Book your nature artist Barrier Reef Island retreat now! 

"The Heron Island Nature Tour was one of the best nature experiences I have ever had. The opportunity to get together with like-minded people and to learn about nature through art in such a beautiful setting is probably unique in Australia. The coordinating team were flexible, attentive and very knowledgeable." Penny

Experience the best of nature on Heron Island, world famous for its spectacular coral reef and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine and bird life. 

Heron Island is a National Marine Park in the Great Barrier Reef Protected Zone, and provides important habitat for unique flora and fauna. Our nature activities include exploring the ancient Pisonia Forest surrounding your beachside cabin during the peak breeding season for the Black Noddy Terns and Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters. See female turtles laying eggs and turtle hatchlings emerging, making their way to the sea for their epic ocean voyages. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy our sunset cruise!

During this nature tour, document your observations through nature journaling with NatureArt Lab Director Julia Landford, and vibrant ink artist with Jessica Riese. There are also lots of opportunities to photograph amazing wildlife during the week with incredible birds and marine species all around you. 

Our Heron Island Nature Tour includes: 

• return boat trip from Gladstone
• 5 nights' accommodation and food at the Heron Island Resort
• nature journaling with Julia Landford
• art workshops with Jessica Riese
• citizen science activities
• a range of nature walks exploring the reef, island vegetation, birds and turtles
• evening walks around the island
• a visit to the University of Queensland's Research Station (optional extra)
• one reef snorkelling experience or glass bottom boat trip
• free time for snorkelling/diving* on the barrier reef surrounds, or relaxing in the pool
• a sunset cruise with drinks and much more! 

Dates:  25 February - 2 March 2026

- Boat departs from Gladstone on Wednesday 17 February, and returns on Monday 22 February 2027. Flights into Gladstone should be booked for Tuesday 16 February (we will have a social catch up on the evening of 16 February, and depart from Gladstone wharf very early on 17 Feb); return flights from Gladstone can be booked for after 4.30pm on 22 February. 

Cost:

• Twin share room (min 2 people per booking) $4,520.00 per person inclusive of return boat fares from Gladstone, all accommodation (double/twin share with air-conditioned rooms), food, tutored art workshops, guided walks and talks.
• Single accommodation (not sharing) is available by application.

A 25% deposit of $1,130.00 inc GST is required to confirm your place; the balance of $3,390.00 is due by 20 December 2027.  

Our expert nature tour art and science team: Travel with naturalists Julia and Alan Landford who have led expeditions to Heron Island, Montague Island, Cape York and the Atherton Tablelands, and Tasmania, and internationally to Borneo, Costa Rica, The Galapagos Islands and other destinations.

Julia Landford is the team leader and Founding Director of NatureArt Lab and brings substantial experience with natural history, nature journalling and tour management. 

Alan Landford has a scientific background in zoology, specialising in entomology from the Australian National University. He also has substantial wildlife experience from Australia and Papua New Guinea, and other regions. 

Jessica Riese is a bird-enthusiast and science communicator who has been drawing for as long as she can remember. She loves experimenting with new media, painting with bright colours and using expressive lines.

Jessica has had four years of experience as a graphic designer and freelance artist, while completing her undergraduate studies in molecular biology, and post-graduate degree in science communication. She has worked with an extensive range of mediums, including - but not limited to - watercolour, inks, coloured pencil chalk pastels and oil paints. She also has a passion for the great outdoors and is constantly inspired by the world around her.   

Nature Tour Cancellation policy: 

We strongly recommend that participants take out comprehensive travel insurance against injury, illness, emergency medical evacuation, loss and damage to personal belongings, not being able to travel on a confirmed date of departure or tour cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.  

Any cancellations after the deposit is paid will incur loss of the full deposit, which helps to cover our costs for design and management of the tour program and early supplier costs incurred. 

For cancellations 120 to 60 days before departure 50% of the cost of the tour will be forfeited. If cancellation takes place 59 days or less before the start date 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited. 

If NatureArt Lab has to cancel a nature tour due to undersubscription, you will receive a refund of all payments made for that tour.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

NatureArt Lab Awards

2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT

2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. 

Photos: courtesy of Heron Island Resort, and Julia Landford