A Night on Heron Island – Exactly the Escape I Imagined
Jenny Revesz • August 25, 2025
A Night on Heron Island – Exactly the Escape I Imagined
I spent one night this year on Heron Island, flying in by helicopter and living exactly the kind of island escape I’d pictured.
The 30-minute flight from Gladstone was incredible. From above, we saw reef patterns, turtles and rays in the blue, and landed on the helipad. It was special, quick, and everything I hoped for.
Stepping off the helicopter, the air smelled fresh and the Pisonia forest framed the island perfectly. This tiny coral cay—just about 800 m long and 16 ha in total —is actually part of a protected National Marine Park. It’s wild, beautiful, and felt like a completely different world.
My room was simple—no AC, just a fan—and a little rustic, but in the best way. Everything was clean, comfortable, and the staff had that warm island friendliness I love. No fuss, just genuine service (and no Wi Fi unless you opt in)—perfect for unplugging.
Dinner that night? Better than I expected—not just edible, but excellent. Fresh seafood, thoughtful flavours, and enough variety considering there’s only one resort restaurant. Breakfast was solid too: buffet plus tasty extras and good coffee. No fine dining fuss, just genuinely good food when I sank into that island calm
Heron Island is a major turtle nesting ground. Green and Loggerhead turtles come ashore from about November to March to nest, and baby hatchlings emerge between January and May. Guests are encouraged to join naturalist-led turtle walks at dusk or dawn.
Snorkelling right from the beach, I swam among tropical fish, rays, reef sharks, and turtles cruising near the reef edge. Heron Island supports nearly 900 fish species and over 70% of the coral species of the Great Barrier Reef. There’s so much life—it felt like swimming through a living aquarium.
Watching the sunset over the reef with a drink in hand at Baillie’s Bar was simple bliss. As night settled, the island went silent—no screens, no noise, just nature. Birds roosting, forest sounds, maybe a turtle coming ashore. It was exactly the unplugged reset I needed.
All photos courtesy of heronisland.com
As an Australian, I’m almost embarrassed to admit I had never properly explored the Northern Territory until this April. But after spending a week immersed in its culture, landscapes, and stories—from Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine—I came home completely captivated. It is amazing and I will definitely go back. Going in late April is the end of the rainy season and is hot. However, the rivers and waterfalls and gorges are full, and the area is lush and green. It was absolutely beautiful. Darwin: Arrival, Exploration & Waterfronts I arrived at Darwin during the afternoon, which gave me the perfect opportunity to wander around—a ritual I always love to do when stepping into a new place. There’s something about those first few hours on foot that sets the tone for the entire trip. Our group then spent time exploring with Rob from Ethical Adventures. Between Fogg Dam and the Territory Wildlife Park, we eased into the NT’s rhythm—lush landscapes, birdlife, and an environmental awareness that quietly seeps in. That evening, we boarded a sunset cruise with Darwin Harbour Cruises. One of the real highlights was reconnecting with a lovely couple I’d met on a past trip from Darwin. They kindly showed me around parts of the city, adding a personal, local touch to my experience that truly made it feel like coming home. Litchfield to Kakadu: Closed Falls & Ancient Art The next day, we set off with Offroad Dreaming toward Litchfield National Park. In true Top End fashion, Wangi Falls was closed due to a crocodile sighting—wild nature reminding us of who’s really in charge out here. No complaints though—our journey into Kakadu National Park more than made up for it. After settling into the Mercure Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, we unfortunately could not visit Ubirr Rock due to the road still be covered in water. Being adaptable and flexible is extremely important when travelling. A wonderful dinner was arranged at the Mercure and trees full of noisy cockatoos and wildlife running around in the dark outside made for lots of excitement. Soaring Above & Floating Through One of the most memorable moments of the trip was taking a scenic light aircraft flight over Jim Jim Falls. Seeing the escarpments from the air gave us a whole new appreciation for Kakadu’s vastness—it’s a landscape you can’t quite grasp from the ground alone. Back on land, we joined the new Yellow Water Wetlands Culture Cruise—an absolute highlight for me. Gliding through Kakadu’s waterways, we learned about bush tucker, saw crocs in the water, and were introduced to Country through Indigenous perspectives. The stillness, the birdlife, the reflections on the water—it was one of those deeply grounding experiences I’ll never forget. We then checked into Cooinda Lodge, and that night, something magical happened—wild brumbies came through the property in the dark. A couple of them walked right up to me. It was one of those quietly powerful moments you don’t plan for but never forget. I was woken up and just raced outside in bare feet not even thinking as it was around 2am. Dinner Under the Moon, Falls & Full-Hearted Feasting We were treated to the Kakadu Full Moon Dinner, a beautifully curated four-course bush tucker experience by Kakadu Kitchen and Mimi’s Restaurant. Under the stars, with didgeridoo and a stargazing presentation, it was a celebration of culture, connection, and cuisine. The next day took us further south in Kakadu, exploring more waterfalls and remote corners of the park. While some paths required a bit of walking, it always felt rewarding. This region doesn’t shout; it whispers—and you find yourself listening more closely. Katherine: Helicopters, Gorges & Real Country Life From Kakadu, we made our way to Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge and settled into the serene Cicada Lodge. This is a beautiful property. We were treated to a boat cruise through two of the gorges which were stunning—but the true “wow” moment came when we took a helicopter flight over all 17 gorges. The landscape unfolded beneath us like a living canvas—carved, rugged, and majestic. It gave me chills as well as sweaty palms since I really do have a fear of heights. The following