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Turtle Conservation of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Heron and Wilson Islands

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  • Trip Type

    Conservation & Citizen Science, Nature & Wildlife
  • Twin Share

    Maximum of two adults
    $ 5490
  • Single

    $ 7290
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Susy James

An enthusiastic conservationist and often found volunteering for various marine organizations in the Byron Shire where she resides when not traveling and working on the Great Barrier Reef. Susy is proudly a CoralWatch Ambassador and Reef Check Australia Surveyor spreading the word about conservation of our oceans.

Duration

6 Days

Group Size

10 Peoples

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

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About This Tour

 

This Australian Geographic EXCLUSIVE tour offers an immersive exploration of Heron and Wilson islands, famed for their vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. Led by a marine conservationist and naturalist, you'll gain a unique insight into island ecology and the critical conservation efforts on the Great Barrier Reef. Despite its small size, Heron Island hosts a significant portion of the reef's fish and coral species. The tour includes participation in the CoralWatch citizen science program and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ongoing research at the Heron Island Research Station

Conservation Project

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Heron Island Research Station

The University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station is a world-class research and teaching centre. It is the largest island-based research station in the Southern Hemisphere with a rich history of research. Your guide has lived and worked on Heron Island and you will benefit from behind the scenes access, providing you with a detailed insight into how the station operates and the research that is conducted there. You will visit the touch tank which allows you to get up close and personal with creatures you’ll see out on the reef and your guide will grant you access to restricted research areas. You will also join exclusive presentations on the research being undertaken.

Highlights

  • This exclusive tour is led by an Australian Geographic Travel specialist Marine and Nature Conservation guide
  • Experience nature at its best on Heron Island, world famous for its spectacular coral reef and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life.
  • Snorkel straight off one of the stunning beaches onto the Great Barrier Reef
  • Join your guide for nature walks, reef walks and star gazing
  • Spend 2 nights on Wilson Island
  • Participate in the citizen science CoralWatch program & the citizen science program with the "Sea Turtle Observatory"
  • Unforgettable opportunity of seeing turtles nesting on the beaches
  • Exclusive: Monitor the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting

Included/Excluded

  • Included
  • Excluded
  • 5 nights' accommodation as per itinerary (3 nights on Heron Island and 2 nights on Wilson Island)
  • Transfers from Gladstone to Heron and Wilson Islands
  • All meals
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary by private air-conditioned charter
  • Fully guided by an Australian Geographic Marine Conservation expert
  • Involvement in different citizen science programs
  • Domestic or international airfares
  • Airport pick up/drop off unless stated
  • Guide services other than specified
  • Meals/beverages other than specified
  • Tips and gratuities Optional tours/services.

Itinerary

Day 1

Gladstone to Heron Island

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Check-in at the Heron Island Ferry Terminal opens at 7.45am and closes promptly at 9.00am. Please ensure you are checked-in and have your boarding pass prior to the check-in closure time. At 34 metres, The Heron Islander is specifically designed to provide a comfortable and spacious transfer from the Queensland mainland to Heron Island. On arrival you will be met by our Australian Geographic Travel Marine expert who will your exclusive guide whilst on this tour.

Day 2

Heron Island

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Activities on the Heron Island included bird walks, island walks, kayak tours, boat snorkelling tours, reef walks, nesting turtle walks and turtle hatchling walks as well as Research Station tours including presentations at the touch tank, and evening talks on various marine topics. These activities will be planned by your expert guide and will be outlined each day, based on tide times and best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 3

Heron Island

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Activities on the Heron Island included bird walks, island walks, kayak tours, boat snorkelling tours, reef walks, nesting turtle walks and turtle hatchling walks as well as Research Station tours including presentations at the touch tank, and evening talks on various marine topics. These activities will be planned by your expert guide and will be outlined each day, based on tide times and best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 4

Heron Island to Wilson Island

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Today your marine and conservation guide will inform you on the time for the short 25 minute boat transfer to Wilson Island. Our group has privileged access to Wilson Island and a rare opportunity for a true "Castaway" experience... in comfort. This hideaway is unquestionably one of the most idyllic places on the Great Barrier Reef, its pristine waters host an unimaginable variety of marine life

Day 5

Wilson Island

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Situated in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Zone, Wilson Island is an important habitat for many species. A variety of wildlife visit the coral cay at different times of the year, depending on breeding, foraging and migratory movements. During your stay at Wilson Island you may have the unforgettable experience of seeing turtles nesting on the beaches or hatchlings erupting from their nests in the sand.

Day 6

Wilson Island to Gladstone

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Today it is time to return to the mainland after an informative and relaxing Island getaway. Your tour concludes on arrival back in Gladstone, late afternoon.