Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

328
CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
aboard a semi-submersible vessel which allows you to view the ocean floor without
getting wet. When geologist Joseph Bette Jukes named this piece of paradise
in 1843, he overlooked the turtles for which it is now famous and commemorated
the reef herons that abounded on the island. There has been a resort here
since 1932, and in 1943, the island was made a national park. It is a haven for
wildlife and people, and an experience of a lifetime is guaranteed at almost any
time of year. Heron is a rookery for giant green and loggerhead turtles. Resort
guests gather on the beach from late November to February to watch the turtles
lay eggs, and from February to mid-April to see the hatched babies scuttle down
to the water. Humpback whales pass through from June to September.
Three days on Heron gives plenty of time to see everything. The island is so
small you can walk around it at a leisurely pace in about half an hour. One of
the first things to do is to take advantage of the organized activities which occur
several times a day and are designed so guests can plan their own days. Snorkeling
and reef walking are major occupations for visitors—if they’re not diving,
that is, for the island is home to 21 of the world’s most stunning dive sites.
Guided island walks are another way to explore the island. Walks include a
visit to the research station based on the island. As for the reef walk, just borrow
a pair of sandshoes, a balance pole, and a viewing bucket and head off with a
guide at low tide. The walk can take up to 90 minutes, but there’s no compulsion
to stay; if it gets too hot you can head back for the sanctuary of your room
or the shady bar area.
A fishing trip should also be on the agenda, even for non-anglers. The reef fish
seem to jump onto the hook and the resort chef is happy to cook it for you for
dinner!
GETTING THERE A courtesy coach meets flights at 10:30am to take guests
to Gladstone Marina for the launch transfer to the island (trip time: 1 hr. 40
min); it departs 11am daily (except Christmas). Round-trip boat transfer costs
A$170 (US$111) for adults, half price for kids ages 3 to 14. A new 130-seater
catamaran to be launched in August 2003 was designed to make the sometimes
rough trip smoother; at press time, we hadn’t been able to test it out, so make
sure you take sea-sickness medication with you just in case.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE: WORTH A SPLURGE
Heron Island Resort
Kids This lovely, low-key resort has been transformed
over the past few years, and changes to the accommodations continue
alongside cosmetic changes. The latest are the chic new Wistari Suites, each with
a private garden and veranda. But new accommodations, a revamped central complex,
and a stylish, contemporary new look have not changed the focus on the outdoors.
The brilliant colors of the island’s surrounding water and Reef are reflected
in the interiors, and everything is light-filled and breezy. Heron’s central complex
is equal parts grand Queenslander home and sophisticated beach house, with
Heron Island: Worth a Splurge
Heron Island’s only resort isn’t cheap, but it is included here because it is,
quite simply, one of the world’s special places and too good to miss. You
can’t make a day trip to Heron Island, so if you want to visit, you have to
stay overnight. Meals are included in the tariff, and a number of activities,
so factor that into your decision on whether to visit.