Heron Island Eco Resort
8th-14th November 2025
6 nights / 7 days
Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusive of ferry from Gladstone, accommodation, snorkel gear hire and ocean activities
Starting from AUD $2,595
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
Learn photography techniques directly in breathtaking natural settings, capturing real wildlife and landscapes rather than practicing in a classroom, this is not just for photographers, but people that want to get closer to nature
Experience and photograph extraordinary moments, like nesting turtles or unique marine life, that most people never get the chance to see
Receive one-on-one support tailored to your skill level, helping you improve faster whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer
Leave with a collection of professional-quality images from iconic locations, ready to showcase in your portfolio, social media, or as fine art prints
Join a small group of like-minded nature and travel enthusiasts, building friendships and networking opportunities that extend beyond the workshop
Where mating and nesting season overlaps which means interesting wildlife interactions
Each November, Heron Island becomes the stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary events — the green turtle mating and nesting season. In the shallows, you can witness the graceful courtship of turtles in crystal-clear waters, while along the soft sandy dunes, under the light of dawn or a starlit sky, female turtles haul themselves ashore to dig their nests and lay the next generation of life.
Join professional wildlife photographer Ross Long for an intimate retreat to Heron Island — a world-class destination for anyone wanting to experience and capture the magic of the underwater world. With average visibility of 20 metres and warm water temperatures around 28 degrees, Heron Island offers perfect conditions for photographing both marine life and coastal scenes. Snorkellers of all levels will find plenty to explore, with diverse depths and habitats teeming with life. No underwater camera? No problem — I’ll have a range of action cameras for you to use.
This exclusive workshop is limited to just eight participants, giving you personalised guidance, hands-on instruction, and the time to truly immerse yourself in the art of wildlife photography. Whether on land or underwater, you’ll learn how to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments while deepening your connection with nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or picking up a camera for the first time, this retreat offers more than technical skills — it’s about creating memories, making new friends, and experiencing moments that will stay with you forever.
This is what you can expect from my Heron Island Photography Retreat
There will be group and individual tuition session. I will sit with you to help assist and answer any questions you may have
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
Heron Island is a pristine marine sanctuary, here I can personally guarantee that you will witness more marine life than ever before
We limit the size of my workshop to eight people so that we can provide an intimate experience. Learn with like minded people and make new friends.
Return ferry from Gladstone, accommodation, equipment hire and ocean activities.
If you’re an aspiring wildlife photographer wanting to grow your skills, this retreat will give you the knowledge and confidence to capture the moments you dream of. If you’re already comfortable with your camera, you’ll have the chance to refine your techniques and push your creativity further. And if you don’t yet own an underwater camera, you’re welcome to borrow one of my action cameras and experience the thrill of photographing beneath the surface for the very first time.
You’ll learn how to confidently capture both the beauty and the story of your subjects — from the intimate details of a nesting turtle at sunrise to the vibrant life beneath the waves. I’ll guide you through camera settings, composition, and lighting in real-world conditions, showing you how to adapt quickly to changing environments. You’ll discover techniques for both land and underwater photography, tips for ethical wildlife photography, and ways to create images that evoke emotion and connection. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have new technical skills, but also a stronger creative vision and a deeper understanding of how to tell powerful stories through your images.
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. A comprehensive recommended camera gear guide and packing list will be sent to you so that you will have everything you need before arriving into paradise.
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 water shoot and then enjoy a peaceful sunset over the coral cay to ease into the creative flow.
Start the day wondering the beach looking for nesting turtles. We will then jump into the water for snorkeling over vibrant reef, 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.
This morning is all about turtles. We’ll photograph nesting turtles in the morning. Then we'll enter the water and look for green turtles mating. We'll also visit the famous cleaning station. Back on land, we’ll cover white balance, RAW shooting, and colour correction, followed by a evening walk focussing on story telling aspects and how we capture little details to enhance our stories.
We’ll start the day looking nesting turtles. 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 evening snorkel walk 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 sunset on the island with casual drinks and learn how to capture powerful portrait photos.
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. The afternoon we will focus on social media and what to do with everything we have captured.
