Heron and Wilson Island Life On the Great Barrier Reef

Heron Island

Experience nature at its best on Heron Island, world famous for its spectacular coral reef and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life. This natural coral cay provides a genuine eco-experience and the unique opportunity to witness the magic of the world’s largest coral reef.

At Heron Island, you are not simply a hotel guest, you are a guest of nature – sleeping, playing and exploring a protected sanctuary overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. All accommodation, ranging from rooms set amongst an ancient Pisonia Forest that serves a sanctuary for marine birds and beachside rooms steps from the water, to the larger Beach House and Point Suite, offer relaxed, low-key comfort and immediate access to crystal clear waters teeming with colourful fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and more.

Heron Island caters to all level of marine enthusiasts with 20 dive sites easily accessible by boat within minutes of the jetty. The most popular activity is snorkeling straight off one of the stunning beaches onto the Great Barrier Reef. Join a guided nature walk or star gazing tour, be pampered with a signature therapy at Aqua Soul Spa or head to Baillie’s Bar, the ideal location to enjoy the panoramic reef views.

Wilson Island

Here, the only roads are made of crushed seashells and pristine white sand. You will be staying on one of the SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD – Australia’s most remarkable natural gift, the Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s largest coral reef, it contains an abundance of marine life. The Great Barrier Reef boasts over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays, as well as hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most unbelievable sun-soaked, golden beaches. Snorkellers come from around the world to sample the spectacular underwater marine life and colours of fish, coral, sand and blue, blue water. Wilson Island on the Great Barrier Reef is truly just a diamond among the magnificence that makes you want to keep coming back again and again.

Accommodation Options

Turtle Room

All Turtle Rooms are set amongst Heron Island’s ancient Pisonia Forest, which comes alive with hundreds of thousands of seabirds during nesting season from October through March. Comfortable and compact, these ground-level rooms are appointed with an en-suite with shower and feature a delightful timber deck or patio.

The Turtle Room is 22.79 sqm in size and accommodates up to two guests and features:

1 Queen Bed

There are 4 Turtle Rooms that can accommodate up to three guests and feature 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed.

Turtle Family Room

All Turtle Family Rooms are set amongst Heron Island’s ancient Pisonia Forest, which comes alive with hundreds of thousands of seabirds during nesting season from October through March. Convenient to the pool and a short walk from the beach, these spacious rooms feature an en-suite bathroom with shower. Family rooms offer a ground floor setting, however one block of four rooms is available in a double storey.

The Turtle Family Room is 26 sqm in size, can accommodate up to five guests and features:

1 Queen Bed & 2 Single Beds OR King Zipper Bed & 2 Day Beds
Rollaway Bed available upon request in downstairs rooms at an additional $75 per night, not included in extra guest cost

Reef Room

Located on beautiful North Beach, Reef Rooms are comfortable and spacious with an en-suite bathroom with shower and an outdoor terrace with filtered views through the natural vegetation overlooking the reef.

The Reef Room is 21.85 sqm in size, can accommodate up to four guests and features:

1 Queen Bed & 1 Day Bed

Rollaway Bed available upon request in downstairs rooms at an additional $75 per night, not included in extra guest cost

Available on the ground floor or upper levels, Reef Family Rooms are located on the beautiful North Beach offering partial beach views. These comfortable, spacious rooms feature an en-suite with shower and outdoor terrace.

The Reef Family Room

is 19.68 sqm in size, can accommodate up to five guests and features:

1 Queen Bed & 2 Single Beds
Rollaway Bed available upon request in downstairs rooms at an additional $75 per night, not included in extra guest cost

Beachside Room

Offering access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the resort’s beachfront, Beachside Rooms are spacious, with glass sliding doors opening up onto a large outdoor balcony. The living area features partial ocean views, two day beds, an oversized cane chair and a coffee table. These rooms are available on both the upper level and ground floor.

The Beachside Room is 33.6 sqm, can accommodate up to four guests and features:

1 King Zipper Bed & 2 Day Beds

Wistari Suite

Located in a natural garden setting to ensure maximum privacy, air-conditioned Wistari Suites feature bright, spacious interiors and down lights. The Suite provides an en-suite bathroom featuring a stylish vanity and shower. The private outdoor terrace is just a short stroll to all Heron Island Resort facilities, the reef, beaches and the jetty.

The Wistari Suite is 44 sqm and accommodates up to two guests and features:

1 King Zipper Bed
Air conditioning
Bathrobes and slippers

Point Suite

Offering stunning views of Great Barrier Reef sunsets, our air-conditioned Point Suites are private, spacious and designed with downlights and large en-suite bathroom.. Recently updated with modern furnishings, these suites feature a lounge area and a private outdoor terrace.

The Point Suite accommodates up to two guests and features:

1 King Zipper Bed
Private terrace with views of the reef
Air conditioning
Bathrobes and slippers

Beach House

Nestled along North Beach, the Heron Island Beach House features a bright, airy living space encompassing a separate bedroom with a King bed, a luxurious en-suite bathroom with bath and shower and a living area opening to a private patio and boardwalk leading onto North Beach.

