Heron Island, Heron Island ∞ Discover spa retreats, reviews & deals for 2025

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Key details

About Resort

Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, Australia

Heron Island offers wildlife experiences throughout the year, including encounters with turtles and a variety of marine life. This self-rated 3.5-star resort provides easy access to snorkeling and diving activities and features a range of comfortable accommodations set amidst lush landscapes.

Rooms & Amenities

Accommodations at Heron Island include Turtle Rooms set in ancient Pisonia Forest, each with an en-suite shower and outdoor area. Reef Rooms provide spacious layouts with filtered views of the reef and direct access to the beach, while Beachside Rooms feature large outdoor balconies. The luxurious Beach House includes a king bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and a private patio that opens onto North Beach.

Dining Options

Dining options at Heron Island are available at Shearwater Restaurant, specializing in local seafood with stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can also unwind at the large bar and lounge area or Baillie’s Bar, which features panoramic reef views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Leisure & Activities

Heron Island is a top destination for snorkeling and diving, with 20 dive sites accessible by boat in minutes. The Aqua Soul Spa offers a variety of treatments in a tranquil setting, along with guided tours of the island's nature. Other activities include guided nature walks, sunset cruises, and participation in the Heron Island Junior Rangers Program for kids.

Business & Services

Heron Island features flexible meeting spaces like the Wistari conference room, accommodating up to 100 guests with views of the Great Barrier Reef. Experienced planners help coordinate events and activities like boat charters and snorkeling excursions. Internet access is available at designated areas including Baillie's Bar.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Reef Room

Max:

3 persons

240 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Reef Family Room

Max:

5 persons

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

2 Single beds

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Turtle Room

Max:

2 persons

250 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore a range of transportation options for your spa getaway

City Centre

Heron Island1000 ft

Airports

Gladstone (GLT) 21.6 mi

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Great Buffet Experience

I really enjoyed the seafood buffet during my stay. The cold seafood - prawns, oysters, and crabs were fresh and delicious. I particularly loved the hot dishes, which included pork ribs and lamb shanks. Although some desserts were a bit ordinary, the experience of a buffet meal was good overall.

Rebecca12. UK, 2024-03-10Read full review on

Live Music Delight

Bailey's Bar turned out to be a highlight of my evening. We were treated to fantastic live performances from local musicians. The ambiance was perfect for relaxation, and the music added a fantastic element to the night, making it a nice experience.

Steve21. Australia, 2024-05-21Read full review on

Comfortable Accommodation

My stay in the Turtle Room was spacious and comfortable. Even without modern amenities like TVs and air conditioning, the room was perfect for my family's needs. The ceiling fans kept us cool, and the simplicity of the room helped us feel connected to nature.

Daryl92. Canada, 2024-07-15Read full review on

Amazing Reef Exploration

I participated in a reef walk led by a knowledgeable guide. We saw an very nice variety of marine life, which was educational and thrilling. The guide’s expertise made the experience even better, as they pointed out fascinating aspects of the reef that I wouldn't have noticed on my own.

Elizabeth58. USA, 2024-09-08Read full review on

What’s included

General

Non-smoking rooms
Paid Wi-Fi in public areas
No parking
Safe deposit box
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Luggage storage
Private beach
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Billiard tables

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Children's buffet
Board games

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Manicure
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Massage

Room features

Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Location

Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, Australia

Map view

Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, Australia

Nearby

Island

Heron Island Dock

600 ft

Shipwreck

800 ft

Reviews and Ratings <br />

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

68%

loved the resort and would return for another relaxing stay

Stunning marine life

Beautiful natural surroundings

Poor dining experience

Rooms need improvements

6.8/10

Nice

Rooms

6.4

Location

9.6

Service

6.4

Dining

5.6

Nathaniel

United Kingdom, November 2024

5.4/10

Heron Island offers stunning snorkeling experiences with easy access to marine life right off the jetty, making it an unforgettable adventure for those who love underwater exploration. However, the overall experience was marred by service shortcomings, a chaotic dining situation, and inadequately maintained accommodations. Some parts of the island can be quite boring if you're not a diver, as activities dwindle during low tide. Overall, while it's a beautiful spot, be prepared for the limitations.

Rooms

5.0

The room had several issues, including a broken window pane that compromised privacy and a lack of proper facilities to hang wet swimwear. It felt dated and some cleanliness aspects seemed inadequate.

Service

6.0

Service was friendly, but it often felt overwhelmed and disorganized, resulting in communication issues and frustrations with meal arrangements.

