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Heron Island Resort

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Heron Island Resort

Escape to a tropical paradise with stunning ocean views and access to the beach.
Enjoy ocean views from your balcony in a tranquil beachfront setting.
Guests can enjoy a serene sea view from a pathway leading to a pool surrounded by lush greenery and a tree with sprawling branches.
Enjoy meals in this spacious dining area with a central buffet counter and multiple seating areas.
Enjoy al fresco dining with a view of the sea from this outdoor dining area, featuring tables and chairs under a canopy.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Via Gladstone, Heron Island, QLD, 4000
  • The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Heron Island Dock
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Heron Island Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room (Reef Room)

1 bedroom, desk, bed sheets, alarm clocks

Standard Room (Reef Room)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Futon

View all photos for Beachside Room

Beachside Room | Living room

Beachside Room

  • 22 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Family Room (Reef Family Room)

Family Room (Reef Family Room) | 1 bedroom, desk, bed sheets, alarm clocks

Family Room (Reef Family Room)

  • 30 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Basic Room (Turtle Room)

Basic Room (Turtle Room) | 1 bedroom, desk, bed sheets, alarm clocks

Basic Room (Turtle Room)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room (Turtle Family Room)

Family Room (Turtle Family Room) | 1 bedroom, desk, bed sheets, alarm clocks

Family Room (Turtle Family Room)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

About this property

Heron Island Resort

On private beach with outdoor pool, near The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station
Catch some rays on Heron Island Resort's private white sand beach, pamper yourself at the full-service spa or enjoy snorkelling. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Heron Island Resort offers 112 accommodations with a ceiling fan. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the resort include a private beach and an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, facials and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is open selected days.
Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Heron Island Resort. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Coral Sea. You'll find features such as a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
  • Enjoy a beachfront location while dining at Shearwater Restaurant
  • WiFi in some public areas for a fee
  • Self-parking available for a fee
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Indulge with deep-tissue massages, body scrubs or facials at the spa
  • Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • On-site recreation includes a private beach, helicopter/aeroplane tours and kayaking
  • Just a 4-minute walk from The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station and 6 minutes on foot from Heron Island Dock
  • Ferry terminal shuttle service available for a fee
Simply walk outside to feel the sun on your face at the white sand beach. At Heron Island Resort, pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa or have fun in the sun with activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is available in public spaces for a fee. This beach resort also offers an outdoor pool, a garden and a terrace. Parking is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Heron Island resort.

Shearwater Restaurant – This restaurant is located on the beach. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting).

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (AUD 25 per day)

Parking and transport

  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Uncovered parking on site (AUD 11 per night)

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Shearwater Restaurant

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Boat tours
  • Ecotours
  • Full-service spa
  • Helicopter/aeroplane tours
  • Kayaking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkelling

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • On a private beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open select days
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests must transfer via boat or helicopter to the property; guests must contact the property at least 72 hours before travel, using the contact information on the confirmation received after booking
This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
There is no cell phone service at this property due to its remote location.
This property is accessible by boat or helicopter. Boat transfers are available at 9:30 AM from Gladstone to Heron Island on Friday-Monday and Wednesday. The required fee for boat transfers is AUD 85 per adult and AUD 45 per child each way. On Tuesday and Thursday, access is only available via helicopter for the listed transfer service fee amounts. On December 25, access is only available via helicopter.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 75 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

The listed destination fee is charged for a maximum of AUD 21 per person, per stay.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: AUD 25 per day (rates may vary)
  • Uncovered self-parking fee: AUD 11 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 75 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
To get to the property, guests need to transfer by boat or helicopter. Transfers need to be confirmed by contacting the property at least 72 hours before travel on the number on the booking confirmation. Heron Island Resort offers transfers from the ferry terminal (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation 72 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. The front desk at this property is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 72 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Heron Island Resort
Heron Island Hotel Heron Island
Heron Hotel Heron
Heron Island Resort Resort
Heron Island Resort Heron Island
Heron Island Resort Resort Heron Island

Heron Island Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 121 out of 281 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 113 out of 281 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 281 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 281 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 281 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Marleise

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff was very friendly and helpful. The bar was nice, the pool area, and the sunset times with live music were amazing. They should have more activities to explore the place, not just once a day, such as a kayak tour with only 5-6 spots available. Breakfast was expensive, lunch was delicious, but dinner was buffet only, and the food was 6 out of 10. I found a cockroach in my bedroom as well. I booked the submersible boat, which was broken when we arrived for embarkation.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cath

