Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef

Friday, September 3, 2010

We drove on the rest of the way to Gladstone, where we parked the car at the marina, then took a taxi to the small airport.  Then a fabulous helicopter ride out to Heron Island, located 72 kilometers from the mainland and right on the Great Barrier Reef.    This is a picture of the reef, and the water was clear enough to spot stingrays, turtles and whales.  

Below is the island from the heli, only 42 acres and a major nesting site for several species of birds as well as green sea turtles and loggerheads.