The Beach House can accommodate up to four guests and features:

1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed
Rollaway bed available upon request, at additional $75 per night, not included in extra guest cost
Private patio with outdoor furniture and shower
Air conditioning
Bathrobes and slippers

Room and Breakfast daily as well as Snorkel, Mask, Flipper hire per person per day for 2 adults

BOAT TRANSFERS FROM $85PP ONE WAY

Accommodation Options

With only nine permanent Reef Safari Tents, Wilson Island can host a maximum of 18 guests at any one time, allowing for a feeling of private seclusion during your stay.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Great Barrier Reef getaway. Wake up in the morning to the sounds of the ocean from the comfort of your king-size bed. Following a day of snorkelling and exploring, curl up with a cool drink on your private, elevated, wood deck and enjoy your exclusive view of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

​You will find all the usual amenities including bath and beach towels, guest toiletries and umbrellas.

Facilities​

​On arrival, you will be greeted by your host and chef, waiting on the beach to do the introductions and provide you with a brief overview. Your bags will be whisked off to your tent and you’ll join the other guests in the longhouse where your host and chef will chat to you about any specific dietary requirements and clarify any special requests.

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From here you will be escorted to your own secluded tent to settle in and take in the view, the beach and the wonder that is Wilson Island. Sunset drinks at one of our beautiful island locations will follow.

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Your tent is practically unnoticeable amongst the ancient Pisonia Forest but is luxuriously decked out with a king bed, wonderful eco linen and generous pillows.

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To ensure minimal impact and disturbance of Wilson Island’s unique and fragile ecosystem, there is separate amenities building with 6 private spaces for guests to utilise which is centrally located to the eco-tents.

Dining

When staying with us on Wilson Island, all meals, drinks and snacks are included for the entirety of your stay.

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Breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything else in between is available throughout your stay. Remember, this is your holiday, your time to relax and your time to be waited on.

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Sunset drinks are a must. We have hand-picked our award-winning spirit selection, including whiskies, gins and rums, from some of Queensland and Australia’s top distilleries. These premium Australian beverages are available any time, day or night.

We have teamed up with some of Australia’s top fresh produce suppliers; our aim, to showcase the exquisite native produce that Australia has to offer. We’re very pleased to say that every ingredient and beverage is Australian Sourced – perhaps with the exception of champagne!

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Just like the reason you came to stay and relax, everything we do is simple, quality, beautiful and generous. It’s the little things – the attention to detail from the paired wine with dinner to a personally prepared picnic basket for breakfast, lunch or dinner – it’s all there for the asking.

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Please note that Wilson Island has a strict policy regarding allergies. Limited dietary requirements can be accommodated but please speak with our team prior to making a reservation if you suffer from any allergies, to avoid any disappointment of your reservation being refused or cancelled. This policy is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests at what is a remote location.

Rates

Fully Inclusive Breakfast Lunch and Dinner and Standard Beverages, Snorkeling equipment and transfer from Heron Island

Per couple per night based on 2  or 1 adult $1,095 per night (min 2 nights)

Exclusive Use of the Island

Per Night $9,360 per night (min 3 Nights)

Children under 16 not permitted on Wilson Island

Peak season 25 – 31 December Additional $125pp per night

Island Closed from 01 Feb  – 01 April

See & Do

Wilson Island allows you to get away, recharge the batteries, and spend some quality time together but that doesn’t mean you have to do absolutely nothing.

Chef will pack you a picnic hamper for your own self-guided island stroll taking in all that Wilson has to offer. If you’d like to learn a little more about the history and importance of the island and the reef, just ask and we will happily provide a guided tour.

Our chef is also happy to share some of the secrets used to make the mouth watering meals you will enjoy throughout your holiday. Pull up a chair and chat as they prepare meals, ask questions, get involved – remember, this is your holiday – it’s all about you and we are here to make sure that you never forget your experience on Wilson Island.

There are a range of games and activities that can be organised for guests, with other guests or without. You can be a spectator or a participant – it doesn’t matter here. It’s all about you switching off, relaxing and, perhaps just a little bit of rediscovering!

Activities on Wilson Island

There’s plenty to do, but also plenty to not do. You choose.

• Relax in a hammock

• Take a self-guided nature walk

• Single and Double Kayaks; Stand up paddle-boards​

• Experience the wonder of watching turtles laying their eggs or their baby hatchlings emerging from their nests (in season)

• Enjoy world class snorkelling directly off the beach (equipment provided)

• Challenge your fellow adventurers to a board game

• Stargazing

• Bird watching

• Help yourself to our library of educational books and novels

All Wilson Island activities are included throughout your stay. Some activities are subject to tide and weather conditions.