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is an ECO resort. Don’t come here if you want a luxury resort experience. Come here if you want a truly unique wildlife experience. The island is teeming with birds and surrounded by marine animals. You don’t even have to get in the water to see turtles, sharks, rays and fish. You can stand on the jetty or watch from the beach and you will see something amazing. You can snorkel or dive to see more. This is Australia’s version of a mini Galapagos. The resort balances guest comfort and aesthetics with budget and ecological sustainability. If you want 4 or 5 star aesthetics, this is not your place.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was a true island getaway. We didn't have internet, phone, or TV. We could move around easily and on a relaxed state. There is only one restaurant but the food was very good. Elliot was the activity director and he was incredibly knowledgeable . All the staff were lovely. We had a room without air conditioning but found the fan quite sufficient .
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krzysztof

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very relaxing place surrounded by unspoiled nature.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Rachael Elizabeth

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place, magical, snorkeling fantastic, but they could have more options to eat…
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

One of a kind, beautiful, location!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

CHRISTINE

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Heron Island is perfect for experiencing the natural world. The resort accomodation is comfortable and set amongst the trees with the beach beyond. Perfect for seeing turtle hatchlings, sharks, rays and numerous species of birds.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Always an amazing time with the turtles and snorkelling Research tour is always good to do Resort does need a refresh
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Alexander

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It’s is an incredible place to go diving/snorkelling. The staff are very helpful and friendly. It is not a luxury stay you go there for the reef and that is all. Breakfast is good. The dinner was also good however it is incredibly expensive. Not sure why they charge an extra 25$ a day for WiFi on top of the room price. It is an excellent experience if you don’t mind spending the money. Would definitely recommend to friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely loved it. I’ll be back again for sure. The wildlife was amazing. Fabulous buffet breakfast. The staff were so kind and helpful. Big thank you to nurse Liz.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Carrissa

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Heron Island is a brilliant opportunity to snorkel with beautiful sea life. Sharks, rays, turtles and coral that is starting to come back to life. The island itself is wonderful. Loads of turtles coming up the beach each evening and hatchlings popping out of the sand all over. The accommodation however is absolutely dreadful! It is severely dated with no air conditioning, broken locks, missing louvred glass in the windows, coupled with the fact that you aren’t allowed to bring food, makes for a very expensive trip, especially with young children. Considering the price you pay to get there and stay, I would expect nicer, albeit basic rooms, and cheaper food options for young children and families.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Corena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Heron Island was really organised, when we arrived off the Ferry there was a brief and we knew exactly where to go after the brief was finished. The lunch and dinner was pre booked by the accomodation and we liked that and a lovely buffet breakfast was included in our stays price. When we booked into our accomodation we even recieved beach towels, which we did not even think would be provided. The rooms are neat and tidy, they are normal rooms not super flash but you had everything you needed. There were no aircons, but we had fans. The birds on the island make noises in the evenings, so earplugs are provided by the accomodation. They really think of everything. The stay was lovely, at Heron island you do not spend a lot of time in your room, since the beach, snorkelling, diving, all the activities are just too amazing on the island. This was one of our best holidays we have had and the staff really made things easy and were very helpful to make our stay absolutely lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

zhong

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Heron island is beautiful
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Coral bleaching makes the lace a bit unattractive if you want to see coral. Our visit was marred by High winds which churned up the water and limited visibility when snorkeling. Got to see turtle hatchlings march to the see. We first came in 2012 and it was amazing. Now 12 years later the rooms are clean but show their age. Beautiful birds but expect to get poo dropped on you as they roost often over the walking path. There are complementary guided nature walks that are worthwhile taking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are so very professional and pleasant, usually in a big group like that there would be someone a bit grumpy! Not a one! The knowledge of the group leaders is astounding! Just loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Annie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were bare bones but the island experience was spectacular! The beds were clean and comfortable and staff was very responsive. The access the nature and marine life is priceless. This is not an all inclusive resort so expect to pay for everything else from any excursions, coffee, a roll away bed and meals. (Except breakfast) However beach towels, snorkel set and water are included! (Filtered tap water) The resort offered bird, reef and island walks. All educational and inspiring! The views, water, sunsets and marine life were incredible. Wonderful to show our children to respect our earth and do everything we can to counter the effects of climate change/global warming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Had to go to reception to get toilet roll and to get bathroom soap filled (was empty), the day after the room was serviced! Didn't empty the bathroom bin when serviced either. Basically the reef and environment are great, but do not expect any more than 2 stars as far as room servicing goes.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adnan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Junko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We could see beautiful views from the window. Great experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Holiday trip. The only bad thing is the resort controls arrival time as the only way to get there is by the ferry sponsored by the hotel. Yet, our room was not ready upon arrival.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay on the island - has everything you need! It would be good to have an alternative to the $48 buffet dinner on the weekend - we don't eat that much food!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024