Great Barrier Reef Swim at Heron Island

The Great Barrier Reef swim at Heron Island is arguably one of the most beautiful ocean swims in the world.
In the idyllic waters of tropical Queensland, the last weekend of October is dedicated to ocean swimming with events from Friday to Sunday.
It's not a swim event for the casuals, with the whole weekend costing close to a thousand dollars, but more details on pricing below.
Before you take to the water, you have a chance to take an ocean swimming course with former Olympian and Olympic coach Graeme Brewer.
The swim clinics with Brewer take place on the Friday, before jumping into the ocean swimming on the Saturday.

Swim courses

The Saturday event at the Great Barrier Reef swim at Heron Island is the short 1km course, which takes you around a reef off the coast of the island.
The full 3km course circumvents the island and has some of the most spectacular views of the ocean, and marine life in the world.
Unfortunately, kids aged 14 and under are unable to take part in the swim events, but those between 15 and 18 are eligible if they complete a mandatory swim clinic with Brewer and they're deemed capable enough to compete.
A short 1km swim (relative to the main event!) takes you around a reef off the coast of the island.

Heron Island circumnavigation

The 3km swim circumvents the island and has some of the most spectacular views of the ocean, and marine life in the world.

While you're there

Heron Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
It is renowned for its crystal clear water, white sands, and incredible flora and fauna.
In particular, it is a major nesting site for the green sea turtle, and you're more than likely to come across a few on your adventures.
Heron Island is also a breeding and nesting sanctuary for a diverse range of birds, and bird spotters are guaranteed to see a few exotic species.
All in all, keen ocean swimmers looking for a long weekend away should definitely consider the Great Barrier Reef Swim at Heron Island as a potential destination.

Travel and parking

Heron Island is situated 72km is off the coast of Gladstone, on the Great Barrier Reef.
Qantas and Virgin fly to Gladstone daily. From Gladstone, you can transfer to Heron Island by boat.

Results

2016 Results (2.8km | 1.2km) | 2015 Results (3km | 1km)