Heron Island
Heron Island is one of the very few of the Queensland islands that lies right on the Great Barrier Reef itself. Heron Island also lies in a section of the reef that is well away from the coast which minimises the effect of agricultural run off that has been adding nutrients to the waters close to the coast and affecting coral reefs in those areas. A research station that studies the health of the Great Barrier Reef systems is a part of the development on Heron Island. The island can be accessed by helicopter or or fast ferry service from Gladstone marina.
The resort on Heron Island has been established for generations and has been upgraded several times. It is rated as a four star resort. There are six different types of accommodation which include Turtle Rooms, which are the lead in rate, Reef Rooms, Beach side Suites, Wistari Suites, Point Suites and the beach house. Heron Island is the best dive destination anywhere on the Great Barrier Reef. There are dozens of bommies surrounding the island and the resort has fully trained dive staff who are familiar with all the best dive spots. Dive expeditions to other surrounding reefs are available in the resorts fleet of dive tenders and Heron Island is also a fantastic place for diving and snorkeling right off the beach. Most coral cays are a wildlife haven and this certainly applies to Heron Island. Many turtles come here every year to nest and you can see the females come ashore at night and lay their eggs and later on see the baby turtles hatch out and rush to the sea. The research station is also a great place to visit to see what the staff are researching at any given time.
Facilities around Heron Island are terrific. The restaurant overlooks the beach and the ocean and the excellent quality of the food is legend. There are tennis courts, a day spa with 2 treatment rooms for that special treatment after a day on the reef, Guided reef walks, semi submersible coral viewing cruise, glass bottom paddle skis, and fishing trips. Heron Island is the ideal destination for families with kids who can join in lots of organised activities, especially during school holidays. Heron Island also runs the nearby Wilson Island resort which caters for only a special few who can stay in luxury tent cabins in a truly remote island holiday.
If you are tourist wanting to have the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, then come and stay at Heron Island for a few days and see the best.
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