Sustainability at Heron Island

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef - Together

Heron Island Resort is proudly Advanced Ecotourism Certified and recognised as a Green Travel Leader by EcoTourism Australia, the peak body for eco and sustainable tourism for holding eco certification with Ecotourism Australia for 10 or more years.

Being located in one of the world best managed Marine Parks, the Great Barrier Reef, we operate to strict environmental management guidelines. We go beyond standard practices to protect our island home — and we invite you to join us. A protected habitat for a stunning variety of wildlife, on Heron Island you soon sense that you are very much a guest of the natural environment, you're here to be part of it, to enjoy it and to learn from it.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

We're taking real action to transition toward a low-carbon future:

Harnessing Solar Energy: In 2021, we launched the first phase of our solar energy system, installing 118kW of photovoltaic panels and a Diesel Hybrid Controller. This system offsets daytime electricity needs and reduces diesel fuel consumption. Future phases will move us even closer to full renewable energy independence.

Energy-Efficient Hot Water Systems: We've installed 24 high-efficiency “Air to Energy” hot water systems across the island, reducing daily energy consumption by approximately 40–60kWh and significantly lowering LPG usage.

Minimising Waste and Pollution

We're proud to operate with a zero-single-use-plastic policy and advanced waste management systems:

Plastic-Free Guest Experience: We’ve eliminated single-use plastics across the resort where possible. This includes switching to refillable toiletries in rooms and removing plastic straws and containers.

Onsite Waste Reduction: We use a wood chipper to minimise waste generation. All recyclables — including cans, bottles, and cardboard — are carefully sorted and sent back to Gladstone for recycling.

Sustainable Building Materials: Wherever possible, we source local eco friendly suppliers and products in resort maintenance and upgrades.

Partnering in Reef Research and Conservation

Heron Island is home to the University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station — the oldest and largest marine research facility on the Great Barrier Reef. This world-class station conducts vital research on coral ecosystems, climate change, and marine biodiversity.

In addition, Heron Island serves as a critical nesting site for endangered marine turtles, such as the Green and Loggerhead turtles. We are proud to support habitat protection, research, and guest education to ensure these species thrive.

The Great Barrier Reef is under pressure and needs our help to support reef resilience, we all can and must, help.

Citizen Science programs are encouraged by our Activities team through undertaking surveys for Coral Watch and Eye on the Reef with our guests and team.

Donations to the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to support the rescue and care of sick and injured marine turtles from across the region, including Heron Island are promoted by our team.

Join Us in Protecting the Reef: How You Can Help

Sustainability is a shared journey. During your stay, and when you return home, we encourage you to take small actions that make a big impact on the reef and our climate future:

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Help protect coral health by choosing environmentally friendly sunscreen — available for purchase at the Heron Island shop.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Reduce plastic waste by using our filtered water stations and avoiding single-use bottles.

Recycle Waste: Use recycling bins across the island to ensure waste is handled responsibly.

Respect Wildlife and Habitats: Stay on marked paths, avoid flash photography at night, observe nesting turtles from a safe distance, staying low out of line of sight from at least 10 metres to help protect sensitive species.

Light Pollution: Inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light at night. Light pollution wastes energy, endangers ecosystems and causes an increase in greenhouse gas output and our carbon footprint.

Learn and Share: This  natural coral cay provides a genuine eco-experience and opportunity to witness the magic of the world's largest coral reef. Attend a reef talk, take a guided walk, and share what you learn about climate action and reef conservation with others.

 

We thank you for traveling consciously and being part of something bigger - preserving the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Top 10 Responsible Travel Tips

  1. Before you go, switch off all electronics at home
  2. Pack light - you can reduce emissions by only taking the essentials
  3. When leaving your room, make sure all lights, air conditioners and devices are switched off.
  4. Reduce emmissions, meet the locals and immerse yourself in the culture by using public transport.
  5. Use reusable products to reduce disposable plastic waste et. water bottles, plastic bags and straws
  6. Be mindful of your surroundings. Aim to disrupt the natural environment as little as possible.
  7. Avoid polluting the oceans. Apply a natural sunscreen 1/2 hour before swimming to prevent it from harming marine ecosystems.
  8. Save water when you stay - opt not to have towels and sheets washed everyday, re-wear clothes that aren't dirty
  9. If renting a car, opt for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles and try to car pool where possible
  10. Lead by example and spread the word! Encourage other guests to be environmentally conscious and demonstrate how this can be achieved.

 

A bird on a nest with her baby near Heron Island Resort
Turtle near by corals swimming near Heron Island Resort

Heron Island Resort respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we operate, the Bailai, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang,  and Taribelang Bunda peoples. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. And extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.