Scuba diving on Heron Island feels almost surreal when you realise how close world class diving really is. Just a 5-minute boat ride from the island sits the outer reef and the legendary Heron Bommie, a dive site once described by Jacques Cousteau as one of his top 10 dive sites in the world. Knowing something so extraordinary is only minutes away makes the experience feel even more special.

Snorkelling on Heron Island is one of those experiences that feels almost unreal, especially when it happens before breakfast. No boat rides, no long preparation. Just stepping straight off the beach with a mask and snorkel and suddenly finding yourself on an underwater adventure through one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful locations.

Heron Island is world renowned as an extraordinary, unique destination that allows guests to truly experience being a guest of nature. But what exactly is it about Heron Island that makes it so unique and such a popular destination for travellers and nature lovers alike? From the surrounding reef to the island itself, here are few insights that set Heron Island apart from other island destinations.

An ancient coral mountain, the Heron Bomie is the most popular site on the Heron Reef.

Heron Island is a protected sanctuary for breeding turtles who return year after to nest in the sandy dunes. Hatchlings will later erupt from the nests and make their way down the beach to the protection of the reef.

As a photographer, we are always looking for a new adventure to keep our ‘creative fire’ burning. If it’s travel and nature photography you are looking for, then Heron Island must be the destination you are looking for! Located off the coast of Gladstone on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is truly blessed with an overdose of natural beauty from every angle! Here are my top 5 tips to getting the most from your visit.