Heron Island is one of the best coral reef destinations in Australia, and because it sits directly on the Great Barrier Reef rather than near it, the diving and snorkelling begin at the edge of the beach. You step off the sand and into a living wall of coral, turtles, reef sharks, and fish. No boat is required to reach the reef itself — an extraordinary thing to be able to say.
The island is a national park and research station; the only accommodation is the Heron Island Resort, which has kept the number of visitors deliberately small. This makes it expensive but remarkably uncrowded. Day visits are not normally possible — you must stay on the island. Ferry transfers from Gladstone take about two hours; helicopter transfers take 30 minutes.
From November to February, green sea turtles nest on the beaches at night. From June to October, humpback whales pass through the channel. The diving is excellent year-round, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres. This is not a budget destination, but it is one of the more extraordinary places in Queensland.