Accommodation and common areas

Heron Island Research Station accommodates 140 guests in a range of styles, from self-contained bungalows to bunk-bed dormitories. You can use our common areas for meetings, workshops, study, socialising, and more.

All linen (sheets, pillowcases, quilts and pillows) is provided.

The station has two (free) washing machines with dryers.

Accommodation options

Research cabinsResearcher cabins (each sleep 12)

  • Two levels, each with two bedrooms/shared ensuite.
  • Rooms have two or four single beds (in bunks).
  • Cupboard and closet, table, desk space for two, private balcony or deck, fans and screened windows.
  • Communal kitchen/dining room and outdoor eating area.
  • Outdoor showers and racks for dive and snorkelling gear.

Research cabinsKingfisher House (sleeps 9)

  • Self-contained, three-bedroom bungalow with single beds and bunks.
  • Kitchen with basic self-catering equipment.
  • Comfortable lounge room and an expansive deck with views to the beach and reef.
  • Suited to researchers staying for extended projects.

View of kitchenSilvereye House (sleeps 7)

  • Self-contained, three-bedroom bungalow with single beds and bunks.
  • Large open-plan dining/lounge room.
  • Kitchen with basic self-catering equipment.
  • Suited to small research groups. 

Bunk bedsDormitories (sleep 80 students and 8 tutors)

  • Heron (4 rooms – sleeps 24):
    • Heron 1 and Heron 2 educational staff rooms each have four single beds and an ensuite.
    • Heron 3 and Heron 4 student rooms each have eight single beds (in bunks)
  • Noddy and Shearwater (each have 4 rooms – sleep 32 each)
    • Each room has eight single beds (in bunks)
  • Adjacent student toilet and shower facilities.
  • Large area for rinsing and storing dive and snorkelling gear.

Guest using computer facilitiesComputer room and library

  • Communal space for all station visitors.
  • Ideal for small, informal groups.
  • Computers with large monitors.
  • Collection of field guides, identification material and research publications.
  • Scanners, printers and data projectors.
  • Comfortable lounge seating.

Seminar roomSeminar room

  • Seats 50 people.
  • Sliding partition expands the seating area to accommodate larger groups.
  • Audiovisual and videoconference equipment.

Meeting roomMeeting rooms and outdoor breakout spaces

  • Small and large meeting rooms for formal or informal discussion, planning, partnership building, and more.
  • Outdoor breakout areas.
  • Tables, seating and equipment can be configured to suit your requirements.