Scuba Diving Heron Island, Queensland

Heron Island can be found at the southern side of the 2050 kilometres-long Great Barrier Reef of Queensland, Australia, about 539 kilometres away from Brisbane, the state capital. It is more popularly known as the ultimate coral cay, housing some 72% of the Great Barrier Reef's total coral species. Heron Island is regarded as one of the best diving location, is surely the premier location on the Great Barrief Reef. The Acropora, the dominant coral specie on Heron Island which branch out like antlers, making an expansive garden that is full of life, is just one among the many attractions that will greet you underwater.

Heron Island, with an area of about 16 hectares, lies within a 12 square-mile lagoon and is part of the Capricornia Marine Park. It is the perfect wildlife sanctuary teeming with diverse species of fish and rich marine life. Birdlife is also abundant in the Pisonia forests of the Heron Island where vegetation is at its richest as well. The most number of seabird kinds that reside in Pisonia are the White-capped Noddy Terns and the Wedge-tailed Shearwater. More than 70,000 of these kinds are found from October to April, which is their breeding season. Aside from the Noddies and the Shearwaters, the Silvereyes, the Eastern Reef Egrets, and the Buff-banded Rails are also around the whole year through.

Amongst the rich marine life, you will see four of the most fascinating, the moray eels (watch out for you fingers), reef sharks, turtles and manta rays. If you are lucky you might spot all four on the one dive.

Meanwhile, Green turtles and Loggerhead turtles also make the island their nesting site during the month of January to March. As proof of its exclusive natural beauty, Heron Island has been the choice place of study for reef Scientists for quite some time. In fact, research trips are held during most of year.

Diving in Heron Island

What makes Heron Island truly famous is its calm and serene surroundings that keep guests gladly enjoying their reef experience in full. Just off the beach are spectacular diving sites that lure anyone visiting the place.

There is actually no need for extensive boat dives at Heron Island because you can easily get a generous serving of its marine beauty by entering from the beach. There are over 30 dive sites available, half of which are just 15 minutes away from the beach. With that privilege, Heron is also the best place to take guided diving lessons. Beginner or old-timer, you will surely find something exciting by immersing yourself in the tropic blue waters of Heron Island.

Dive Sites

Heron Island Bommies, Gorgonia Hole, Fifth Point, Second Point, First Point, Blue Pools, Pams Point, Coral Gardens, Wistari Reef, Libbie's Lair, Coral Cascade, Hole in the Wall, Coral Grotto, Plate Ledge, Pams Point (Best place to see Manta rays)