The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station - 4 min walk
Heron Island Beach - 5 min walk
Heron Island Dock - 6 min walk
Getting around
Gladstone, QLD (GLT) - 52.8 miles/85 km
Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
About this property
Heron Island Resort
Heron Island Resort offers a private beach and gives you access to on-site scuba-diving, snorkelling and kayaking. The outdoor pool provides a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps and aromatherapy. The coffee shop/cafe is a great spot for a bite to eat, and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge. A snack bar/deli, a terrace and a garden are other highlights. Fellow travellers love the helpful staff.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
112 units
Arranged over 1 level
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
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 more details, 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.
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
WiFi in public areas*
Parking
Uncovered on-site self-parking (AUD 11 per night)
Transfers
Ferry terminal shuttle*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Coffee shop
Snack bar/deli
What to do
On a private beach
Ecotours
Helicopter/aeroplane tours
Kayaking
Boat tours
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Pool table
Whale watching nearby
Working away
Meeting rooms
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Beach towels
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
1 building/tower
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible
Room amenities
Home comfort
Ceiling fan
Electric kettle
Sleep well
Alarm clock
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony or patio
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Eco-friendly toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Food and drink
Fridge
Free tea bags/instant coffee
More
Housekeeping (once per stay)
Eco-friendly toiletries
Special features
Spa
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.
Dining
Shearwater Restaurant – This restaurant is located on the beach. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting).
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
The listed destination fee is charged for a maximum of AUD 21 per person, per stay.
Optional extras
WiFi is available in public areas for AUD 25 per day (rates may vary)
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for AUD 75 per night
Parking
Uncovered self-parking costs AUD 11 per night
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
This property uses a grey water recycling system.
This property accepts major credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Cashless transactions are available.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
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
Frequently asked questions
Does Heron Island Resort offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Heron Island Resort does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Heron Island Resort?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Heron Island Resort?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Heron Island Resort?
Yes. Self-parking costs AUD 11 per night.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Heron Island Resort?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at Heron Island Resort and nearby?
Have fun with on-site activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and scuba-diving. Additional recreation on-site includes ecotours and helicopter/aeroplane tours. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Heron Island Resort also has a private beach and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Heron Island Resort?
Yes, Shearwater Restaurant offers al fresco dining and ocean views.
Does Heron Island Resort have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
What's the area around Heron Island Resort like?
Heron Island Resort is on Heron Island Beach, a short 1-minute walk from Coral Sea and 4 minutes' walk from The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station.
Heron Island Resort Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.8/10
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Staff & service
7.8/10
Amenities
7.2/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
12 Nov 2024
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.
Thomas
Thomas, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
25 Sep 2024
We liked the island. Most staff was friendly. Appreciated the towel exchange. Booking for certain times at the one restaurant was limiting.
My biggest suggestion is the room quality. Bathroom cabinets wood splitting. Furniture very worn out and wobbly.
Sharon
Sharon, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Sep 2024
Beautiful, good activities, snorkeling was great.
Kem
Kem, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
29 Aug 2024
Staff are excellent. Nice
-ve: Self service to replenish towels, ants get into your room,
+ve: restaurant and cafe staff are very friendly and helpful. Room is comfy in winter conditions.
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
16 Aug 2024
Andrew
Andrew, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
25 May 2024
Heron Island Resort is a nice place with friendly and helpful staff. While the food options are limited, they are decent and satisfactory. The rooms, however, could benefit from more thorough cleaning to enhance the overall experience.
Sourish
Sourish, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
6 May 2024
Friendly and helpful staff. Pricey meals. Meal quality was very average. We had to have the shower head replaced. Recommend chairs in room to have padded legs to reduce noise from unit above.
Michael
Michael, 3-night romance trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Apr 2024
Sheila
Sheila, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
4/10 Fair
5 Apr 2024
Cindy
Cindy, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Apr 2024
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
1 Apr 2024
Heron Island's natural beauty is captivating, a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Yet, the stay was dampened by the property's dated and poorly maintained condition. Ant infestations were a notable discomfort, detracting from the island's charm. Attention to maintenance is crucial for a better visitor experience.
Arash
Arash, 2-night family trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 Mar 2024
Amazing location and surrounded by wildlife non-stop
Benjamin
Benjamin, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 Mar 2024
staff were great and the whole trip was great
dining should have more options at dinner
anne
anne, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Mar 2024
staff were freindly and helpful
anne
anne, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 Feb 2024
Great & relaxing family holiday
Wonderful stay - Heron Island is such a special place!
Snorkelling / diving was outstanding - turtles, rays, sharks and other marine life everywhere. We liked the new al-a-carte menu at the restaurant, although the bar cutting back on the options for simple / fast food like they used to have was a shame.
Lucky to have pretty good weather as well for January - was hot & humid though. Suggest check fans in your room to make sure they are not in "winter" mode.
Brendan
Brendan, 5-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 Feb 2024
Carolyn
Carolyn, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Feb 2024
Holiday of a lifetime. Turtle hatching and laying was amazing. Highly recommend Heron Island for an unbelievable experience.
Fae
Fae, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
14 Jan 2024
The best place on earth!
You wont regret coming to heron island the rooms are all in very close proximity to the beaches and everything is a 5min walk
Lea
Lea, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Jan 2024
Amazing family wee stay, 2 days in paradise!
This island is amazing!! Wildlife galore! We came for the sealife sharks, turtles and fish etc and it didnt dissapoint!
Birds are everywhere... if you like birds this island is good for bird lovers!
The ferry over - booking went smoothly. Parked car in carpark opposite paid for but secured.
Was choppy crossing but staff were helpful and always checkjng the kids were ok and not feeljng sick etc.
Room- we went with 2 bedroom beach room. It was great view onto beach, spacious. Basic room with all what you needed. Room had a celing fan not aircon so was hot but its a 3 star property.
Staffing- staff all over island we felt were friendly and helpful. Always happy to hear we having good time. Big shout out to 2 guys the man siging in bar was ace and deserves a mention. Also our turtle tour at night was brilliant. Tour guide was great loves his job!
Wildlife - wow we seen so much. Just standing in paddling water and see sharks.
Meals - we were quite happy wjth the food overall. Breakfast was a good selection, plenty to pick from. Lunch could have done with smaller lunch snack type food menu.
Diners- both nights we had rhe butter chicken as was so good!!
We found it ok priced too. Few reviews werent happg wjth the cost of buffets... i think they changed it now and its a menu instead buffets.
Nice pool area. Free boardgames and pool etc in the bar.
Defo recommend this place and hope to be back again!!
kristian
kristian, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Jan 2024
We absolutely loved our stay at Heron Island. It was picture perfect. The snorkelling was incredible, so much marine life right off the shore. The staff were all incredible and super friendly. I've seen some bad reviews about the accommodation which was basic but fine, same as the food which was actually good. Also people complaining about no phone reception or tv although we found it was very refreshing to completely switch off from the rest of the world. If you can't enjoy Heron Island for what it is and need fancy accommodation and internet, then go somewhere else!
Craig
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 Jan 2024
Its nature and close encounter to birds and turtles and marine life
Mariedith
Mariedith, 1-night romance trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
4 Jan 2024
Vanessa
Vanessa, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
23 Dec 2023
Siddharth
Siddharth, 3-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review
8/10 Very good
22 Dec 2023
Ivan
Ivan, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
14 Dec 2023
Our week at Heron Island was wonderful - the facilities made accessing the outstanding marine life a joy.