A peaceful island getaway with private beach access, where travelers can enjoy ocean views while dining, swimming in the pool, or exploring clear waters
Heron Island Resort near the island dock offers a private beach, outdoor pool, and Shearwater Restaurant with ocean views. Guests can kayak, snorkel, or book spa treatments. Past guests praise the helpful staff.
Located in Heron Island, Heron Island Resort is in a national park and on the beach. The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station and Heron Island Dock are two other places to visit that come recommended. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale-watching. Visit our Heron Island travel guide
The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station
3 min walk - 0.3 km
Heron Island Dock
5 min walk - 0.5 km
Restaurants
Baillie's Bar
5 min walk
About this property
Heron Island Resort
Resort near The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station
Located close to Heron Island Dock, Heron Island Resort provides a terrace, a coffee shop/cafe, and a garden. With a private beach, beachfront dining, and scuba diving, this resort is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in a facial, a body treatment, and a body wrap at the onsite spa. The on-site restaurant, Shearwater Restaurant, features ocean views and al fresco dining. Enjoy onsite activities like snorkeling, ecotours, and boat tours. WiFi in public areas (surcharge) is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a bar.
Other perks at this resort include:
An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
Self parking (surcharge), a ferry terminal shuttle, and express check-out
A banquet hall, a billiards/pool table, and helicopter/airplane tours
A front-desk safe, beach towels, and meeting rooms
Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Other amenities include:
Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
Bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries and showers
Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and refrigerators
Awards and affiliations
Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Ecotourism Australia ECO Certification, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Available in some public areas: WiFi (AUD 25 per day)
Parking and transportation
Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
Uncovered self parking on site (AUD 14 per night)
Food and drink
A bar/lounge
A coffee shop/cafe
A restaurant
Snack bar/deli
Restaurants on site
Shearwater Restaurant
Things to do
Billiards/pool table
Boat tours
Ecotours
Full-service spa
Helicopter/airplane tours
Kayaking
Outdoor pool
Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Family friendly
In-room refrigerator
Laundry facilities
Outdoor pool
Snack bar/deli
Conveniences
Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (once per stay)
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
Meeting rooms
Outdoors
Beach towels
Garden
In a national park
On a private beach
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Terrace
Full-service spa
Aromatherapy
Body scrubs
Body wraps
Deep-tissue massages
Facials
Hot stone massages
Manicures/pedicures
Spa open select days
Steam room
Accessibility
No elevator
More
1 building
1 floor
Banquet hall
Designated smoking areas
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
Food and drink
Electric kettle
Refrigerator
Tea bags/instant coffee
More
Ceiling fan
Desk
Eco-friendly toiletries
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Guests must transfer via Boat or helicopter to the property; guests must contact the property at least 72 hours before travel, using the contact information on the confirmation received after booking
This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
There is no cell phone service at this property due to its remote location.
This property is accessible by boat or helicopter. Boat transfers are available at 9:30 AM from Gladstone to Heron Island on Friday-Monday and Wednesday. The required fee for boat transfers is AUD 85 per adult and AUD 45 per child each way. On Tuesday and Thursday, access is only available via helicopter for the listed transfer service fee amounts. On December 25, access is only available via helicopter.
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 75 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
The listed destination fee is charged for a maximum of AUD 21 per person, per stay.
Optional extras
Fee for wireless internet in public areas: AUD 25 per day (rates may vary)
Uncovered self parking fee: AUD 14 per night
Rollaway bed fee: AUD 75 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Property is also known as
Heron Island Resort
Heron Island Hotel Heron Island
Heron Hotel Heron
Heron Island Resort Resort
Heron Island Resort Heron Island
Heron Island Resort Resort Heron Island
Frequently asked questions
Does Heron Island Resort have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Heron Island Resort?
As of Mar 6, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Heron Island Resort on Mar 8, 2026 start from ¥35,757, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Heron Island Resort pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is available for AUD 14 per night.
What time is check-in at Heron Island Resort?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Heron Island Resort?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Heron Island Resort located?
Located in Heron Island, this beachfront resort is in a national park and within a 10-minute walk of The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station and Heron Island Dock.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Heron Island Resort Reviews
8.4
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Heron Island is a very special place. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stuart
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Christian
Nov 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The marine life is fantastic here! You just walk from shore and immediately see rays, turtles and sharks!
The staff was also really nice and you could tell they were honestly fascinated, concerned and in awe of the nature and wildlife on the island, which made it even more authentic.
Natures paradise is awaiting everyone - birds, turtles (laying eggs or hatching!!) Rays, sharks and all kind of sea and reef creatures!
Just walk into the water and experience the paradise!
Since our last stay 2 years ago the new management improved a lot. Service is off course still to be provided by evey staff member - also better but always improvements possible.
Food is a challenge as the Canadian company decided to have to pay for breakfast extra, this makes the stay with lunch and dinner to pay extra too an expensive holiday especially for families, take away is a cheaper option but needs more variations as with the buffet options and breakfast variations to extend too. Still no fly screens at the windows is a downside.
All over - perfect to enjoying nature at the Great Barrier Reef.
Richard
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
6/10 Okay
Andrew
Nov 5, 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Wow, what a stunning island! Unfortunately the resort is complacent as a result. Rooms are tired. The whole resort buildings need upgrading. Staff were lovely but most were kids who looked like they needed supervision! Areas weren’t tidied up (some empty wine bottles left on the sunset terrace for 48 hours). Heron Island’s unique location deserves better.
Unique setting featuring NATURE everywhere! This sole lodging and restaurant is very good.
Catherine
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mark
Mar 7, 2025
One of a kind, beautiful, location!
Mark
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
8/10 Good
Natalie
Oct 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The island is stunning, beautiful attention to nature, you felt privileged to be there. Staff were amazing and rooms were roomy and clean. My only gripe relates to catering. In particular, dinner service which was buffet style and frankly, awful. There are limited other options and I appreciate the logistics associated with being so remote but please improve the quality of food available.
Heron Island is perfect for experiencing the natural world. The resort accomodation is comfortable and set amongst the trees with the beach beyond. Perfect for seeing turtle hatchlings, sharks, rays and numerous species of birds.
A paradise island. The friendliness and willingness of the staff to make our trip the best it could be our weighed any small downsides to this accommodation. One being the food, I’m sure they are doing the best with what they have but for the price of food that seemed more like heated up from frozen, it was a shock to pay an extra $2000 for 5 nights in food, wetsuit hire, a boat trip out to the reef where it was poor visibility and a depressing state of dead coral.
Wilson island on the other hand was incredible!!
Absolutely loved it. I’ll be back again for sure. The wildlife was amazing. Fabulous buffet breakfast.
The staff were so kind and helpful. Big thank you to nurse Liz.
-ve: Self service to replenish towels, ants get into your room,
+ve: restaurant and cafe staff are very friendly and helpful. Room is comfy in winter conditions.
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
8/10 Good
Sourish
May 25, 2024
Heron Island Resort is a nice place with friendly and helpful staff. While the food options are limited, they are decent and satisfactory. The rooms, however, could benefit from more thorough cleaning to enhance the overall experience.
The property was a true island getaway. We didn't have internet, phone, or TV. We could move around easily and on a relaxed state. There is only one restaurant but the food was very good. Elliot was the activity director and he was incredibly knowledgeable . All the staff were lovely. We had a room without air conditioning but found the fan quite sufficient .
Heron Island is an amazing place. So much wildlife just outside the door of your room. From turtles, rays, sharks to multiple different birds. It’s easy to snorkel off the beaches. The resort offers a range of activities. We loved our time there.