Heron Island

Heron Island is a 16 hectare coral cay, formed from accumulated sand and shell on top of a living coral reef. It sits in the Capricornia Cays National Park, around 80 kilometres off the coast from Gladstone. Unlike the famous Whitsunday islands further north, Heron Island is a true coral cay, not a continental island.

The island is shared between a small resort, a University of Queensland research station, and the National Parks ranger team. There is no day-tripping. Visitors must book accommodation at the Heron Island Resort or apply for research access. The capping keeps numbers low and the reef pristine.

From October to March, green and loggerhead turtles haul out at night to lay eggs in the sand above the high tide line. The hatchlings emerge from December onwards. The reef around the island is shallow and accessible directly from the beach, making Heron one of the few reef destinations where you can snorkel without needing a boat. The reef walks at low tide are a long-standing feature.

From July to September, humpback whales pass through the surrounding waters on their migration north. Manta rays and reef sharks are common year round.

Access is by a 2 hour catamaran from Gladstone, or a 30 minute helicopter transfer for those willing to pay for it.