What to bring and station life
Find information about what to bring and daily life at Heron Island Research Station to ensure you get the most out of your stay with us.
Essential and recommended items
Our remote location makes it hard to transport some items to Heron Island, especially if you’ve forgotten to bring an essential item.
We’re always on hand to help, but use our checklist to avoid disappointment.
Essential items
- Closed-in shoes – you must wear these in all laboratories
- Reef shoes or heavy-soled dive booties – you’ll need these for water work
- All scientific requirements, unless you have confirmed with us that we’ll provide a specific item
- Towel
- Red-light torch (flashlight)
- Soap and toiletries
- Prescription medications
Recommended items
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing, including a hat – the Queensland sun may be more intense than you are used to
- Rain-protective clothing and warm clothing – the weather on the island can be variable
- Water bottle
The station has laundry facilities, including two (free) washing machines with dryers.
Travel insurance
Heron Island is in a remote area and adverse weather conditions can occasionally affect transfers.
We recommend you take out travel insurance, particularly if you have connecting flights.
If you’re a UQ staff member or student, see details about UQ travel insurance.
Medical help
All our staff have advanced first aid training.
The station is well stocked with first aid equipment, including oxygen provision kits and a defibrillator.
A nurse is on duty at the nearby Heron Island Resort.
Remember: Heron Island is in a remote location, so consider your medical requirements carefully before you visit us.
Emergencies
In an emergency, seek help from a staff member immediately.
Phone coverage and internet
Phone coverage
Heron Island typically has no mobile phone coverage.
You can buy phone cards at reception for the outside payphone.
You can make internal calls from handsets in several buildings. Charges apply for external calls.
Internet
The station is wi-fi enabled, although reception can be patchy in some places.
If you’re visiting us from outside UQ, we’ll show you how to connect to our wi-fi.
Sustainability
We’re committed to minimising our impact on the environment and invite you to join our sustainability efforts during your stay at Heron Island Research Station.
UQ Sustainability Green Office Program
We participate in the UQ Sustainability Green Office Program, which promotes best environmental practices in University work areas.
Contact us for details about current initiatives and how you can get involved during your stay.
Re-use and recycling
All waste from our station is managed to minimise impact on the island and surrounding environment, with almost all waste being freighted off the island.
We maximise re-use and recycling and have several waste disposal strategies in place to help visitors conserve and recycle as much as possible.
Renewables
The station is powered by the sun, with solar panels and batteries capturing and storing enough energy to meet more than 80 per cent of our annual needs.
Light timers
Turning off lights is important for the wellbeing of Heron island’s animals.
Lights can disorientate turtles and disturb the many birds that call the island home.
Many station lights are on timers.