Fly off to the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef just got closer following today's launch of a new direct Qantaslink flight from Sydney to Gladstone, the jumping off point for Heron Island.

The new Qantaslink service will operate eight return flights a week from Sydney to Gladstone- including twice daily on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays - providing holidaymakers with access to almost 1,200 seats per week.

Flights depart Sydney at 6.15am, arriving in Gladstone by 7.40am, meaning that by early afternoon guests will be able to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can either choose the 30-minute scenic helicopter flight at 11.15am to take them over to Heron Island, or the two-hour boat launch which departs at 11am. Both options provide fantastic views of the Great Barrier Reef and a great introduction to the marine and bird life on the way to Heron Island.

To celebrate the new direct flights, Heron Island is offering a special early bird offer of $999 per couple for a three-night stay. The offer includes three nights' accommodation, all meals and return boat transfers. Plus children 12 years and under stay and eat for free.

Heron Island is a true coral cay that sits at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and boasts amazing snorkelling and diving all year round, just minutes from the beach.

It also is one of the few places in Australia where guests can experience green and loggerhead turtles coming ashore each season to lay their eggs.

This month, Heron Island is also celebrating the first anniversary of its partnership with the Sea Turtle Foundation, a non-profit, non-government organisation that is dedicated to safeguarding sea turtle populations, migration routes and habitats.

In the first year of the partnership, a total of $45,000 has been raised through guest donations via a $10 optional contribution on check out from the Resort.   The donations have been used for turtle research, funding Foundation staff on Heron Island and the purchase of a turtle stretcher.

The Great Barrier Reef

Every year on Heron Island turtles return to lay their eggs. In March and April visitors to the Island may still be able to witness the last of the tiny turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way to the water.

For reservations please call: 1300 233 432 or +61 3 9426 7540 www.heronisland.com