Heron Island Frequently Asked Questions

A new COVID Safe Health Management Plan has been implemented at Heron Island in line with the Queensland Government regulations. The changes associated with this management plan will be in place for the foreseeable future. The COVID Safe protocols will be constantly reviewed and may change without notice to keep in line with QLD Government and WHO regulations. For more information regarding the COVID Safe Protocols please Click Here. Heron Island has been issued with the Queensland Government's Statement of Compliance.

Guests will be required to complete the COVID-19 Health Declaration Form. This form is required to be completed during check in, either at the Gladstone Marina or at the Heron Island reception desk if arriving by flight transfer. You can pre-download and complete the form to hand in at check in if you prefer. However, it is essential that you complete the form as close to your travel date as possible and do NOT sign the document until you are with our staff at check in.

As recommended by the Australian Government Department of Health we suggest downloading the COVIDSafe App prior to travel.

We request that guests continue to observe government required social distancing, hygiene practises and travel restrictions. If you are feeling unwell, please do not travel to Heron Island and contact our reservations team to postpone your holiday. 

Please note that some of the tours and activities will now have smaller maximum participation numbers and may be operating within limited hours. The Front Desk, Resaurant, Bar, Spa and Shop will also be operating on limited hours. Masks will be available at the marina for transfers on the Heron Islander if you wish to use one. Guests are also welcome to bring along their own mask if they prefer. 

Hotel Reception is open Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.  A night manager is on duty after hours.

Our Reservations Team can be contacted from 7.00am till 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7.00am till 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Yes. A complimentary buffet breakfast at Shearwater Restaurant is included in the room rate.

Internet is offered in Baillie’s Bar, the Pandanus Lounge, Reception and Shearwater Restaurant.

Different packages are available starting at:

$9.95 AUD:

• Data: 200 MB
• Time: Unlimited        
• Sessions: Unlimited
• Speed: FULL
• Valid: 7 days

$19.95 AUD:

• Data: 500 MB
• Time: Unlimited
• Sessions: Unlimited
• >Speed: FULL
• Valid: 14 days

$39.95 AUD:

• Data: 1GB
• Time: Unlimited
• Sessions: Unlimited
• Speed: FULL
• Valid: 30 days

$74.95 AUD:    

• Data: 2GB
• Time: Unlimited
• Sessions: Unlimited
• Speed: FULL
• Valid: 30 days

Yes. The shuttle cost is included in the boat transfer from the Gladstone Marina to Heron Island. Call the reservation team on 1800 875 343 or email heronisland@aldestareservations.com. Guests arriving by air can book an Airport-to-Marina bus transfer at the time of making their reservation. The bus transfer departs 8:00 am in front  of the Airport Arrivals area.

Yes. There is an outdoor pool at the hotel.

Parking is available at the Gladstone Marina for $12 AUD per day for a covered car park, or $10 AUD per day for an uncovered spot. We strongly recommend you pre-book secure car lock-up facilities located at 613 Bryan Jordan Drive by calling Compleat Angler on 07 4972 7283.

Yes

You’ll find a wide range of locally made and inspired gifts and souvenirs in the Heron Island Shop. There’s a selection of books for adults and children as well as a cuddly collection of toy octopuses, turtles, and rays. You can buy commonly required toiletries and pharmaceuticals such as sunscreen, Panadol, and remedies for seasickness. Your beauty needs are taken care of too, thanks to Ecoya’s North Queensland rainforest products.

You can also pop in here to get a cold drink or an ice cream, and if your wardrobe is a bit empty, an entirely new island-inspired look. Beach essentials such as sunglasses and swimwear are also sold.

There are no other shops on the island.

Pets are not permitted.

Upon arriving to Heron Island, an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) will be applied for the first three nights of your stay in accordance with the number of guests in the room. The funds received from the EMC are vitally important in the day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and in improving its long-term resilience.  All funds received as EMC payments are applied directly to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Rooms are equipped with coffee and tea-making facilities, but they do not have cooking facilities.

Due to licensing regulations you cannot bring your own alcohol. Baillie's Bar is a fun, friendly and pleasant lounge to enjoy a drink. There's also an extensive wine list and range of beers available at Shearwater Restaurant.

Pack casual clothing for your time on Heron Island. Due to health and safety regulations, shirts and footwear must be worn in the restaurant and bar.

Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for check-in procedures.

The rooms and main amenities such as the restaurant and bar/pool area are accessible by wheelchair. A buggy can be arranged to transport guests to and from the jetty for the launch transfer. Please inform us of buggy needs during the reservation process.

Phone cards are available from reception and there is a public phone near reception. The after-hours telephone number (07) 4972 9055 will reach the island and reception will advise you.

