Found a discount deal for a 5 day stay here and it was amazing! We went diving everyday and vis was wonderful. Most dives we saw mantas, sharks, turtles, and loads of fish. Easiest diving I've done. Tanks stay on board so you don't need to help carry those around and the DM let us do our own thing on the dives once he saw we knew what we were doing. We saw humpbacks swimming by from the shore, the sand was beautiful, the room was spacious and the food was great! Love the a-la-carte nights. Can't wait to come back!

We were stunned to read the recent poor reviews and had lowered our expectations to a standard of going camping. We needn't have worried. Either we are not fusspots or others are. We only returned yesterday and rate this short stay holiday highly. This is not a relax and be pampered resort but an opportunity to have unique, outdoor experiences. We had not realised that we would be staying during turtle season and to have the opportunity to view these magnificent creatures (with the kind assistance of a full moon) was nothing short of magical. The birdlife was interesting and we educated ourselves during our stay. My husband took advantage of the ear plugs but I was more than happy to listen to their calls. The snorkelling was diverse and we ventured into different locations around the island and a trip to the reef edge. We had a small "hiccup" with our reservation which was handled perfectly and promptly. The staff were friendly and the food generous. We have no complaints!

After reading so many bad reviews about Heron Island, we were a little dubious of our holiday to Heron Island over the Australia Day long weekend.

The transfer from Gladstone was magical - we may have been lucky as it was a smooth ride and maybe the 'free' ginger tablets handed on luggage check-in may have helped but it was a great ride. Spotless and beautiful boat with videos on show and bar area - should you need refreshments - 1 hour ride.

On arrival - the beauty of the island truly takes your breath away. You'll be ushered to a meeting room with a mocktail - told about the abundant bird life on the island and their nesting habit, the turtles and their hatching ritual and the do's and dont's. Then shown to the restaurant for a late lunch - not daylight saving but Heron Island is 1 hours ahead of Gladstone all year round.

At the restaurant, you'll be issued your room number - no keys - the island is keyless (which can be a little worrying at times when you have valuables but we had no problems). The lunch was a buffet and very good with great cheeses on offer. You then have the island to yourself to explore.

As we both love to snorkel, we brought our own equipment and were keen to explore the Great Barrier Reef, we had a ground floor Reef Room - which was perfect, spotless bathroom, spacious room with an extremely comfy bed and lounge/day bed to relax on. We also had table and chairs outdoors. The room had a mini-fridge (great for storing your water bottles/fruit) and tea/coffee making facilities which we didn't use. The snorkelling is the best we've seen in Australia, the most colourful fish, anenomes and clowns, beautiful coral, clams, reef and lemon sharks, stingrays and the largest turtle we've ever seen. You felt as if you were swimming in a fish tank.

We did the Research Station Walk which was very informative and interesting, great to play in the touch pool, and had an exclusive bird walk tour which was extremely enjoyable with binoculars supplied free of charge. Both tours were free and educational.

The food in the restaurant was excellent, buffet breakfasts and lunches, 2 x a la carte dinners - 3 courses with the best desserts I've ever tasted!!! The seafood smogasbord was to die for with fresh prawns, crab, moreton bay bugs, oysters, smoked salmon and a lot more for non-seafood eaters. The only negative is that the alcohol can be pricey but we were happy with a glass of wine and a beer for approx $15 total which is what you'd pay in any restaurant. There was a pizza option also from the bar but unsure whether this was inclusive or extra - we never asked so this was never explained.

It would be good if the meeting room was used as a movie room in the evenings as there are no TV's in the rooms nor elsewhere - but we were lucky to bring our laptop and movies to watch. There was a great band playing in the bar in the evenings but it got quite loud with the crowds so a little hard to hear them at times.

The pool is very small and full of kids as you'd expect.

My only complaint would be too many unruly children with parents letting them run amok on the island, in the restaurant, around the pool and bar area ..... I had to talk to one little boy who threw a stick at a nesting seagull with 2 chicks and a hatchling egg - the parents didn't seem concerned about his bad behaviour - which I thought was really sad. The seagull was extremely distraught :(

Overall a must go to destination - we picked up a package online which we thought was excellent value for money. You can pay for things using your room number (cashless) or pay cash as you purchase. Upon departure - check your invoice as we'd been charged $15 for drinks that we'd paid cash for on the first night, luckily we had the receipt to prove this. They also charge you $10 on your credit card for the Turtle Fund whether you like it or not - get the tax invoice stamped if you want to claim this as a tax deduction.

Must see location as it really is Paradise on Earth and only an hour out of Gladstone.

Heron Island was amazing!

I visited Heron Island with an italian friend of mine in January 2012 for 3 nights 4 days which was the perfect length of time. The weather was perfect, we saw so many Turtles digging nests, laying eggs and the hatchlings running down to the sea.

Most the time on the Island we spend snorkelling with the most amazing fish, we also saw a few sharks swim buy us and stingrays and turtles. The reef was so varied around the island, on one side the corral was mostly white and on the other side was coloured. For the most coloured fish and coral take a snorkelling boat trip, it take your breath away.

When we arrived they did a quick introduction to the island and explained that the births would sit on the paths in the sun and would not move for you, i found this amusing. They also explained that one of the birds on the island that looks a little like a chicken would steal the garnish of your cocktails. There are so many birds in the trees, I was quite lucky and never got pooped on but a bird did land on me and go for a walk around the island.
Early in the morning the island does smell a little bit like bird poo but by the time most people are awake, the staff has raked up the leaves and bird poo.

The room was so much better then I expected. We where on the second floor which was great. From our balcony we could see the sea through the trees just meters from our room.
All the buildings on the island are hidden by a wall of trees so that from the sea and beach you would think you where on a deserted island. The bathrooms are excellent, some people might not like the rain showers though (no pressure).

The whole island is very natural, theres not fake taiwanese style gardens or palm trees. I think this adds to the island, I much prefer the real thing! No other place can offer the Great Barrier Reef just meters from your room and just a few steps into the water!

Everyone should go on the research station walk! Its the only time your aloud in to see what there doing and it also includes a visit to a touch tank filled with all kinds of rare animals and plants from the reef!

Heron Island is a must for anyone visiting Australia or Queensland... Perfect for nature lovers and divers and snorkelers!