Heron Island, QLD, Australia
Swim the Vibrant Southern Barrier Reef
Join me and All Blue Swim Tours for an unforgettable swim adventure to Heron Island, a remote coral cay on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for ocean lovers and adventurous swimmers, this hosted trip combines guided reef swims, incredible marine encounters and the chance to completely disconnect in one of Australia’s most pristine marine environments. Expect vibrant coral, crystal-clear water, turtles, rays, reef sharks and the possibility of swimming alongside migrating manta rays — all while enjoying the relaxed rhythm of island life. Between swims, there is also the opportunity to scuba dive, snorkel, explore the reef and simply unwind in nature.
Dates
28 June to 4 July 2027
Package Includes
- First night accommodation in Gladstone
- Welcome dinner in Gladstone
- 5 nights accommodation on Heron Island
- All meals on Heron island
- Return ferry tickets
- Two swims a day (up to 3km)
- 3 swim tour guides in the water
- Snorkelling equipment
- Guided reef walk
- Guided island walk
- Yoga & meditation practices
- Yogifish 5-litre dry bag
- All Blue Swim cap and drink bottle
- Ipsum skin care pack
Not Included
International & domestic flights, alcohol/soft drinks, bottled water, compulsory travel insurance.
2027 Prices*
From AUD3000*pp
Lock in your spot with a AUD500pp deposit.
- Check here for more info
The Swims
This trip is built around immersive open-water swimming and snorkelling experiences designed for moderate to strong swimmers. Each day begins with a magical dawn snorkel beneath the island jetty, watching turtles surface for air, rays glide through the shallows and reef life awaken with the sunrise. Mid-morning, we venture by dive boat to the outer reef where swimmers can split into groups according to pace and ability — from stronger swimmers wanting a more challenging session to those preferring a slower, exploratory swim amongst the coral and marine life. All swims are fully supported by experienced guides and a dedicated boat crew. In the afternoons, there is the option of a spectacular 3km circumnavigation swim around the island, swimming against the current before being carried home by the incoming tide across the reef flats. For those wanting a quieter pace, the island also offers the simple pleasure of watching the sunset with a drink in hand as turtles cruise past the shoreline.
Untouched Wilderness
About Heron Island
Located 80km off the coast of Gladstone, Heron Island is a stunning coral cay surrounded by one of the healthiest reef systems in the southern Great Barrier Reef. As a protected marine sanctuary with no day visitors permitted, the island offers a rare sense of remoteness and exclusivity. Contrary to popular perception, this part of the reef is thriving with colourful coral gardens, abundant tropical fish and an extraordinary variety of marine life including turtles, rays, shovel-nosed rays and friendly reef sharks. It is a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience the reef at its most raw and beautiful.
Accommodation
Accommodation on Heron Island Resort is comfortable, relaxed and perfectly suited to the natural environment of the island. Rooms are classic and unpretentious, providing everything needed after long days in the ocean. The resort offers a generous buffet breakfast with both cooked and continental options, while lunch and dinner are enjoyed à la carte. There is also a well-stocked beachside bar — the perfect place to gather after a day of swimming, diving and exploring the reef.
