Heron Island Frequently Asked Questions

A 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.

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. 

Heron Island reserves the right to refuse travel to any guest who in anyway indicates a risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Following the latest Queensland Government directive, from 14 April 2022 guests will not be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to stay at Heron Island. 

Please note that some facilities, tours and activities may be operating within limited hours.

Hotel Reception is open Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.  A night manager is on duty after hours.

Our Reservations Team can be contacted from 7.00am till 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 7.00am till 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Check-in at the Heron Island Ferry Terminal begins at 7.45am and closes at 9.00am sharp. The Heron Island Ferry Terminal is located in the Visitor Information Centre building at 72 Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone. 

 

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions limiting the flights into Gladstone the airport shuttle bus is currently not operating. 

Plesae contact the reservation team for more information on 1800 875 343 or email heronisland@aldestareservations.com.

Parking is available at the Gladstone Marina Parklands 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.

Pay as you go WIFI is available and can be accessed in Baillie’s Bar, the Pandanus Lounge, Information Centre and Shearwater Restaurant. This internet service is provided by a third-party supplier. Due to our location, 72 kms off the coast on the Great Barrier Reef, the internet service is not always reliable.

Different packages are available, including:

$9.95 AUD

• Data: 200 MB
• Time: Unlimited        
• Sessions: Unlimited
• Speed: FULL
• Valid: 7 days or until data used

$19.95 AUD

• Data: 500 MB
• Time: Unlimited
• Sessions: Unlimited
• >Speed: FULL
• Valid: 14 days or until data used

$39.95 AUD

• Data: 1GB
• Time: Unlimited
• Sessions: Unlimited
• Speed: FULL
• Valid: 30 days or until data used

Yes. There is an outdoor pool at the hotel.

There are laundry facilities available for guest use which also include an iron and ironing board.

You’ll find a wide range of locally made and inspired gifts and souvenirs in the Heron Island Boutique. 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.

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). The EMC has been waivered by the Australian Government until 30 June 2023.

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.

Heron Island does have one disabled access Reef Room, however there is limited wheelchair access throughout the resort. Please note that the Heron Islander ferry transfer is only accessed via stairs and narrow gangway. If you rely on a wheelchair or mobility aid please contact our friendly Reservations Team to discuss your specific requirements.

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.

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 Suites, 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 late May.

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 reef safe 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 is a free to use pay phone located outside Reception for domestic calls.

Your excess luggage will be transported to the Heron Island Ferry Terminal, Gladstone Marina Parklands and be delivered to the island by the boat transfer the next operating 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.

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.

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

Gluten free and vegetarian options are available. Please ensure your advise our reception or reservation team of any dietary requirements at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival. As we are located 72km's from the mainland we do need time to ensure we have the correct food onsite to cater for dietary requirements. 

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.

Guests who have not dived in 1-3 years will be required to complete a Dive Check. Those who have not dived in more than 3 years will be required to complete a Full Refresher Dive. 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.