What can you do on Heron Island?
Posted 07-22-2019 at 01:54 AM by thomasmecchia
Lush green trees and clear blue waters, Heron Island is a wonder of nature that is sure to absorb you in its beauty. The Island that is located on the Great Barrier Reef, 72kms off Queensland’s coast in Australia is perfect for traveling alone or with family. To reach the spot you have to travel by boat or helicopter, typically from Gladstone which is about 45 miles away.
A comprehensive traveling guide to the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Heron Island is not the place to stay at for day-trippers. You need to dedicate at least a few days to the breathtaking Southern Great Barrier Reef coral cay. Many people from comparatively nearby places prefer to spend weekends here. However, know that there’s just a single resort to stay at, not a multitude of hotels to choose from. It’s called the Heron Island resort which has 109 rooms.
You can book rooms that face the Pisonia forest, a place much loved by birds. Freestanding houses can also be booked that give exclusive beach access. There’s an on-site restaurant in the resort as well which serves seafood. Keep in mind that it is best to purchase travel insurance as in case of any unlikely events you’d want your plans to be covered.
Deciding when to go - the best time to travel to Heron Island
Heron Island is waiting to be explored at all times of the year. If you are someone who enjoys the hot weather more, you can escape to this paradise during the months of October to March. The hottest months of the year are January and February. From January to March there’s a lot of rainfall too which means December is the driest month.
Weather gets cooler from April to September with June and July being the coolest months. The island can be pretty crowded around Christmas time and New Year because the season is high. You can plan your trip according to the weather conditions that suit you and the activities you are looking forward to.
There are a number of events held on the island as well. One example is the heron Island Diva Festival which takes place at the end of July. This happening festival gives you a chance to listen to speakers and learn scuba diving. During the summer months though you can catch the chance to see how mother turtles give eggs. However, it’s not until the January to May period that the littles ones hatch out and rush for the sea.
Some fun activities you can take part in at the Heron Island
Don’t be bummed to find out that wi-fi is rare to the level of almost non-existent on this island. While this means you cannot share pictures instantly with your loved ones, it is great for learning to appreciate nature without the internet. Let’s not forget that detoxing from social media is also crucial for our mental health as much as nature is for destressing.
Though the entire island is small enough for you to take around within about 40 minutes, there are a lot of activities to engage in. Let’s jump to some of these:
1 - Waving hellos to marine life by diving and snorkeling
There are at least 21 spots for water activities. The crystal blue waters of the island can be taken a dip in with snorkel gear to glimpse at spellbinding sea creatures. However, the fee for hiring equipment can add up quickly which is why you should always take your gear along.
2 - Submerge underwater in a submarine
If you’re not a fan of putting on a mask and some fins to jump into the vast waters, the large windows of the semi-submarine ride can give you a good view of sea snakes, sea turtles, and fish of all bright and light colors. A guide will point out highlights that you shouldn’t miss.
3 - Educate yourself by taking a research station tour
A tour guide can lead you around the University of Queensland Research Station. There, you can learn all the efforts put and research conducted on the reef for its preservation. However, before you head here don’t forget to fetch a copy of Heron Times to know more about Turtle etiquette.
4 - Take a walk on the reef
You can take guided tours by the biologists around the reef and learn some more about the island’s wildlife. You may be surprised to notice some creatures that you couldn’t catch earlier. The best part is that these tours are free.
5 - Catch the sunset or sunrise
There’s something very beautiful about viewing the sunset and sunrise. Even more so when you are on a beach with water so clear you can glimpse at what lives inside its belly. So, hold on to your wine and cheese and don’t miss these views.
Come to think of it, there’s a lot to do at this mesmerizing island. Have you ever been to Heron Island? If yes, how was your experience?
A comprehensive traveling guide to the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Heron Island is not the place to stay at for day-trippers. You need to dedicate at least a few days to the breathtaking Southern Great Barrier Reef coral cay. Many people from comparatively nearby places prefer to spend weekends here. However, know that there’s just a single resort to stay at, not a multitude of hotels to choose from. It’s called the Heron Island resort which has 109 rooms.
You can book rooms that face the Pisonia forest, a place much loved by birds. Freestanding houses can also be booked that give exclusive beach access. There’s an on-site restaurant in the resort as well which serves seafood. Keep in mind that it is best to purchase travel insurance as in case of any unlikely events you’d want your plans to be covered.
Deciding when to go - the best time to travel to Heron Island
Heron Island is waiting to be explored at all times of the year. If you are someone who enjoys the hot weather more, you can escape to this paradise during the months of October to March. The hottest months of the year are January and February. From January to March there’s a lot of rainfall too which means December is the driest month.
Weather gets cooler from April to September with June and July being the coolest months. The island can be pretty crowded around Christmas time and New Year because the season is high. You can plan your trip according to the weather conditions that suit you and the activities you are looking forward to.
There are a number of events held on the island as well. One example is the heron Island Diva Festival which takes place at the end of July. This happening festival gives you a chance to listen to speakers and learn scuba diving. During the summer months though you can catch the chance to see how mother turtles give eggs. However, it’s not until the January to May period that the littles ones hatch out and rush for the sea.
Some fun activities you can take part in at the Heron Island
Don’t be bummed to find out that wi-fi is rare to the level of almost non-existent on this island. While this means you cannot share pictures instantly with your loved ones, it is great for learning to appreciate nature without the internet. Let’s not forget that detoxing from social media is also crucial for our mental health as much as nature is for destressing.
Though the entire island is small enough for you to take around within about 40 minutes, there are a lot of activities to engage in. Let’s jump to some of these:
1 - Waving hellos to marine life by diving and snorkeling
There are at least 21 spots for water activities. The crystal blue waters of the island can be taken a dip in with snorkel gear to glimpse at spellbinding sea creatures. However, the fee for hiring equipment can add up quickly which is why you should always take your gear along.
2 - Submerge underwater in a submarine
If you’re not a fan of putting on a mask and some fins to jump into the vast waters, the large windows of the semi-submarine ride can give you a good view of sea snakes, sea turtles, and fish of all bright and light colors. A guide will point out highlights that you shouldn’t miss.
3 - Educate yourself by taking a research station tour
A tour guide can lead you around the University of Queensland Research Station. There, you can learn all the efforts put and research conducted on the reef for its preservation. However, before you head here don’t forget to fetch a copy of Heron Times to know more about Turtle etiquette.
4 - Take a walk on the reef
You can take guided tours by the biologists around the reef and learn some more about the island’s wildlife. You may be surprised to notice some creatures that you couldn’t catch earlier. The best part is that these tours are free.
5 - Catch the sunset or sunrise
There’s something very beautiful about viewing the sunset and sunrise. Even more so when you are on a beach with water so clear you can glimpse at what lives inside its belly. So, hold on to your wine and cheese and don’t miss these views.
Come to think of it, there’s a lot to do at this mesmerizing island. Have you ever been to Heron Island? If yes, how was your experience?
Total Comments 0
