6 Days
12 Peoples
Easy to Moderate
This Australian Geographic EXCLUSIVE tour explores Heron and Wilson islands, famous for their spectacular coral reefs and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life. Your tour is fully escorted by our marine conservation and naturalist guide, who will give you a personal and passionate insight into island life.
At just 800m long x 300m wide, Heron Island is located on the western end of Heron Reef, which is home to 60 per cent of the fish species and 70 per cent of the coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef.
You will join in the citizen science CoralWatch program using the CoralWatch Health Chart, developed at the Heron Island Research Station in 2002, and take a behind the scenes look at the ongoing conservation and research being done here.
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.
Day 1
Gladstone to Heron Island
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
Day 3
Heron Island
Day 4
Heron Island to Wilson Island
Day 5
Wilson Island
Day 6
Wilson Island to Gladstone