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 2 (free) washing machines with dryers.

Accommodation options

Research cabinsResearcher cabins (each sleep 12)

  • Two levels, each with 2 bedrooms/shared ensuite.
  • Rooms have 2 or 4 single beds (in bunks).
  • Cupboard and closet, table, desk space for 2, 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, 3-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.

Bunk bedsDormitories (sleep 80 students and 8 tutors)

  • Heron (4 rooms – sleeps 24):
    • Heron 1 and Heron 2 educational staff rooms each have 4 single beds and an ensuite.
    • Heron 3 and Heron 4 student rooms each have 8 single beds (in bunks).
  • Noddy and Shearwater (each have 4 rooms – sleep 32 each):
    • Each room has 8 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

  • Outdoor breakout areas.
  • Tables, seating and equipment can be configured to suit your requirements.