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


By Jenny Revesz October 1, 2025
A Personal Connection Sometimes the best travel finds come through personal connections. At the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Brisbane earlier this year, I first met Rick and Cathy Edmonds — the passionate owners behind The Frames, a boutique luxury property in South Australia. Recently, I had the chance to reconnect with them over breakfast whilst they were in Vancouver, and I left feeling inspired not just by their story, but by what they’ve created on the banks of the Murray River. Luxury Meets Authenticity The Frames is more than just accommodation. It’s a collection of beautifully designed private retreats created for travelers who want both luxury and authenticity . Each villa includes thoughtful touches like private pools, sweeping views, and all the comforts you’d expect from a five-star stay. What makes it truly special is the way Rick and Cathy have woven in the essence of the Murray region. Guests can enjoy guided river cruises, local food and wine experiences, and opportunities to connect with the culture and landscape in meaningful ways. Why I Love It For my clients, this is exactly the kind of hidden gem I love to recommend: a place where you can slow down, savor the moment, and connect with Australia beyond the usual routes . It’s indulgent and restorative, but also deeply rooted in its surroundings — the perfect reflection of what I call a Travel Like Jenny property. Ready to Experience The Frames? I’d love to share my insider perspective and help you weave this unique retreat into your own Australian journey. Reach out to learn more about The Frames here .
By Jenny Revesz September 24, 2025
There are two ways to arrive at Heron Island — by boat or by helicopter. I’ve now experienced the helicopter transfer, and let me tell you: this is hands down the way to do it. Instead of a long, sometimes choppy boat ride across open water, the helicopter makes the journey part of the adventure. From the air, the view is breathtaking. You sweep across the Great Barrier Reef itself, spotting coral cays, turquoise lagoons, and maybe even manta rays or turtles gliding just below the surface. It’s like getting a private aerial tour of one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on earth. Landing directly on the island feels like a grand entrance — no seasickness, no travel fatigue, just excitement and awe. Within minutes, you’re stepping off the helicopter and straight into paradise, ready to dive into reef life. For me, that’s the magic: arriving by helicopter sets the tone for the whole stay. It’s smooth, scenic, and absolutely unforgettable — the perfect beginning to a Heron Island escape.
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