Fees · Destination Guide
Walk off the beach into a living reef, then surface to turtles, seabirds, and sky full of stars
Key fee: Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC)
AUD $8 per person per day (full day) or AUD $4 (part day).
Increases to $8.50 / $4.25 from 1 Apr 2026.
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Heron Island does not usually have a separate visitor 'tourism tax' at the island level, but Great Barrier Reef trips commonly include an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) that funds reef management. At Heron Island Resort, the EMC is applied on arrival for the first three nights of your stay. Special activities like drone use over the reef can require additional permits.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC) | AUD $8 per person per day (full day) or AUD $4 (part day). Increases to $8.50 / $4.25 from 1 Apr 2026. per person per day (collected by permitted operators) | Most reef tourism activities and some accommodation-based programs | Where to pay | Many operators bundle the EMC into the tour price. Heron Island Resort notes an EMC is applied on arrival for the first three nights of your stay, with funds supporting reef management. |
| Heron Islander catamaran transfer fare | AUD $99 adult each way; AUD $49.50 child each way (verify current rates) per trip | Guests using the Gladstone to Heron Island boat transfer | Where to pay | Schedule varies by day of week and can be affected by weather. Check-in times are strict at the Gladstone ferry terminal. |
| Helicopter transfer fare | AUD $710 adult one-way; AUD $1200 adult return (verify current rates) per trip | Guests using the helicopter transfer | Where to pay | Helicopter luggage allowances are weight-limited. Excess baggage may need to travel by boat or be stored on the mainland. |
| Drone and ROV permits (Queensland and GBRMPA) | Varies by permit type per permit | Anyone operating a drone on the island or filming/operating an ROV over the reef | Where to pay | Heron Island is controlled airspace due to helicopters and bird nesting. You may need both Queensland approvals and a GBRMPA permit for reef operations. Always confirm requirements before arrival. |
| Dive medical certificate (AS 4005.1) if required | Varies by provider As specified by the examining doctor | Divers with relevant medical conditions, some medications, and many divers aged 65+ | Where to pay | Australian diving standards can be stricter than what some travelers are used to. If you have any medical uncertainty, arrange a dive medical before traveling to the island. |
Fee
per person per day (collected by permitted operators)
Many operators bundle the EMC into the tour price. Heron Island Resort notes an EMC is applied on arrival for the first three nights of your stay, with funds supporting reef management.
per trip
Schedule varies by day of week and can be affected by weather. Check-in times are strict at the Gladstone ferry terminal.
per trip
Helicopter luggage allowances are weight-limited. Excess baggage may need to travel by boat or be stored on the mainland.
per permit
Heron Island is controlled airspace due to helicopters and bird nesting. You may need both Queensland approvals and a GBRMPA permit for reef operations. Always confirm requirements before arrival.
As specified by the examining doctor
Australian diving standards can be stricter than what some travelers are used to. If you have any medical uncertainty, arrange a dive medical before traveling to the island.