Heron Island Resort

We just came back from our Easter break at Heron Island. We were sceptical because of the mixed reviews and I do appreciate where they are coming from but the island is exceptional! Myself, husband and three children (aged 10, 11 and 13) stayed in one reef lodge and our friends with two kids stayed in another. The ferry was fairly rough going over - definitely take seasickness tablets before you go. There were many many people sick on the journey - best place to sit is down stairs at the back in the middle in front of the bar area. It’s worth queuing up early for these seats. The air con is quite strong so you may need a jumper for the ferry. We arrived and wow it is so beautiful here!! The sea is so blue, it’s like heaven. The resort is not new, nor has it been recently refurbished so it is tired and old but it’s functional. The room has lots of cobwebs so if you are expecting luxury or bug free accommodation then readjust your expectations. The windows in our lodge did not close properly and there are no locks on the doors (you can lock when you are inside). Food is served in the restaurant - breakfast was $30 adults and $20 for children. Dinner was buffet when we were there and was around $55 adults and €25 for kids. Food is good. Not amazing but acceptable. There is a shop that sells snacks, crisps and noodles but no bread or milk. There is a fridge in your room so defo take snacks with you especially if travelling with children. The birds - there are so many birds everywhere. Mutton birds nest in holes in the ground all around and these little birds called rails which are kinda like pigeons, also everywhere. There is bird poo everywhere - you will probably get pooped on. Snorkelling was really good - especially around the ship wreck. Seen loads of rays, fish and turtles. Didn’t see any sharks. We were lucky enough to see turtle hatchlings on our last day which was amazing. Go with an open mind, it’s an incredible place to visit. We had to leave a day early as the ferry was cancelled on the day we were due to leave so were sad about that. Also very few mosquitos there unless they have had a lot of rain. You won’t need any fancy clothes, just swimsuit and shorts or cover up. It’s very casual there. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Loved location and wildlife, turtle experiences and snorkelling amazing. Pity the resort is so poorly maintained and run down. Hotel and restaurant staff less than helpful and a lot were incompetent, meals continually stuffed up and wastage was extreme due to the size of some meals (especially the entrees). Obviously the management is very poor or non existent.

Amazing place for nature watching. Accommodation is in a poor way and clearly hasn’t been maintained for a long long time - large plants growing from blocked gutters, repairs needed inside (broken curtain pole, toilet roll holder, door handle etc), damaged externals. I can’t fathom why they aren’t getting a company in to fix these up given the cost of the accommodation. I do wonder where all of the money is going. Restaurant was surprisingly ok given the reviews I had read. Plenty of choice at breakfast too. Yes there is bird poo everywhere but that’s what happens when it’s a haven for birds! The staff are amazing and those that have completed science/conservation degrees are so interesting. Overall would recommend. Would go back if the accommodation was seen to, but not if it continued to fall into disrepair.

The staff were amazing, our ferry was cancelled due to bad weather. Celine in the office, went the extra mile to make sure we got to our connecting flights. I so appreciate her help, she was amazing. The coral, the fish, the sea birds and the laying and hatchling turtles were also awesome, if you want to teach your kids to love and care for our beautiful planet 🌎 go to Heron. This place holds a special place in my heart ❤️

I read reviews beforehand that made me skeptical about going but it’s a fantastic island and wonderful wild life experience. I highly recommend going, and going with some realistic expectations around staying on a remote island with HEAPS of wildlife. Some highlights from a January trip: - seeing turtles laying eggs and hatchlings running into the ocean - seeing heaps of wildlife when snorkelling off the island and on tours - the activities run by the island (most are free) - live music at the bar Some tips: - bring a few more tops/tshirts and hats than you might normally as you will get pooed on by birds - bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands hands before meals given the widespread bird poo - book the rooms with AC if available, it’s worth the money. We only got a room with a fan and it was hard to get comfortable one of the days due to such bad heat - don’t expect a luxurious resort with fantastic food, you’re paying a premium for the wildlife which is absolutely worth it. In saying that the food is pretty good, but not fantastic! - book travel insurance that includes the island as the ferry can be cancelled and helicopter is expensive