Heron Island Resort

“Beautiful tropical upland for wildlife experiences”

Great place to be embedded with nature - birds, turtles, fish, sharks, forest, beaches. The clearest water and most beautiful beaches. Rooms are simple but tidy. No air conditioning so can get hot even with fans. Loved the naturalist talks and walks.

“A Real Mixed Bag: Natural Paradise, but Resort Needs Attention”

Heron Island is truly a natural wonder, and the wildlife and scenery make it an unforgettable experience. The lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and abundant sea life are breathtaking. We were privileged to witness turtles nesting on the beach and had endless opportunities for birdwatching (be warn… more

Heron Island is truly a natural wonder, and the wildlife and scenery make it an unforgettable experience. The lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and abundant sea life are breathtaking. We were privileged to witness turtles nesting on the beach and had endless opportunities for birdwatching (be warned the birds are everywhere!!!) —an absolute dream for nature enthusiasts. If you’re seeking an unspoiled corner of Australia teeming with natural beauty, this island is hard to beat. However, the resort itself tells a very different story. It feels like little has changed or been upgraded in the last 20 years. The accommodations are extremely basic, with most cabins lacking air conditioning (though the fans were effective). Dining options are limited to one restaurant on the island. Breakfast is an adequate but unremarkable buffet, and lunch offers simple salads, sandwiches, and burgers at fairly high prices given the captive audience. Dinner alternates between à la carte and buffet, depending on guest numbers, but both options felt limited. They try very hard to accommodate families with children on the buffet night by allowing limited kids meals to be ordered. By in large the staff in the restaurant were outstanding, friendly and helpful. Despite these challenges, the staff deserve immense credit for their efforts. Given the apparent lack of investment in infrastructure and resources, they work tirelessly to provide the best experience possible. Special mention goes to the activity staff and the water activities centre, who were outstanding. The range of guided activities for both kids and adults added so much to our trip. The guises snorkelling boat trip was a highlight- staff amazing!! In summary, Heron Island is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in its wildlife is truly special. However, if you’re planning a visit, come with realistic expectations regarding the resort’s accommodation, food, and service. This destination is perfect for those willing to trade luxury for the chance to explore a unique, unspoiled paradise.

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“Highly recommend if you like snorkeling and turtles”

I almost cancelled my booking for the turtle experience after reading some negative reviews.. but I'm glad I didn't! This island is beautiful and my family had a great time. Yes the rooms are basic, but I found them clean and spacious, ceiling fans kept us cool enough at night. We could swap beach … more

I almost cancelled my booking for the turtle experience after reading some negative reviews.. but I'm glad I didn't! This island is beautiful and my family had a great time. Yes the rooms are basic, but I found them clean and spacious, ceiling fans kept us cool enough at night. We could swap beach and bath towels at reception whenever needed. I would recommend for a 3 night stay (I think longer would be a bit too much) and bring your own snacks or meals you can make with a kettle only. Breakfast buffet was awesome each day (sadly the price will not include breakfast from next year). Would recommend to anyone who enjoys snorkeling and isn't too fussy about food or fancy accommodation.

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