Introduction						file=	HeronIsland.htm
We have done numerous trips to Heron
Island and or its nearby Coral atolls ( eg:-
Northwest Island) since about 1973, when I
was still working at "improving the Brisbane
CBD".The boys would go to Northwest Island
about 20 miles from Heron Island, to survive
for 2 weeks, eating Coral trout and crayfish
and improving the 4X balance sheet. We
would live in tents and spearfish to survive.
After that, we have done more civilized trips
to Heron Island, using the excellent resort.
Heron Island is about 80 km from Gladstone
harbour, with the Fast Cat taking 2 to 2.5 hrs.
to make the crossing. During the summer
months, very good deals are available
because of the threat of cyclones, and you
can get deals at 50% off listed prices. We
had trouble deciding between Heron and
Hayman Island (in the Whitsundays), but
Heron won, being a lot closer to home !
This trip, we paid $1170 for 2 people, for
3 nites, with all transfers and all excellent 3 meals/day. Worked out at :- $390/day for 2 people.
The normal price was $500/day for our Room and food, with sea transfers an extra $400 or so ??
This would have made the "listed" price at about $1,900.
The resort is extremely well run and organized, and the snorkelling experience is outstanding, given
nice weather and visibility, which we experienced this trip. The food alone is worth the trip, as the
many overseas visitors (usually 50+%)  will attest. It is mostly buffet, serve yourself and  top quality.
Getting to Gladstone, then Heron Island.				We decided to use the 350Z, as we would stay on the
main roads, rather than using some of the usual coastal or inland tracks we often use, when driving
in the 4WD or Beach Buggy.
The 350Z proved ideal for this trip, as the					View to front of ferry, near Heron Island.
air-conditioning was a blessing during the					Trip takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on
heatwave and long delays for road repairs.					weather. Ferry capacity is over 100 ??
There is secure parking at Gladstone marina.					If the weather is very rough, many sooks
There is covered and uncovered secure					(mostly Yanks) use the helicopter.
parking available at reasonable prices.					Booze and food is available on the ferry.
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Inside ferry, Gladstone Harbour. Upper deck.					View of Musgrave Island, en route to Heron.
The accommodation available ranges from 2 star to about 4 star. Some of the higher priced units are
air-conditioned, most are not. We were happy with a fan, 20 m from the sea, in a  Reef Room.
The back of our unit, 20 metres from the sea.					Doing it tough at the Bar. Grog prices were
Clean, good size, no TV or mobile. (Jesus wept.)					airport standard.
Beside the pool and bar, one mustn't push					At the Heron Jetty, before snorkelling.
oneself, must one ?
Everything in and on the Island is within easy					You can snorkel in the lagoon at high tides
walking distance, including all around the island.					or go out in the resort snorkel boat to the
You don't need to use any cash, your room					deeper reef. This costs $48 and is good
number will suffice, if you are happy with					value. All gear is available for hire at very
their 1% service fee. We used cash as we					reasonable prices.
don't like using credit cards anywhere.
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Snorkelling at the drop off, beyond the shallow reef.					The resort snorkel boat takes you out to
wherever is suitable, depending on the winds, tides and currents. You can use your own gear or
rent the resort gear at very reasonable rates. We only used our own masks, snorkels and flippers,
being summer and away from the coast, wet suits were NOT necessary for warmth or protection
from stingers. Stingers have never been seen at Heron, over 80 km from coastal breeding creeks.
The snorkel boat leaves at 11 am and 3 pm, gives you about 1+ hours in the water. They drop you off
and you drift in a group with the current, with the boat following you. We must have drifted about
2 to 3 km, seeing many fish, turtles and reefs. Our group of about 20, varied from 8 years old to
about 70+. You were always in sight of the resort boat, if you wanted a rest.
View of Snorkel boat, at Jetty. Holds about					Another view of snorkel boat.
20 to 25 divers.
Snorkelers spread out in the water, drifting.					Parj getting back into boat, after 1+ hours.
					A Heron, many on the Island.
					The other birds, Sooty Terns, Mutton birds
					and Rails were an experience. The mutton
Yollie posing outside our room, about 20 mtrs					birds sounded like cats being strangled !!
away from here, facing the sea.					The Rails were everywhere, and cute.
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Some Photos from Previous Spearfishing trips to Northwest Island, 40 or so years ago.
Northwest Island is about 30 km from Heron. Spearfishing is allowed there for personal use.
My commute boat, about 40 years ago !!'					We didn't starve, doing it real tough !!
One of our groups, mostly Engineers, architects					We ate all these, or traded them for boat
and teachers, from Brisbane.					petrol at Heron Island, 30 km away.
					Sharks weren't a problem, only when they
A good cod, fed 15 people.					attacked our "speared" fish on our spears or
					catch bags, or in bad visibility.
A cyclone washed me ashore one year.					This bugger got my catch. They were usually
Don't know how I survived these trips ??					scared of anything human size ! We ended
I rescued a stranded fisherman this trip.					up carrying Power Heads 2nd or 3rd trip.
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