For those who love the ocean, lazing on a beautiful sandy beach, swimming in clear waters, snorkelling or even SCUBA diving, Heron island on the Great Barrier Reef is a treat.
About 72 kms north east of the city of Gladstone, the island is situated in a coral cay. The reef here protects some 900 different species of fish, many in glorious colour and different shapes and sizes.
The many multi-coloured coral gardens represent more than 70% of the coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef. There are at least 20 different sites for diving, there are even shipwrecks around the island.
The flora on the island consist of small forests of trees, Pisonia grandis and she oaks primarily, while on the fringes of the island behind the beaches, you can find flowers, shrubs and herbs typical of the region.
Birdlife and Native Animals
The island is situated in the World Heritage listed marine national park of the Great Barrier Reef. All the native and marine animals here are protected, making the island is a paradise for those who love nature.
Thousands of Sea birds come here to breed in their season, making the island fertile for plant life while others have made it their permanent home, including Kingfishers, Doves and the Eastern Reef Egret, a heron.
On the island, protected Green Sea Turtles and Loggerhead Sea Turtles come here to breed. With a bit of luck, you can view passing whales between May and August.
Heron Resort
Accommodation is available at the Heron Resort, including a beach house, suites and rooms.
Getting Here
From Gladstone, you can either take a boat, helicopter or seaplane. All three options are quite scenic and make for an enjoyable trip to the island.
Barrier Reef Islands
There are hundreds of islands on the Barrier Reef. More about the Barrier Reef.
Great for Families, the Wonderful Beaches of Heron Island. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia
Next: Islands of The Great Barrier Reef
Heron Island Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone Queensland Australia
Map showing location of Wilson Island and Heron Island: Gladstone Queensland Map.
For those who love the ocean, lazing on a beautiful sandy beach, swimming in clear waters, snorkelling or even SCUBA diving, Heron island on the Great Barrier Reef is a treat.
About 72 kms north east of the city of Gladstone, the island is situated in a coral cay. The reef here protects some 900 different species of fish, many in glorious colour and different shapes and sizes.
The many multi-coloured coral gardens represent more than 70% of the coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef. There are at least 20 different sites for diving, there are even shipwrecks around the island.
The flora on the island consist of small forests of trees, Pisonia grandis and she oaks primarily, while on the fringes of the island behind the beaches, you can find flowers, shrubs and herbs typical of the region.
Birdlife and Native Animals
The island is situated in the World Heritage listed marine national park of the Great Barrier Reef. All the native and marine animals here are protected, making the island is a paradise for those who love nature.
Thousands of Sea birds come here to breed in their season, making the island fertile for plant life while others have made it their permanent home, including Kingfishers, Doves and the Eastern Reef Egret, a heron.
On the island, protected Green Sea Turtles and Loggerhead Sea Turtles come here to breed. With a bit of luck, you can view passing whales between May and August.
Heron Resort
Accommodation is available at the Heron Resort, including a beach house, suites and rooms.
Getting Here
From Gladstone, you can either take a boat, helicopter or seaplane. All three options are quite scenic and make for an enjoyable trip to the island.
Barrier Reef Islands
There are hundreds of islands on the Barrier Reef. More about the Barrier Reef.
The beautiful Whitsunday Islands: Whitsunday Islands. See the Whitsunday Coast Map QLD
Touring Australia: The Queensland Coast
Touring the Queensland Coast - Queensland Coast.
More about the Great Barrier Reef.
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Daily Brisbane weather, current and forecasts Brisbane Weather.
Brisbane Australia
Previous: Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
Topic: QLD Barrier Reef
Main Photo: Great for Families, the Wonderful Beaches of Heron Island. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia