Heron Island Eco Resort
8th-13th February 2027
5 nights / 6 days
Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusive of ferry from Gladstone, accommodation, breakfast, dinner, snorkel gear hire, ocean activities and education sessions.
Starting from AUD $3,195
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
Expert photography guidance from professional wildlife photographer Ross Long - Obtain all of my creative knowledge that I've gained over the course of my career
Reef and wildlife guide - Ross is an honorary guest of Heron Island and has photographed multiple campaigns and photoshoots here. - He understands the tides, currents, reefs and conditions more than most people.
Education and awareness from on-site marine biologists. We will have access to the Heron Island Research Center and Heron Island Activities Center where we can join a range of tours.
Access to prime photography locations at sunrise and sunset. Dates align with the high tide at sunrise that attracts the most marine life in the island's channel.
Small group experience - my hatchling workshops are capped at eight guests to allow for better photographs and deeper connections.
Includes beachside accommodation, return ferry, breakfast, dinner, ocean activities, snorkel hire, reef tax, education sessions, workshop workbook, workshop t shirt, image and video gallery and much more.
From December to May each year, the sands of the dunes come alive as green turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests and embark on a remarkable journey to the ocean—a race for survival that’s as awe-inspiring as it is fleeting.
Join professional wildlife photographer Ross Long for an intimate retreat to Heron Island, a world class destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the underwater world. With average visibility of 20m and average water temperatures of 28 degrees, this island retreat is the perfect location to enhance your photography and videography skills.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island offer ideal conditions for snorkellers at all levels. The excellent visibility and various depths means that there is variety for all levels. Don't have an underwater camera? That's okay, I have a range of action cameras that you are welcome to use.
I’ll be leading an exclusive workshop for a small group of four, offering a unique opportunity to learn how to capture these incredible moments both on land and underwater. Designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, this intimate experience allows for personalised guidance and hands-on instruction.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner looking to learn a new skill, Heron Island offers an unforgettable experience where you will learn, make new friends and encounter moments that will change your life.
This is what you can expect from my Heron Island Photography Retreat
This is where your experience separates from other workshops and expeditions. There will be group and individual tuition sessions. Refer to the list of education sessions in the FAQs that are included in the workshop. You will also gain access to all my digital e-learning products and a dedicated workshop workbook.
You don't need to worry about a thing. I have created a schedule that will make the most of the time that we have on the island to maximise your experience. This itinerary is often flexible to accommodate conditions. I can assure you that we will not be kept away from the best moments, I design the workshop around the daily conditions to ensure we maximise our experience.
Heron Island is a pristine marine sanctuary, here I can personally guarantee that you will witness more marine life than ever before. During 2026, I spent a total of 47 days on the Southern GBR and saw a turtle hatchling every single day. In the water I also encountered turtles, manta rays, sharks, rays and more.
We limit the size of my workshop to eight guests so that we can provide an intimate experience and form better connections. It also results in better photographs. This differs to all workshops I know that often start with a minimum of ten guests. Learn with like minded people and make new friends.
The experience includes everything from accommodation, meals, ferry, reef tax, education sessions, ocean activities, snorkelling gear hire and much more.
Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting.
I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired.
I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.
Sunshine Coast, AUS
Ross is an absolute legend! His knowledge of underwater photography and marine life is incredible, and he’s so generous with his expertise and time. He catered to every level in the group and brought amazing energy and positivity, making the trip really welcoming.
Thanks to Ross’s guidance and local knowledge we saw so much. A highlight was our treat of mantas surface-feeding through the coral on a day with unreal visibility. My Lady Elliot Island experience was unforgettable thanks to him. Highly recommend!
Auckland, NZ
Ross went over and above to ensure all attendees expectations were met. If you want to learn more about nature and wildlife as well as photography, Lady Elliot Island and Ross are a perfect match.
Brisbane, AUS
I recently joined Ross Long’s photography retreat to Lady Elliot Island, and it was truly a life-changing experience. As someone who has always been afraid of the ocean, I arrived feeling nervous and even a little petrified. From the very beginning, Ross was warm, welcoming, and reassuring, which made all the difference.
Throughout the week, I not only learned so much about photography and editing but also had the chance to experience the magic of the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Swimming alongside turtles, manta rays, and so many other incredible sea creatures was both humbling and exhilarating.
By the end of the retreat, my fear had shifted to gratitude — I even found myself needing to have one last swim to say goodbye to the turtles. This retreat wasn’t just about photography; it was about connection, courage, and seeing the world through a new lens.
Thank you, Ross, for creating such a supportive and unforgettable experience.
Sydney, AUS
Best experience of my life! 🦈 So incredibly lucky to learn from the most talented photographer Ross! He is so cool & kind. He goes above and beyond! Thank-you!
Melbourne, Aus
12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day🪼🩵
Gold Coast, AUS
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!
Jervis Bay, AUS
Ross made the experience really beautiful. His knowledge is on another level. He really helped get my photography to where I want it to be. I got the best photo of a turtle and I can't get over it. Everyone was so much fun and I loved sharing all these experiences with people. Thanks Ross!
Monterrey, Mexico
An experience I will never forget. It really changed my life. Seeing my first ever turtle hatchlings on Heron was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Sydney, AUS
Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting.
I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired.
I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.
Sunshine Coast, AUS
Ross is an absolute legend! His knowledge of underwater photography and marine life is incredible, and he’s so generous with his expertise and time. He catered to every level in the group and brought amazing energy and positivity, making the trip really welcoming.
Thanks to Ross’s guidance and local knowledge we saw so much. A highlight was our treat of mantas surface-feeding through the coral on a day with unreal visibility. My Lady Elliot Island experience was unforgettable thanks to him. Highly recommend!
Auckland, NZ
Ross went over and above to ensure all attendees expectations were met. If you want to learn more about nature and wildlife as well as photography, Lady Elliot Island and Ross are a perfect match.
Brisbane, AUS
I recently joined Ross Long’s photography retreat to Lady Elliot Island, and it was truly a life-changing experience. As someone who has always been afraid of the ocean, I arrived feeling nervous and even a little petrified. From the very beginning, Ross was warm, welcoming, and reassuring, which made all the difference.
Throughout the week, I not only learned so much about photography and editing but also had the chance to experience the magic of the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Swimming alongside turtles, manta rays, and so many other incredible sea creatures was both humbling and exhilarating.
By the end of the retreat, my fear had shifted to gratitude — I even found myself needing to have one last swim to say goodbye to the turtles. This retreat wasn’t just about photography; it was about connection, courage, and seeing the world through a new lens.
Thank you, Ross, for creating such a supportive and unforgettable experience.
Sydney, AUS
Best experience of my life! 🦈 So incredibly lucky to learn from the most talented photographer Ross! He is so cool & kind. He goes above and beyond! Thank-you!
Melbourne, Aus
12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day🪼🩵
Gold Coast, AUS
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!
Jervis Bay, AUS
Ross made the experience really beautiful. His knowledge is on another level. He really helped get my photography to where I want it to be. I got the best photo of a turtle and I can't get over it. Everyone was so much fun and I loved sharing all these experiences with people. Thanks Ross!
Monterrey, Mexico
An experience I will never forget. It really changed my life. Seeing my first ever turtle hatchlings on Heron was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Sydney, AUS
This workshop caters for all levels from those with absolutely no experience in the water to those that are avid underwater photographers. Maybe you're an aspiring wildlife photographer and wanting to improve your photography, this photography retreat will provide you with the knowledge to become better equipped and more comfortable at using your camera. Or perhaps you're already comfortable with your camera and just want to improve your skills. Or perhaps you don't even have an underwater camera and want to borrow an acition camera from me to see how it feels to become an underwater photographer.
This immersive experience does not focus only on camera settings. It will provide you with practical mindset techniques to help you anticipate and maintain patience that are essential in capturing breathtaking wildlife photography. You will also learn all about the marine life we encounter. There will be editing sessions too so you can get better at editing your photos and videos.
Any camera or action camera is suitable for this photography retreat. If you do not have an underwater camera, I have a GoPro, Insta 360 and Joby SeaPal for phones that can be borrowed. Included in the trip is snorkel hire. It is recommended however that you bring your own swimwear, wetsuits, rashies or wetsuit tops.
