The Barrier Reef - Marine National Park.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine National Park consists of a maze of Coral cay's, landmass Islands and reefs which stretch the length of the Queensland coast, from Torres Strait in the north to off shore Fraser Island in the south. The Swains Reef extending up to three hundred and fifty kilometers off the Central Queensland coast. It is the largest coral reef system in the world, sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder and is home to some 1500 species of fish, the southern reef being home to over 1200 of these.

The islands of the Southern Barrier Reef consist of the Capricorn Group of Islands and reefs with the Bunker group further to the south. This section of the Great Barrier Reef National Park is possibly the most pristine of all the accessible sections of the reef being one hundred kilometers off shore and not affected by coastal runoff.
All of the islands and reefs in the Capricorn and Bunker Group are Coral Cay's, built up over thousands of years by the corals themselves. In the northwest corner of Wistari Reef adjacent to near by Heron Island, an island in the process of being born can be witnessed.



The crystal clear waters of the Southern Barrier Reef.
A visit to this special part of Queensland is not complete without a stay on Heron Island. This beautiful Coral Cay is only one in the chain of islands that form Capricorn Group and is also one of the most affordable of all the resort islands on the Barrier Reef with all meals included in the tariff.
Heron Island offers all the water activities associated with the Barrier Reef. From reef walking at low tide which gives the visitor a close look at the reef inhabitants to scuba diving for the more advanced, scuba diving lessons are also held at certificate level for those who would like to venture in to this under water wonder land. Snorkeling for the less adventurous also allows you to take in the magic of the reef.

The trip to Heron Island departs from Gladstone Marina on a daily basis, a short twenty minute drive from Boyne Island and takes around an hour and a half. Bookings for Heron can be made through your travel agent or made while staying with us at A Beach 'N Reef Motel. This will allow you to take advantage of the special offers and standby rates that are available at various times of the year.


The Green Turtle.
From January through to March female Turtles are seen coming ashore mainly in the evening to dig a nest in the sand and lay their eggs, on Heron and the surrounding Islands as well as remote sections of the mainland coastline. As this female now covering over her hard nights work after which she will slowly make her way bown the beach and back into the open sea.
During February, March the young hatchlings begin and continue to erupt from the nests in the thousands and make an instinctive dash for the sea. Only a very small percentage of these little hatchlings will make it to matutity as many will fall victim to the waiting sea birds and larger sea life.


During the months of September, October Humpback Whales with new born calves are not an uncommon sight in Barrier Reef waters, frolicking in the warm waters as they slowly make their way back south to the Antarctic.

Reef Jet Day Cruise - An Eco Experience.

Ride in air conditioned comfort to two of the world’s natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and its World Heritage Listed Fitzroy Reef Lagoon or Pancake Creek, home to some of Australia’s best estuarine coral, surrounded by the rainforest of Eurimbula National Park. Immerse yourself in awesome beauty as you snorkel or dive over coral reef teaming with a kaleidoscope of marine life or simply enjoy an armchair view from the glass-bottom boat. Become totally absorbed by the natural splendour observing turtles, dolphins, whales and a myriad of fish species in their natural habitat. Learn about reef and estuarine ecosystems with informative commentary from our marine biologist. The Reef Jet experience is an unforgettable blend of beauty, relaxation and adventure for all ages. Whatever trip you choose, you’ll take home a greater understanding of one of the world’s most diverse and delicate eco-systems.


Bob Of Boyne.