing holiday in years.
I literally travel for a living so this is my honest review below. Positives: this destination is very remote,No cell phones or technology work here which I personally loved. The Island itself is amazing and has incredible wildlife both on the island and in the water. Diving and snorkeling is really easy and has an abundance of marine creatures that will simply blow you away.More turtle encounters than ever before.The crew were professional courteous and polite and made it fun.All the team were great.simple easy diving mainly drift dives. Staff are all friendly and willing to help at anytime and consist of many backpackers. The free activities are great and lots of fun, We did a turtle walk at night and saw turtles nesting and a reef talk as well which both my wife and I loved. Restaurants: After reading many mixed reviews previously I was really surprised of the quality of all the meals and the generous portion sizes.there is the shear water and Baillies cafe/bar both very good. The accommodation is basic but very nice.(more in below sum up) Ferry ride from Gladstone is an easy 2 hr ride. There is parking at the marina and we chose to pay extra for locked area parking through complete angler at the mariner. When arriving to the island we were amazed at her beauty.we were escorted up to the main lobby area for a rundown on the island. There are a lot of rules which is totally understandable.No lights or torches , no touch of any creatures etc etc. The bird life will also blow you away. People who appreciate nature then Book now. Cons: This resort is owned by a Chinese company. Many parts of the resort require attention and money spent. The accommodation is rather dated and although clean and fresh can certainly do with an upgrade to the bed which was still comfy but just old. If you want a great getaway from all of the day to day rush then this is your place. We loved it and already thinking of dates to return. Well done heron island. The returning mutton birds are incredibly Noisy all night long but if your sensitive some ear plugs do the trick. There are thousands of birds and the chance of getting pooped on is rather high.
Brett C - Mount Nathan, Australia
Relaxing but very run down and over priced
We recently visited Heron Island and stayed 4 nights. The island is in a beautiful location and although the drinking coral reef is full of fish, the coral is in very poor condition and the visibility is less than I anticipated. The staff are friendly and efficient but the place is very run down and looks like nothing much has been done to it since it was purchased in 2017 after being abandoned for several years. Our room was clean and fairly comfortable - we weren’t expecting luxury - but the whole place looks like nothing has been spent on it since acquisition. We understand that it costs money to bring food and supplies over but the price of food and drinks is eye watering - thank goodness that breakfast was included but that is soon going to change. Eat up well at the buffet because you won’t be able to afford lunch AND dinner. The evening meals from the small a la carte menu were just ok - on the small side and $48 was a lot to pay for a small, tough piece of steak with a couple of vegetables on the side. If you decide to go there look carefully at the tides so that you can snorkel during daylight hours but really if you want to see good coral and fish go up to Green Island off Cairns or the outer Whitsunday Islands. Parting words
Ann R
Choose somewhere else
Cancelled the ferry back to the mainland 24 hours prior to us leaving. Made us pay more money to stay ($600 for 2 small rooms for one night) as there's no where else to stay or eat. More money for terribly overpriced average food and 4 meal choices at the one restaurant. Rooms need work. Mould in bathroom. Took money off incoming and outgoing guests for same rooms which I felt was terrible when the wind is showing to die down by the time the ferry is meant to leave tomorrow and it's a lot worse the day after which the ferry is now rescheduled for for us to apparently leave on (makes me wonder why they cancelled so far in advance when weather should be seen on the day or morning of a least in my opinion). Wish us luck getting out of here. Oh and gave us an option for $700 per person helicopter out. Beautiful reef but overall there are a lot better islands out there for a nicer holiday. Snorkelling was beautiful but not worth this drama.
Rebecca R
incredible for those who love diving and nature
I was a little apprehensive after reading some mixed reviews but we absolutely loved our stay on Heron Island. The diving was spectacular--turtles, sharks, rays, and so many fish--and we really enjoyed the nature walks and talks (thank you AJ!) and the research center tour. Gorgeous sunsets. Birds everywhere and abundant sea life. My daughter got scuba certified at Heron and it's almost a pity because she'll be disappointed to go elsewhere! The rooms are basic, food is expensive and only ok, and restaurant/bar are staffed by college students. But that's not why you're going to Heron Island anyway and if you expect it it's fine. The dive shop is well organized and professional, as is reception. And you're staying inside a national marine park in one of the most special places in the world.
zoeeverywhere - Arlington, Virginia
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