Located close to The University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station and 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. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure, a deep-tissue massage, or a facial at the onsite spa. The on-site restaurant, Shearwater Restaurant, features ocean views and al fresco dining. Enjoy onsite activities like boat tours, snorkeling, and kayaking. Stay connected with WiFi in public areas (surcharge), and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a bar.
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
5 min walk - 0.5 km
Heron Island Dock
7 min walk - 0.6 km
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 manicure/pedicure, a deep-tissue massage, and a facial at the onsite spa. The on-site restaurant, Shearwater Restaurant, features ocean views and al fresco dining. Enjoy onsite activities like boat tours, snorkeling, and kayaking. 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
Laundry services, meeting rooms, and beach towels
A billiards/pool table, a front-desk safe, and a banquet hall
Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Other amenities include:
Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and refrigerators
Awards and affiliations
Sustainability Certifications
This property is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Ecotourism Australia ECO Certification. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.
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
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 credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Some water is reused through 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
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 Sep 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Heron Island Resort on Oct 17, 2026 start from P11,315, 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
Stunning natural environment. The resort facilities (rooms etc) were a bit tired but it didn't matter - the pristine beaches and abundant wildlife were extraordinary.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Alex
Aug 19, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Heron Island is amazing destination but the property is starting to look tired. It is very expensive to eat, 1 restaurant (breakfast, lunch&dinner)& 1 bar, opens at 10am with limited food if fridge works!!. Same breakfast everyday is $35pp. Cafe style coffee for 2 $15, didn't have lunch. Dinner for 2 with 2 drinks and 1 dessert around $100.
Diving and snorkelling was great. 1 dive $150pp & $50 for snorkelling from a boat.
Free at high tide unless you hire snorkelling equipment.
Dive & snorkelling shop is very well organised and equipped.
The corals are slowly recovering from bleaching event in 2024 but sealife is outstanding.
Staff are very helpful and friendly.
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.
Room very basic, expensive. Resort toilets need a good clean, brick paths are in disrepair & dangerous, especially at night with dim lighting.
Pool nice.
Restaurant needed more choices. Barramundi delicious, lamb tough.
Staff excellent, friendly & efficient & asked how your day had been. Food in the resort shop exorbitant, especially when you couldn’t bring any food or alcohol to the island.
Bailies bar should have more choices too, at
cheaper cost.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Jackie
Feb 11, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Heron island smells awful of bird poop. Everywhere! At $350 a night, no a/c or window screens.
Snorkeling was amazing! Staff were present. Breakfast was good. Pizza not so much. Salad I had was served with mustard as a dressing. Gross.
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.
-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.
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review
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.
It's an outdoor resort on a secluded island with abundant wildlife. I would (and have) still absolutely recommend, but i think it's good to know going into it. It is not a brand new resort but it is not in bad repair and doesn't feel run down. Everything about the experience more than makes up for minor aesthetic drawbacks.
I would also highly recommend looking into trip insurance!! Water was rough getting there, and several other tours with other places were canceled. Thankfully the ferry still ran - but because the ferry is separate i don't think there are any refunds for your room if you're not able to get to the island!! I got lucky, but DEFINITELY something I'm looking into for next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review
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.