Sustainability at Heron Island

As a High Standard Operator with Advanced Ecotourism accreditation, Heron Island is focused on sustainability and working towards reducing our carbon footprint and actively contributing to the global fight against climate change.

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.

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. This includes switching to refillable toiletries in rooms and removing plastic straws and containers.

Onsite Waste Reduction: We use wood chippers, and cardboard shredders to minimise waste generation. All recyclables — including cans, bottles, and cardboard — are carefully sorted and recycled.

Sustainable Building Materials: Wherever possible, we use 100% recycled materials in resort maintenance and upgrades to support a circular economy.

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.

Join Us in Protecting the Reef: How You Can Help

Sustainability is a shared journey. During your stay, 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, and observe nesting turtles from a safe distance to help protect sensitive species.

Learn and Share: Attend a reef talk, take a guided walk, and share what you learn about climate action and reef conservation with others.

Together, We Make a Difference

Every stay at Heron Island helps support critical climate research, sustainable tourism, and reef protection. We thank you for traveling consciously and being a part of something bigger — preserving the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

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.