Activities on Heron Island

Dive Tanks and Charters
Three fully equipped dive boats with capacities of up to 20 divers make diving or snorkelling from Heron Island a organised and comfortable experience. Our spacious dive boats also feature a full canopy cover for sun protection. Our boats make diving easy for divers of all levels, with giant stride entries and exit via wide ladders.

Distances to the island’s dive sites are relatively short and all dives are conducted as single tank dives, so you can do as many or as few dives in a day as you please. Single dive trips are great for those who want to take advantage of the island’s other activities and facilities.

Dive sites of the day are chosen by the crew for the best possible diving/snorkelling conditions. Every dive is accompanied by a qualified Dive master who will navigate the dive and help point out some of the more interesting critters on the reef.

Tours & Programs
Opportunities abound on Heron Island for group activities, eco excursions and boat tours! Join one of our resident Naturalist Guides to learn about the fascinating Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, the flora and fauna of the island, or schedule your own private tour!

To get the most out of your visit to the Great Barrier Reef and Heron Island, a number of exciting and informative activities are possible for an additional charge. To cater for changes in weather conditions, the activities schedule is released one week in advance. Inquire at Reception or the Marine Centre for availability when you arrive, or pre-book some activities prior to your arrival.

SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE “I-SPY” TOUR
Perhaps you’re not so comfortable putting on a mask and fins? Not a problem, the I-Spy semi-sub is perfect for you. Turtles, sharks and rays are often seen from the I-Spy. Your Naturalist Guide will commentate on the many species of marine animals that are encountered, and provide information about the biology and ecology of coral reefs.

The I-Spy normally operates once a day, 5 days a week, subject to demand and weather conditions. To check availability and pre-book your activity, please contact the Marine Centre at dive@heronisland.com

Adults $60 AUD
Children $40 AUD
Duration: approx. 1 hour

KAYAKING & PADDLE BOARDING TOURS – CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Another active way to explore the waters and reefs around Heron Island. Your guides will take you to areas where you’ll glide above abundant coral life, sharks (small ones!), and rays. To check availability and pre-book your activity, please contact the Marine Centre at dive@heronisland.com

Single Kayak $40 AUD
Double Kayak $70 AUD
Paddle Boards $40 AUD
Duration: approx. 1 hour

JUNIOR RANGERS PROGRAM
Always a hit with the kids, our Heron Island Junior Rangers Program is an exciting nature based program for kids between the ages of 7 to 12 years. The Program offers a range of nature-based activities designed to nurture a sense of exploration and caring for the environment, subject matter includes activities such as bird watching, island walks and reef walks. The Program has been developed by Heron Island’s experienced team of marine biologists, with the cooperation of the University of Queensland and QLD Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Program is very interactive and topics covered may vary seasonally to include: reef, ecology, forest awareness, coral cay formation, turtle nesting and whale watching. Kids will receive a Junior Rangers Workbook, embroidered badge and hat. The Junior Rangers Program runs during the Queensland school holidays. for days and times or to make a booking, please contact Reception or our Activities team; activities@heronisland.com

Children $30 AUD
Duration: approx. 1.5hours

Complimentary Activities
Opportunities abound on Heron Island for all visitors! 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.

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

REEF DISCOVERY WALK
Complimentary, booking required. Book and meet at the Information Centre. This tour is only available on certain days when the tide is particularly low and occurs during suitable daylight hours. Please wear appropriate fully enclosed footwear. Please wash your hands of any sunscreens or lotions prior to this walk. Your Naturalist Guide will explain the formation of the reef and identify some of the weird and wonderful creatures that you are likely to encounter on Heron Reef. You can learn about corals and their relatives, the threats to the reef today, the symbiotic relationships between marine species, adaptations for survival during low tide, and much more. Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

BIRD WALK
Learn all about the different bird species around Heron Island with one of our Naturalist Guides. Birds are considered in four general categories: breeding populations, visitors, migratory shorebirds and resident populations. Heron Island can be home to up to 200 000 birds at the peak of nesting season! The guided walk begins at the Information Centre, walks around the rocky shores that edge some parts of the property, past the Gantry, and heads out towards the jetty where numerous birds can often be seen on the beaches and around the shipwreck. The best time for bird watching is usually early morning or late afternoon. Species of birds may differ between seasons, times of day and are often tide dependent. Duration: approx. 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 hour

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

TURTLE HINTS PRESENTATION
This presentation provides a quick snapshot into the process of sea turtle nesting on Heron Island. Your Naturalist Guide will explain how to observe sea turtles whilst having minimal disturbance to these beautiful marine reptiles. Simple things like staying low and still on a nesting beach at night time, not using artificial lights around nesting beaches, and remaining 10 m away and behind the line of sight of the sea turtle, can make a big difference to these nesting mothers. Approx. 30 minutes

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 will set up the telescope on the Helipad so you can enjoy close up views of the many seas of the Moon and sometimes even spot the rings around Saturn! Duration: approx. 1 hour