morning, we joined the “Footsteps of Our Ancestors” cultural experience, which brought powerful Indigenous storytelling and interpretation to life on the land. It was deeply moving, quietly educational, and one of the most authentic experiences of the trip. Later that day, we visited the Katherine Hot Springs for lunch. Once again, we could not swim due to Crocodile sightings. However, I did manage to walk down and take a couple of photos so I could understand how beautiful it was. The afternoon was capped off with the Katherine Outback Experience—a lively and heartfelt show featuring working dogs, horses, and bush tales that made us laugh and lean in. It was raw, real, and full of character—just like the Territory. Unfortunately, we only had time to see a small part of this, and I so wish we were staying another day in order to see the entire event. A Final Taste of Darwin Our final day brought us back to Darwin for one last taste of NT life—lunch at Meraki, a street art wander, and dinner at Snapper Rocks on the Waterfront. The vibe was relaxed and easy, a perfect close to a full and deeply enriching journey. Final Thoughts The Northern Territory surprised me—not with flashy moments, but with raw, layered ones. It’s a place where the stories are ancient, the people are warm, and the landscapes are entirely their own. This trip reminded me of the value in slowing down, tuning in, and seeing Australia through a different lens—through the eyes of those who have been here for tens of thousands of years, and those who call it home today. If you're looking to experience Australia in a way that’s grounded, immersive, and unlike anywhere else, the Northern Territory is calling. Visit the Northern Territory on this 17-Day Australian Adventure. Jenny x
Back in February, I was incredibly lucky to be invited by Tourism Australia on a famil that took me through some very special parts of the country — Tasmania, Canberra, and an overnight stay at The Retreat at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Even though I sell Australia all the time and know it well, there’s something really special about getting out there again, meeting the people on the ground, and seeing how the experiences connect in real time. It reminded me why I love this job — and just how much there is to share with travellers who are looking for something meaningful and unique. Tasmania – Raw, Real, and Absolutely Beautiful Being Australian, I’m almost ashamed to admit that this was my first time visiting Tasmania — and I absolutely fell in love with it. I feel bad that it took me this long to get there, but I’m so grateful I finally did. Tasmania always leaves a mark. There’s something about the landscape — it’s rugged but incredibly grounding. Whether you’re tucked away in a boutique lodge or standing on a windswept coastline with barely another soul in sight, you feel like you’ve properly arrived somewhere. The people are what truly make it, though. Every guide, host, and small business owner we met was so passionate and proud to share their slice of Tasmania — and that kind of genuine hospitality is what makes travel unforgettable. We also visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary , which is doing fantastic work in wildlife conservation and education. It’s not just a photo-op — it’s the kind of place that connects you deeply with the land and its animals. And then there’s the wine. Oh, the wine! So many incredible cool-climate varietals — elegant, expressive, and mostly unavailable outside Australia. Tasting them at the source was a real privilege and an experience I’d recommend to any wine lover who wants to discover something off the radar. What stood out most, though, was the quality of the experiences. Everything felt considered, authentic, and intimate — perfect for my clients who are looking for more than just the typical. Canberra – Not What I Remember (In the Best Way) The last time I was in Canberra, I was on a school trip — and to be honest, I hadn’t really given it much thought since. But wow, has it changed. Today’s Canberra is quietly cool. It’s home to world-class galleries, beautiful green spaces, and an incredible food and wine scene. We happened to visit during one of the city’s seasonal festivals, and the atmosphere was vibrant and engaging — it really showed a side of Canberra I hadn’t experienced before. One of the highlights was getting exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House . These weren’t your standard visits — we were guided by people with deep knowledge and stories that made the spaces come alive. It was moving, educational, and honestly quite inspiring. These kinds of moments stay with you. It’s also just such an easy place to visit — no traffic, everything works, and there’s plenty of room to breathe. A great stop for curious travellers who want something cultural but calm. The Retreat at Taronga Zoo – A Bit of Magic in the Middle of Sydney And then there was Taronga. I’ve been to the zoo before, but staying overnight at The Retreat was something else entirely. It felt tucked away and peaceful, with sweeping views over Sydney Harbour and the sounds of wildlife in the background. It’s not every day you fall asleep with the city skyline on one side and the call of animals on the other. It was luxurious, yes, but also warm and welcoming — the kind of place I’d happily recommend to families, couples, or solo travellers who want something different. It’s also a brilliant entry point into Australia. For those arriving early off an international flight, it offers a unique and relaxed way to start your trip — even if your room’s not quite ready, you still have full access to the zoo and its immersive experiences. Or, if you’re wrapping up a busy itinerary, it’s a gorgeous and memorable way to end on a high note. It’s not every day you fall asleep with the city skyline on one side and the call of animals on the other. It was luxurious, yes, but also warm and welcoming — the kind of place I’d happily recommend to families, couples, or solo travellers who want something different. This famil was such a gift — not just in terms of reconnecting with Australia, but also in fuelling my passion for curating travel that really means something. If you’re curious about any of these spots — or want to plan a trip that feels just right for you — I’d love to help. Preview your Tasmania Adventure here. Jenny x