Location

9.0

The location is exceptional with access to abundant marine life, making it a promising destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, although some areas around the island lack vibrant coral.

Dining

5.0

Dining was chaotic with a limited menu that did not change throughout our stay. Prices were high given the disappointing food quality and mix-ups with orders.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities were somewhat lacking in upkeep, including the pool area, which was not clean. There were no proper amenities for keeping belongings dry.

Stunning marine life

Poor dining experience

Rowan

United Kingdom, October 2024

7.6/10

I had a wonderful time at this resort, with stunning natural surroundings and exciting underwater experiences. The snorkeling was fantastic, right off the beach, and the wildlife was abundant. However, there were a few quirks in the service and dining that could use some improvement. Overall, it was an amazing getaway that I would certainly recommend to anyone looking for a unique holiday.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms are comfortable with lovely outdoor areas and great sea breezes, but they showed some wear and could use more maintenance.

Service

6.0

While most staff were friendly and eager to help, service at certain times lacked consistency, especially at breakfast and during housekeeping.

Location

10.0

The location is absolutely perfect for both divers and snorkelers, with breathtaking views and direct access to a marine sanctuary.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was a bit hit-and-miss, with a limited breakfast buffet and occasional shortages of popular items, but dinner options were generally satisfying.

Facilities

9.0

Facilities like the Marine Centre for diving and snorkeling were top-notch, and the island walks offered a delightful way to explore the area.

Jayden

United Kingdom, October 2024

7.2/10

Heron Island is a remarkable spot for nature lovers, surrounded by stunning marine and bird life. The location is absolutely breathtaking, but my experience with the rooms and dining left me wanting a bit more. While the natural beauty is a major draw, some cleanliness issues and a few dining hiccups detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, I would still recommend visiting this incredible place for the sheer adventure it offers.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were spacious and comfortable, featuring lovely views of the reef through the casuarina trees. However, the housekeeping could be improved, as our sheets weren't changed throughout our stay.

Service

6.0

The staff across the resort were often friendly but seemed a bit frazzled, particularly during busy times. There was a lengthy wait during check-in, which was a little frustrating.

Location

10.0

The location is exceptional, with crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life all around. This truly enhances the experience of being on the island.

Dining

6.0

While the dining options were varying, I found the buffet breakfast repetitive and some items were not restocked timely. The quality varied, particularly at dinner, which could have been better.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities, including easy access to the beach and snorkeling gear, were decent but could benefit from more attention to cleanliness.

Ross

United Kingdom, September 2024

7.2/10

I had a fabulous family holiday at this resort, surrounded by nature and wildlife. The location is perfect for those who love snorkelling and watching turtles. While the rooms were clean and comfortable, they could use better ventilation, and the dining experience was mostly decent but not exceptional. Overall, the resort offers great value for families, although the lack of air conditioning can make it a bit uncomfortable at night.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were clean and comfortable, but the absence of proper drying space for wet swimwear was curious. Improved airflow would be beneficial, especially since there was no air conditioning.

Service

7.0

The staff were friendly and eager to help, but at times they seemed a bit disengaged, which could be improved.

Location

9.0

The resort's location is spectacular for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature and observe various wildlife, such as turtles and rays in their natural habitat.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was quite pleasant, with a mix of buffet and a-la-carte options, but it lacked some consistency, especially for children's meals.

Facilities

6.0

While there were plenty of activities available and the bar amenities were decent, the swimming pool could use some upgrading as it felt a bit tired.

Victoria

United Kingdom, September 2024

6.8/10

Heron Island offers an enchanting escape right on the southern Great Barrier Reef, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, though they lean towards the basic side. While the dining options are decent, some meals left a bit to be desired in taste. The staff is friendly and passionate about the island, creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, the facilities could use some updates to match the stunning location.

Rooms

6.0

The Turtle Room was clean but quite basic, resembling a beachside chalet more than a resort room. Notably, there was a broken window pane upon entering, which detracted from the experience.

Service

7.0

The service was friendly and helpful, though the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed at times, leading to longer waits.

Location

10.0

The location is breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by the southern Great Barrier Reef and teeming with wildlife. It truly feels like a nature lover's dream.

Dining

6.0

Dining was a mixed bag; while the buffet breakfast had good options, lunch and dinner lacked flavor at times. A bit more variety would have made it more enjoyable.

Facilities

5.0

The facilities felt a bit tired, and while the pool was nice, the overall resort could use renovations to feel more up to date.