Trip Type
Conservation & Citizen Science, Nature & Wildlife- $ 5490
Twin Share
Maximum of two adults - $ 7290
Single
Susy James
An enthusiastic conservationist and often found volunteering for various marine organizations in the Byron Shire where she resides when not traveling and working on the Great Barrier Reef. Susy is proudly a CoralWatch Ambassador and Reef Check Australia Surveyor spreading the word about conservation of our oceans.
Duration
6 Days
Group Size
10 Peoples
Activity Level
Easy to Moderate
About This Tour
This Australian Geographic EXCLUSIVE tour offers an immersive exploration of Heron and Wilson islands, famed for their vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. Led by a marine conservationist and naturalist, you'll gain a unique insight into island ecology and the critical conservation efforts on the Great Barrier Reef. Despite its small size, Heron Island hosts a significant portion of the reef's fish and coral species. The tour includes participation in the CoralWatch citizen science program and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ongoing research at the Heron Island Research Station
Conservation Project
Heron Island Research Station
The University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station is a world-class research and teaching centre. It is the largest island-based research station in the Southern Hemisphere with a rich history of research. Your guide has lived and worked on Heron Island and you will benefit from behind the scenes access, providing you with a detailed insight into how the station operates and the research that is conducted there. You will visit the touch tank which allows you to get up close and personal with creatures you’ll see out on the reef and your guide will grant you access to restricted research areas. You will also join exclusive presentations on the research being undertaken.
Highlights
- This exclusive tour is led by an Australian Geographic Travel specialist Marine and Nature Conservation guide
- Experience nature at its best on Heron Island, world famous for its spectacular coral reef and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life.
- Snorkel straight off one of the stunning beaches onto the Great Barrier Reef
- Join your guide for nature walks, reef walks and star gazing
- Spend 2 nights on Wilson Island
- Participate in the citizen science CoralWatch program & the citizen science program with the "Sea Turtle Observatory"
- Unforgettable opportunity of seeing turtles nesting on the beaches
- Exclusive: Monitor the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting
Included/Excluded
- Included
- Excluded
- 5 nights' accommodation as per itinerary (3 nights on Heron Island and 2 nights on Wilson Island)
- Transfers from Gladstone to Heron and Wilson Islands
- All meals
- Sightseeing as per itinerary by private air-conditioned charter
- Fully guided by an Australian Geographic Marine Conservation expert
- Involvement in different citizen science programs
Itinerary
Day 1
Gladstone to Heron Island
Check-in at the Heron Island Ferry Terminal opens at 7.45am and closes promptly at 9.00am. Please ensure you are checked-in and have your boarding pass prior to the check-in closure time. At 34 metres, The Heron Islander is specifically designed to provide a comfortable and spacious transfer from the Queensland mainland to Heron Island. On arrival you will be met by our Australian Geographic Travel Marine expert who will your exclusive guide whilst on this tour.
Day 2
Heron Island
Day 3
Heron Island
Day 4
Heron Island to Wilson Island
Day 5
Wilson Island
Day 6
Wilson Island to Gladstone
