Queensland - Heron Island GBR

Heron Island is 70km from mainland Australia. The island has a resort and is a renowned bird sanctuary and turtle nesting location. Turtles come to Heron Island to nest from November to January. Heron Island has a number of different dive locations, for all levels of experience. The resort can arrange 2 dives per day, and night dives can be scheduled on request.

There are 28 different dives within the vicinity of Heron Island. Heron Island resort has a full list of these on their website. www.heronisland.com

Below is a selection

HERON BOMMIES
Location             Heron Island - Harbor
Max Dive Depth  5-20 meters

Features:  This location is close to the main harbor.  A collection of 10 bommies, 3 large.   The fish are great, Batfish, Moorish Idols, Butterfly Fish and barracuda. Schools of Jacks, Moray Eels, the occasional shark and both eagle rays and manta rays.  You will also encounter Strawberry Hussar fish in medium size schools.  Great location for the wide angle underwater camera - to take advantage of the schools of fish.

GORGONIA HOLE
Location              Heron Island - South West
Max Dive Depth 15 meters - best to dive at High Tide

Features:  Coral wall, red and yellow gorgonian fans, alcyonarians, sea urchins, starfish, Moorish idols, butterfly fish, green and hawksbill turtles.  The turtles at this location give you fantastic opportunity to use your macro lens, also consider the Reef Sharks and occasional manta ray

HOLE IN THE WALL
Location             Heron Island - West
Max Dive Depth  20 meters - best to dive at High Tide
Features:  A swim through hole large enough for 2 divers to pass side by side.  Maori Wrasse, Moray Eels, Sharks and Mantas.  Hard and soft corals, including Brain, small gorgonians (sea fans), crinoids (sea lilies or feather stars).  Consider the wide angle again you may be able to catch a shot of a Turtle.