What is Heron Island?
Heron Island is a coral cay on the southern Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Gladstone in Queensland. It is famous for diving, snorkeling, turtle nesting and its marine research station.
The island lies right on the reef, so snorkelers and divers can explore coral gardens close to the beach. The surrounding waters are part of a protected marine national park zone.
Heron Island is reached by boat or helicopter from Gladstone. It has a single resort and the Heron Island Research Station, run by the University of Queensland.
Turtles and birds
From November to March, green and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Hatchlings emerge from January to April, a spectacle that draws many visitors.
The island is also an important nesting site for seabirds, including black noddies and wedge-tailed shearwaters. The shearwaters are known for their eerie calls at night.
The research station has supported scientific studies of coral reefs for decades, helping scientists understand coral growth, bleaching and reef ecology.
Did You Know?
Heron Island is named after the reef herons that live on the island.