There are a huge range of animals that we will encounter on Heron Island, this includes a large diversity of ray life including Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Cow Tail Rays, White & Black Tip Reef Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Turtles, Octopus, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks and much much more.
I have created an itinerary so you don't need to worry about a thing.
Arrive into paradise and feel the energy shift as you step foot off the boat on to Heron Island. After check-in and a light lunch, we’ll kick off with a welcome session introducing the island’s vibrant ecosystem, our photography goals, and essential gear prep. As golden hour approaches, we’ll head onto the beach for our first hatchling shoot and then enjoy a peaceful sunset over the coral cay to ease into the creative flow.
Start the day snorkeling over vibrant reef at sunrise, learning how to compose striking wide-angle reefscapes and harness ambient light. In the afternoon, dive or snorkel with turtles and rays as we refine techniques for capturing scale, depth, and the vibrant life of the reef. Expect close encounters and big ocean energy. Later in the evening we will walk the beach looking for hatchlings.
This morning is all about turtles. We’ll photograph nesting turtles in the morning and keep a look out for hatchlings. Then we'll enter the water and look for green and loggerhead turtles gliding through coral and surfacing for air, the perfect subjects to master manual camera settings. We'll also visit the famous cleaning station. Back on land, we’ll cover white balance, RAW shooting, and colour correction, followed by a hatchling walk looking for erupting hatchling nests.
We’ll start the day looking nesting turtles and hatchlings. We will then head to the cleaning stations where manta rays often swoop in like ocean angels. Capture motion, contrast, and dynamic frames as these gentle giants glide effortlessly past. We'll explore slow shutter techniques and subject tracking, then regroup in the afternoon for editing insights and visual storytelling tips. There will then be big focus on underwater video in the afternoon. We will finish up with a hatchling walk looking for baby turtles and try advance our photography techniques.
Today’s focus is on telling stories through sequences. Capturing emotion, behaviour, and patterns in the reef. We will start to put together all of our photos and videos and look to fill in the gaps of what we are hoping to capture. You’ll snorkel or dive through bommies, sandy lagoons, and fish-filled channels, honing your creative vision. The afternoon is yours: shoot more, relax, or review your favourite images in a casual feedback session. We'll enjoy our final sunset on the island with casual drinks and more turtle hatchlings.
Greet the final morning with a sunrise snorkel in the channel to enjoy some of the best colours on the great barrier reef. We’ll gather for a final wrap-up session, reviewing your progress, celebrating your best shots, and sharing resources to continue your underwater journey. Depart inspired, with salty hair and a memory card full of magic.
Travel & Accommodation
• Return ferry transfers from Gladstone
• 5 nights accommodation on Heron Island
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Two course dinner each evening
• Environmental Management Reef Charge
Ocean & Wildlife Experiences
• Full snorkel equipment hire
• Guided snorkelling sessions with in water tuition
• Turtle hatchling and nesting access during peak season
• Sunrise and sunset guided wildlife sessions
• Island and reef ecology interpretation sessions
• Island activities, talks and Research Center tour
Education & Mentorship
This is where your experience separates from other workshops.
• Welcome orientation and intention setting session
• Underwater photography fundamentals
• Action camera mastery session
• Introduction to freediving and underwater movement techniques
• Advanced underwater techniques and composition
• Mastering natural light
• Artificial Light Masterclass: Strobes and Video lights
• Storytelling for conservation and emotional impact
• Exposure mastery and manual shooting confidence
• Lightroom editing masterclass
• Video editing workflow for short form and long form
• Social media strategy for wildlife creators
• Ethical wildlife interaction principles
• Daily image review and personalised feedback
• Small group mentorship with Ross
Creative Assets & Resources
• Exclusive 2027 Heron Island Workshop T Shirt
• Professional video and photo package from the week
• Digital education workbook
• Editing presets designed for ocean photography
• Pre workshop Q&A
• Packing and camera setup guide
• Post workshop online group mentoring session
• Private alumni community access
• Certificate of completion
• Early access to future workshops
• Loyalty pricing for returning guests
• Optional underwater camera hire
Everything you need to enjoy the photography retreat is included other than soft drinks, hot drinks, alcohol and any other activities outside of the workshop scope (scuba diving for example).
