Join one of our resident Naturalist Guides to learn about the fascinating reef ecosystem, the flora and fauna of Heron Island and the Great Barrier Reef or the constellations of the night sky.

To cater for changes in weather conditions, the activities schedule is released one week in advance and is subject to weather, tides and availability. For more information or to pre-book any activities, please email activities@heronisland.com.

Activities near Heron Island Resort in Queensland, Australia

ISLAND WALK

Take a walk with one of our Naturalist Guides and learn about the history, flora and fauna of Heron Island. This tour will take you on a 1 km journey through the Pisonia Forest to Shark Bay. Along the way, we discuss the formation of Heron Island as a vegetated coral cay, the environmental factors that contributed to its formation, the plants that have colonised the island, and the importance of bird populations as well as sea turtles that visit Heron Island each year.
Duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours

REEF DISCOVERY TOUR

Available on certain days when the tide is particularly low and may occur during the day or at night.
Please wear appropriate fully enclosed footwear. Your Naturalist Guide will explain reef formation and introduce fascinating creatures, including walking sharks. Learn about corals, threats to the reef, symbiotic relationships, and survival adaptations.
Duration: approx. 1 hour

Activities near Heron Island Resort in Queensland, Australia
People bird watching near Heron Island Resort in Queensland

BIRD WALK

“Wander the island to discover and learn about the incredible birds of Heron Island, and their hilarious behaviours, with our Naturalist guides. With over 130 species of bird spotted at Heron and approximately 100 000 birds (many from the other side of the world!) using the island during the warmer months, there are always birds to be found. As part of an internationally recognised ‘Important Bird Area’ Heron Island plays a critical role for the survival of many sea birds, and the birds have largely made the island into what it is today. Species of birds differ between seasons, times of day and are often tide dependent.  Duration: approximately 1 hour

TURTLE WALK

Take an early morning or late evening stroll around the beaches with an experienced Naturalist Guide to watch nesting sea turtles. Your guide can provide information about the best practice guidelines for observing turtles, the stage of nesting the turtle is completing, as well as general information about the biology of sea turtles. Sea turtles usually nest around the high tide of a night time. Please remember- don’t use torches or flash photography on the beach.  Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

Closeup of a turtle on the beach near Heron Island Resort
People talking in a cabana near Heron Island Resort

NATURE PRESENTATIONS

Join one of our experienced Naturalist Guides at a presentation where they share their knowledge on a variety of topics such as the biology and ecology of sea turtles, shark physiology and formation of the reef.  Duration: approx. 1 hour

CORAL DISCOVERY PROGRAM

Help monitor coral health! Join a Naturalist guide to learn the basics of coral and coral bleaching, and conduct a survey of coral across the reef flat. Utilising the Coral Watch chart developed right here on Heron Island by marine scientists, everyone can be a part of reporting reef health. This tour is only available on certain days when the tide is particularly low and occurs during suitable daylight hours. Duration approximately 1 hour.

Activities near Heron Island Resort in Queensland, Australia
Sky view with bright stars from Heron Island Resort at night

STARGAZING

Enjoy a tour of the night sky with Heron’s naturalist guides. Subject to weather conditions and cloud cover so please check the Information Centre board for confirmation prior to making your way to the Helipad. Our Naturalist Guide use a laser pointer to show the planets and constellations. Duration: approx. 1 hour

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.