The last day on the island before catching the ferry at 1pm, we will spend the morning snorkelling the high tide to capture the large number of rays. We will gather for one last breakfast, pack up our things and relax before leaving.
Return ferry transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island
Choice of comfortable accommodation — private or shared options available
Two incredible boat trips to the outer reef, exploring vibrant coral gardens and marine life
All snorkelling gear provided for the duration of your stay
Access to island activities such as guided reef walks, night glass-bottom boat tours, wildlife encounters, and fish feeding experiences
Personalised photography and videography tuition, both on land and underwater
Unlimited time to snorkel the island’s pristine lagoon and surrounding reefs at your own pace
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is not included and the only additional cost needed when on the island.
If you would like to do any scuba diving, this is also not included.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will need to be purchased from the restaurant on the day. Soft drinks, hot drinks and alcohol is an additional expense.
The accommodation options are either private or shared.
Reef Room - Private accommodation
Reef Rooms are located close to the beach within a garden setting made up of pisonia trees, which come alive when birds are nesting. The comfortable, compact rooms include an en-suite bathroom with shower. With two rooms in each grouping, all Turtle 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 single bed.
You can learn more about the Reef Family Rooms here
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.
There are no luggage restrictions.
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.
Wetsuit, wetsuit top and wetsuit socks
Mask & Fins
Weight belt (also available to hire)
Camera gear (anything from professional gear to action cameras)
Laptop
A comprehensive list of equipment will be sent to you when you book.
While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, having some snorkelling and swimming experience will help you get the most out of this workshop. We will spend time in open ocean during certain activities, so being comfortable in the water will allow you to fully enjoy and participate. If you’re not a confident swimmer or have limited snorkelling experience, you can still join — I’ll provide guidance, support, and equipment to help you feel safe and comfortable in the water. Groups will be split into two to cater for different experience levels.
This experience is catered for everyone from absolute beginners to advanced 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.
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 use for a small fee.
I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use for a small fee.
I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.Travel insurance is highly recommended for any unforeseen circumstances
The water temperature in November can be up to 28 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.
A weight belt isn’t essential for this workshop, but it can make a noticeable difference when photographing underwater. Using one is considered a more advanced form of snorkelling, and for safety reasons, it should only be used by those who have completed a freediving course. If you are freedive certified and wish to use a weight belt, please bring your own belt and weights, as the island does not hire them out. Please note that weight belts are not permitted on the two outer reef boat trips.
A preset pack that actually works. I've been trying to get these colours for so long.
Cairns, Aus
I'm so grateful for the video that's included to help walk me through your editing process
Sydney, AUS
These presets actually helped me overcome that feeling of not knowing where to start. They made my images so much better.
Los Angeles, CA
I couldn't be happier with the quality of my print. The image and framing was top notch! Thanks!
Sydney, AUS
I have brought my love for turtles indoors with one of Ross's beautiful framed prints of a turtle from Heron Island.
Gold Coast, AUS
I love the details I received with my print. The story of how the image was captured and the certificate of authenticity made it feel like I have a collector's item.
Byron Bay, AUS
Really happy with my prints. Easy, no fuss, good quality and ready to be hung straight from unpacking.
Gold Coast, AUS
This was the perfect gift and showed up in no time at all. Thanks!
Sydney, AUS
A preset pack that actually works. I've been trying to get these colours for so long.
Cairns, Aus
I'm so grateful for the video that's included to help walk me through your editing process
Sydney, AUS
These presets actually helped me overcome that feeling of not knowing where to start. They made my images so much better.
Los Angeles, CA
I couldn't be happier with the quality of my print. The image and framing was top notch! Thanks!
Sydney, AUS
I have brought my love for turtles indoors with one of Ross's beautiful framed prints of a turtle from Heron Island.
Gold Coast, AUS
I love the details I received with my print. The story of how the image was captured and the certificate of authenticity made it feel like I have a collector's item.
Byron Bay, AUS
Really happy with my prints. Easy, no fuss, good quality and ready to be hung straight from unpacking.
Gold Coast, AUS
This was the perfect gift and showed up in no time at all. Thanks!
Sydney, AUS
