• Islands -

Both are stunning coral cays just north of the Tropic of Capricorn off the Queensland Coast.

They are two of eight Cays in the Capricornia Cays National Park at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. 

They are 15 kms apart and 70 kms from Gladstone. Wilson Island is only accessible from heron Island.

Heron Island is 800m x 300m and 40 acres.

Wilson Island is 5 acres

• Visa -

40 different countries are able to get e-visas and Electronic Travel Authorisations on line. Check with your local Embassy to see what you need to do

• Budget -

Minimum 4 night stay with prices ranging from $300 to $770 for 5 people. 

Breakfast is included. 

You can't take your own food or alcohol across so you'll be at their mercy. 

Transfers cost $70 for the boat - $350 for the seaplane and $530 for the helicopter. These prices are one way only. Most tours and activities cost extra.

Click here to see their specials and packages

Wilson Island is a bit more than $500 per head per night all inclusive for a couple. You save about $50 a night if you stay for a minimum of 4 nights.

• Population -

4,000 turtles, 200,000 birds and up to 400 people

Wilson Island has a host / cocktail maker, chef and a maximum of 18 guests

• About -

Heron Island 4N (Min Stay) and Wilson Island 3N (Min 2N)

Wilson Island is adults only 

No Day Trippers at either island

• Go - Year Round Destination

April to June - Autumn is the best time for perfect weather. End of the rain, good for swimming and the last of the turtle hatchlings happen up until May. June is the month humpback whales start to migrate.

January to March - is Summer and it is hot, humid with  tropical thunderstorm which are fun to watch and cool things down a bit. It is peak breeding season for sea birds and turtle hatchlings start to appear.

July to September - Winter is dry, sunny and a little cooler. It is a good time to see humpback whales and migrating birds.

October to January - Spring means warmer weather and longer days. Turles begin laying their eggs early in November.

• Airports -

You need to get to

Gladstone Airport (GLT) -

Helicopter transfer - 

30 min scenic flight 15 kg total luggage weight*

Seaplane transfer - 

25 minute flight and 15 kg total luggage weight*

* Extra luggage can be sent on the boat

Melbourne and Brisbane airports fly to Gladstone Qld

• Ferry -

Gladstone is a 6 hour drive from Brisbane and there are lock up facilities at the marina.

You will need to arrive at Gladstone Airport by 8.00am or spend the night.

The Heron Islander catamaran operated by the resort operates every day except Tuesdays, Thursdays and Christmas Day. Check in at 8.30 am at the Gladstone Marina. It takes about 3 hours. It leaves at 9.30 am and arrives at 12.30 pm.

The return journey leaves at 12.45 pm and arrives in Gladstone at 3.45 pm. Transfers to the airport are waiting on arrival.

• Stay -

Heron Island Resort is the only option. There is a minimum 4 night stay.

8 types of rooms on Heron Island - all have balconies and terraces.

9 Luxury 2 person tents on Wilson Island plus the Longhouse Kitchen and Dining area. It is 100 % solar and battery powered. 2 night minimum stay.

Check here for specials

• Features -

It is an Eco-friendly sanctuary for nature

Excellent Beaches

Outdoor Pool

PADI certified courses available

No Day Trippers allowed

Star Gazing Tour

• History -

It was discovered in 1843 by a ship looking for channels though the Great Barrier Reef. 

It was named after a large number of what they thought were herons feeding on the islands reef.

In the 1920's it became a cannery for turtle soup an turtle numbers dropped dramatically.

In the 1930's the lease was taken over by Captain Christian Poulson who saw the potential as a holiday destination. He built the hotel where it still stands today and started ferrying tourists out by sea plane.

In 1943 he bought the ship that was laying abandoned on a beach near Gladstone. It is the first thing visitors see on approach and is a popular roost for the large Brown Boobies. In 1943 it was also made a National Park.

In 1948 Captain Poulson went missing at sea nearby. In 1951 the Heron Island Research Station was built and is still operating today.

In 1987 a jetty was built so people could arrive by boat.

Wilson Island

· See -

Turtles / Humpback Whales /  Sharks / Manta Rays / Clownfish / Potato Cod / Giant Clams / Maori Wrasse

Birds - 200,000 birds live here at certain times of the year

· Do -

Diving / Snorkelling / Swimming / Kayak / SUP

Seven complimentary guided walks and activities - including a daily reef walk

Semi submersible glass bottomed boat

Visit the Research Station

Kids Programmes

Wilson Island - chat to the Chef as he prepares meals, learn, get tips and join in if you want

Lay in a Hammock

Kayaks / SUP / Bird watching / Island stroll

World Class Snorkelling straight off the beach

World Class Stargazing

· Highlights -

UNESCO Great Barrier Reef - 60 % of the1,500 fish species and 70 % of the coral are found at Heron Island

Some of the best Dive and Snorkelling sites in the World. 20 dive sites only minutes away and snorkelling straight off the beach

• Eat -

Shearwater Restaurant - Complimentary Breakfast / Takeaway Picnics / a la carte meals / Seafood Buffet on Saturdays

Wilson Island - All meals, drinks and snacks are included + picnic baskets

Breakfast is a tropical buffet with hot dishes cooked to order

Lunch is a buffet which can be had in the Longhouse or down the beach as a picnic

The evening meal is like a dinner party with light music and candles

• Drink -

Baillie's Bar - outdoor terrace with a giant chess set

Pandanus Lounge - local entertainment

Wilson Island - Selected Beer, Wines and Spirits all included day or night

• Sundowners -

Sunset Cruise

Baillie's Bar with a cocktail

Snorkel the wreck at sunrise and sunset

The Point Suites have the best views

Wilson Island - Free Drinks and Canapes!! - try the Pickled Ginger Mojito

• Specialties -

Turtle Breeding

Aqua Soul Spa

• Tips -

Stingers are not normally a problem here

There is an island shop where you can pick up souvenirs, snacks and drinks.

Heron Island has an ATM

Wilson Island can be closed at times when animals are breeding

• Famous -

World famous for its reefs and its diving - Jacques Cousteau listed it in his Top 10. 

Many of the dive sites are minutes away from the jetty.

The rusting hull of the HMAS Protector lies just offshore. It serves as a breakwater and you can walk out to it at low tide. It was involved with the Boxer Rebellion in China and served in both world wars. She was damaged in a collision with a tug and abandoned. Later she was towed to Heron Island.

Sir David Attenborough filmed a documentary here.

· Festivals -

International dive Festival. Now defunct.

• Extra -

See Australia in 'Honeymoons' - 'Islands' - 'Countries A - L' and 'Hotels'.