A buffet breakfast and two course dinner is included in the experience for each night of the workshop.
The accommodation options are either private or shared.
Reef Room - Private accommodation
Reef Rooms are located in close to the beach. The comfortable, compact rooms include an en-suite bathroom with shower. With two rooms in each grouping, all Reef Rooms are at a convenient ground level and feature a delightful timber deck and outdoor area. Reef Rooms are close to North Beach.
You can learn more about the Reef Rooms here
Reef Family Room - Shared Accommodation
Reef Family Rooms are found in 2 locations. Close to the jetty, resort facilities and near the Marine Center. The Reef Family Room interiors are light and comfortable; featuring modern streamlined bathrooms that match the lines of the living room. The stunning living areas face onto the water. They include
an en-suite bathroom with shower. They sleep a maximum of 5 people. Guests will have their own bed. The rooms are shared between two guests.
You can learn more about the Reef Family Rooms here
The shared accommodation will be split so that boys and girls are in separate rooms if it is possible. If you would prefer to not share with a different sex, please let me know.
Included in the cost of the trip is the ferry that departs from Gladstone Marina. This takes roughly 2.5 hours. It is recommended that you take sea sickness tablets if you know you suffer or if you are not sure if you suffer from it.
There is free long term parking at the ferry terminal.
The group is small and capped at eight guests, this is so you can maximise the photography and filming aspect of the workshop without other guests getting in your shots. It is also for the well-being of wildlife and not feeling threatened by a large number of people.
Groups are usually female, with an average ratio of 6:2. Attendees are usually 20-60 years old with an average age of 28.
The days on the workshop are long and involve a lot of walking on uneven surfaces (sandy beaches). There are also long snorkelling sessions during the workshop. Guests should be comfortable with swimming at least 500m in open ocean unassisted as well as treading water for 10 minutes. Guests should have some experience snorkelling before the workshop.
Guests will be invited to participate in a snorkelling lesson in the pool before the first water session commences. All guests will participate in a boat snorkel on the first water sessions to grow confidence in the water and so I can understand what level everyone is at.
Snorkel gear is included as part of the experience, however if you have your own I recommend bringing it. Wetsuits are also available to hire at an additional cost. Again, I recommend bringing your own. You will become a much better and confident snorkeller if you use the same gear.
A summary of things to bring include:
Wetsuit, wetsuit top and wetsuit socks
Mask & Fins
Camera gear (anything from professional gear to action cameras)
Laptop
A comprehensive list of equipment will be sent to you when you book.
This experience is catered for everyone from snorkellers who have some experience to advanced snorkellers and beginner photographers to advance photographers. The purpose of the group sessions is to learn and experience together. There will be 1:1 sessions as part of the group session and individual 1:1 sessions throughout the trip.
Guests aged 50 years or older will be required to have a dive medical signed off by a doctor in order to participate.
Guests are allowed to bring 2 x bags which can weight a maximum of 23kg each.
Absolutely not, everyone will still have a fantastic experience in the water with an array of marine life. For those interested, I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to hire.
I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to hire.
It is essential that you purchase travel insurance upon putting a deposit down. The reason for this is that Heron Island is a tropical island two hours from the mainland. Weather can often cause disruptions to travel and therefore it is better to be covered and prepared for this so that you do not lose money if you miss connecting flights etc. Accidents also happen, it's important to ensure you are covered in case anything happens. Any medical assistance will require you to be airlifted from the island to the nearest hospital in either Rockhampton or Gladstone.
The water temperature in February/March can be up to 30 degrees and average visibility is 20 meters. Although it is warm, we will be doing long sessions in the water and getting in at sunrise and getting out after sunset, therefore it is important to ensure that you have a good wetsuit to keep you warm over this duration.
No, there are no stingers on the southern great barrier reef. However this is not to say it is impossible. In extremely rare cases there could be the possibility. But the chances are extremely low.
You do not need a weight belt, however if you are a confident and certified freediver, it is recommended you bring your own as the island will not hire these out.
