Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef · Queensland
Heron Island
A research-station coral cay with the Heron Bommie a few minutes from the jetty.
Heron Island is a coral cay on the southern Great Barrier Reef with a resort and a long-established marine research station, reached by boat or helicopter from Gladstone.
The Heron Bommie, a short boat ride from the jetty, is among the best-known individual dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef and was reportedly a favourite of Jacques Cousteau.
Diving is close, clear and easy, and the reef flat is accessible for snorkelling directly from the beach.
Max depth
25 m
typically 15 m
Access
shore & boat
Current
variable
Water temp
21–27°C
Level
intermediate
| Region | Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef |
|---|---|
| State | Queensland |
| Access | shore and boat |
| Site type | reef, island |
| Minimum depth | 3 m |
| Typical depth | 15 m |
| Maximum depth | 25 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Often 15–30 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 21–27°C |
| Experience level | beginner, intermediate |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- green and loggerhead turtles
- reef sharks
- rays
- Maori wrasse
- hard coral
- manta rays occasionally
Seasonality
- Turtle nesting roughly November to March.
- Humpback whales pass June to October.
Access
- Boat or helicopter from Gladstone.
- Resort-based diving; advance booking recommended.
- Shore snorkelling on the reef flat.
Hazards
- current around the bommie
- tide affecting reef flat access
- limited on-island medical facilities
What you might see here
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Dive sites nearby
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Heron Island?
Depths range from around 3 metres to roughly 25 metres, with a typical profile around 15 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Heron Island suitable for beginners?
It can be, in reasonable conditions and with appropriate supervision. Conditions on the day matter more than certification level, and operators may impose their own requirements.
How do you get to Heron Island?
Access is shore and boat based. Boat or helicopter from Gladstone.
Is there current at Heron Island?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Heron Island?
Commonly reported marine life includes green and loggerhead turtles, reef sharks, rays, Maori wrasse, hard coral, manta rays occasionally. Sightings are never guaranteed, and several species here are strongly seasonal.
When is the best time to dive Heron Island?
Turtle nesting roughly November to March. Humpback whales pass June to October. There is rarely a single best month — the right time depends on what you want to see.
Where is Heron Island?
Heron Island is in the Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef region of Queensland.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.