Heron Island Resort is the place you'll want to stay if you want the best access to the Great Barrier Reef-one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The island itself is located 89 kilometers off the coast of Queensland in Australia and the island is actually an ancient part of the barrier reef-built on coral over thousands of years. Right off the beach of the island is a great place for snorkeling and seeing the beautiful fish and other wildlife of the barrier reef.
The waters around the resort are crystal clear and perfect for diving and snorkeling. Swimming is excellent on the island, even if you're not snorkeling or diving. Lie on the beach and soak up the Australian summer sun without the disadvantage of day tripping vacationers spoiling your view or taking up your space on the beach.
See the green turtles coming close to shore and go bird watching to see the birds that have made the island their home. The island is listed as a World Heritage Site and is also a place for a great deal of marine research. Due to meticulous planning, the resort resort does not wreck the delicate ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef and everything is in pristine, lovely condition. All wildlife is considered protected on the island.
There are a wide variety of accommodations to choose from at the Heron Island Resort, from standard rooms to suites. You can check in at the front desk or at the Marina in Gladstone so you can go on to relaxation or adventure without having to go to your room right away to unpack.
Each room has a terrace or balcony and all have ceiling fans for your comfort. A refrigerator is supplied with each room as is a place to make coffee or tea. You have complimentary beach towels, a clock radio, extra blankets and pillows, places to iron your clothes, bathroom with shower and hair dryer and umbrellas if you need them.
The suites and the Beach House provide the usual amenities plus bath robes with slippers, coffee plungers, CD players, mini-bars, an evening turn down service and air conditioning. All the comforts of home are at your disposal and you can always ask the front desk if you need more comfort items.
Of course, there are places to eat and drink at the resort. The main restaurant is the Shearwater Restaurant that has a buffet style meal for breakfast and lunch-all on a deck that overlooks the Coral Sea. Tuesday nights offer a Aussie-style barbecue and seafood is on the menu on Saturday nights, when they have a seafood buffet. Dinners at the Shearwater Restaurant are three course adventures in which you can order off the menu five nights per week.
At the Heron Island Resort, you can also enjoy a night out at the Pandanus Lounge associated with Baillie's Bar. It's a great place to relax, think about the great day you just spent and enjoy a wonderful cocktail. All in all, it's the best vacation location in Australia you can imagine.