Australia Family Getaway: Heron Island Great Barrier Reef Vacation

Bring the family on the trip of a lifetime to the Great Barrier Reef! Stay at an amazing island resort located on the reef itself, with unparalleled lagoon access. You may even see wild turtles nesting or hatching on the beach! And then enjoy a behind the scenes experience at the Australia Zoo.

From $3,599
per person
9 days
Airfare additional cost
Based on
4 travelers

Our Australia Family Getaway travel package was designed for a family of 4 from Seattle. The parents loved marine life and were serious divers, so we sent them to Heron Island for a week of island adventure.

After arriving in Cairns, they were transferred via boat to Heron Island and settled into their rooms at Heron Island Resort. This luxury resort is actually on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. During their stay, they were free to explore more than 20 different diving sites off Heron Island, many of which are just minutes away from the jetty. They were thrilled with the acres of living, unspoiled coral teeming with fish, and went on many water-based adventures.

Heron Island Resort has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Our clients went with the kids on guided reef walks and took a fascinating tour of the world-class Heron Island Research Station to learn about the many studies taking place on this wildlife-rich island. They also got a truly unforgettable experience when they witnessed sea turtles nesting on the beach from a close distance.

Throughout their Australia Family Getaway, they enjoyed delicious gourmet meals and wine, and were able to unwind with rejuvenating treatments at the Aqua Soul Spa.

After 6 fabulous nights on Heron Island, they flew back to Brisbane for an additional two nights to experience the extraordinary Australia Zoo with a platinum package. The knowledgeable guide will take you to where very few guests have the opportunity to go. You are guaranteed a day full of discovery, with up to ten hands-on animal experiences and two animal interactions that you will never forget. Travel in style via caddie with your own personal guide; they know where the action is! Be treated to VIP reserved seating in the world-famous Crocoseum during our Wildlife Warriors Show. When it’s time to sit back and relax, you will enjoy your delicious pre-selected meals at Australia Zoo’s very own Crikey Cafe.

After their short stay in Brisbane, their Australia Family Getaway Came to an end. They were transferred to the airport to begin their trip home.

Destinations
Experiences
Our Reference D194

Day 1
Enjoy a boat transfer to Heron Island and settle into your luxurious room at Heron Island Resort. This magical resort off the coast of Queensland offers an ideal family escape, with gorgeous beaches and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Heron Island Resort

Day 2 – 6
Spend the week at your leisure. Opportunities for adventure abound on Heron Island. Spend your family vacation exploring the island and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef, either on complimentary guided walks or longer day trips and nature tours. In peak season, see the island’s main attraction: sea turtles! The turtles use the island as a nesting ground from November to April. Otherwise, keep an eye out for humpback whales.
Heron Island Resort

Day 7
Today you fly back to Brisbane and transfer to your hotel for your two nights.
Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square

Day 8
This is your day to spend at the Australia Zoo with your amazing Platinum Package Tour. Enjoy a full day of VIP treatment on the action-packed Platinum Zoo Adventure! This tour is the perfect day out for a true wildlife enthusiast. During your fun-filled day of exclusive behind-the-scenes animal encounters, you will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet our amazing animals and learn all about them from our expert animal handlers. The knowledgeable guide will take you to where very few guests have the opportunity to go. You are guaranteed a day full of discovery, with up to ten hands-on animal experiences and two animal interactions that you will never forget. Travel in style via caddie with your own personal guide; they know where the action is! Be treated to VIP reserved seating in the world-famous Crocoseum during our Wildlife Warriors Show. When it’s time to sit back and relax, you will enjoy your delicious pre-selected meals at Australia Zoo’s very own Crikey Cafe.
Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square

Day 9
Today marks the end of your magical family adventure. Enjoy a transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.

  • 6 nights Heron Island Resort, Beach House
    • Includes daily breakfast; snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, flippers); complimentary guided tours.
  • Helicopter transfers to and from the island
  • 2 Nights Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square, Brisbane, Two Bedroom Apartment
  • Australia Zoo Platinum Adventure for 4
  • Australia Zoo Croc Tours
  • Private transfers in Brisbane

“Heron Island is an atoll surrounded by a lagoon. The marine life and coral is amazing. It is a turtle nesting island, and if you travel between November and April, you can get the chance to see them on land. If you are traveling during the winter months, you can look out for the humpback whales instead.”
-Emily, Down Under Endeavours