A courtesy bus departs Gladstone Airport at 8.00am to reach the marina in time for departure. If you're making your own way to the marina, check-in begins at 7.45am.

Heron Island offers guests a rare chance to have 'screen-free' time. There are no televisions in the property's rooms. However, Baillie's Bar has a television on which you can watch sporting events and general programming.

The Wistari, Point Suites, Beach House and Superior Point Suite have air-conditioning. All rooms have overhead fans.

Turtles come to Heron Island to lay their eggs from November to March. Turtle hatchlings can be seen making their way to the water from January to early June.

Some of the best snorkelling is directly off Heron Island. You don't need to catch a boat to reach it. Always check with the experts at the Marine Centre for the best places to snorkel around the island. Good recommendations include from the Gantry to the Harbour, as well as Shark Bay.

A snorkel, mask and flippers are included in your room rate. A wet suit can be hired from the Marine Centre if required. 

From 5 years old and over

The Heron Bommie, Blue Pool s, Coral Canyons and Gorgonia Hole are the most popular but there are many more dive sites nearby to explore.

Yes, divers and snorkelers can go out on the same boat. However, if it is busy, we will run separate dive and snorkel boats.

Beach and swimming pool towels are located in the guest rooms. It's advisable to bring your own sunscreen and insect repellent, though it can be purchased at the Heron Island Boutique, if necessary.  The chemicals used in some sunscreens can be very harmful to the coral and the ecosystem at the Great Barrier Reef. Please ensure the sunscreen you intend to use is safe for use on the reef.

Stingers are generally not an issue in the waters around Heron Island.

The water temperature ranges from 18 degrees Celsius in winter (July/August) to 29 degrees Celsius in summer.

There is no mobile phone coverage on the island. However, there are two card-only payphones and reception sells phone cards.

Each Seaplanes have a total weight limit including both baggage and guest weight. A baggage allowance of up to 15 kilos per person applies, however this amount may be reduced depending on total weight restrictions. Soft suitcases of bags are preferred. The luggage amount permitted will be confirmed at time of booking. Secure luggage storage facitilites are available and complimentary with Australia by Seaplane. Scuba divers do not need to bring their own weights. The Marine Centre supplies them for free.

Your excess luggage will be transported to Gladstone Marina and be delivered to the island by launch the next day. When returning to the mainland you can send your excess luggage a day earlier.

Due to popularity it's best to book a treatment beforehand. Please note the spa is closed on Sunday's.

The Wistari, Beachside and Reef Family rooms have sliding dividers/separators for privacy.

Heron Island's wet season runs from January to March. However, Heron Island is open year-round.

Heron Island Junior Ranger Program is available for kids ages 7 – 12, offered on Saturdays, Sundays and every day during school holidays (eastern states).

Yes, However, no charges are processed at time of booking. There is a 1% surcharge for payments by credit card.

Yes, transfer tickets are issued near the points of embarkment.

There is one room that is wheelchair accessible. If you have an electric scooter remember to bring your charger and adaptor if required.

Shearwater Restaurant is the island's only restaurant. Snacks can also be purchased throughout the day at Baillie’s Bar and the Heron Island Shop

There are usually gluten free and vegetarian options on the menu. It is still advisable to let the island know of any dietary requirements well in advance so the chefs can better tailor the menu for you.

Yes, however, those wishing to do so must bring a completed Australian standard medical with them.

Airlines, including Qantas and Virgin Australia, do not allow passengers to board if they have scuba dived in the 24-hours prior to check-in.

Certified divers with a medical condition must have an Australian-standard medical prior to arriving. Contact the Marine Centre in advance for more information.

Mutton Birds are particularly noisy during their breeding and mating season. The mating season is usually during the months of November and December whilst January is usually the time the Mutton Birds are breeding. For guests who are very sensitive to noise, earplugs are available at reception.

Heron Island is located approximately 72 km off the coast of Gladstone and usually not affected by the Stinger Jelly Fish.

Check-in is from 3.00pm and checkout is 10.00am. If you are departing on the Heron Islander you will be requested to have your luggage ready for collection from your room at 9.00am.

Prior to your arrival to Heron Island, we recommend that you have a day bag packed with your swimming/diving equipment and a change of clothes as you won't have acces to your luggage until check in at 3pm.

Heron Island operates as a key-less property.

At Heron Island a Child is considered as being aged 3-12 years inclusive. An Infant is considered as 0-2 years inclusive.

Private drones are not permitted on Heron Island. Heron Island is a bird sanctuary and any risk to the bird population on the island is untenable by law. Heron Island is also an operational air space for private, charter and rescue aircraft  and helicopter services, all of which are governed by CASA regulations.