Let's face it, if angels had a choice they wouldn't be bounding from cloud to cloud playing harps or polishing their halos. They'd be snorkelling through aquamarine waters, exploring stunning coral gardens and sunbathing on the shores of a secluded tropical island.

Discover Heaven on Earth at Heron Island, a spectacular coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World first-hand for only $1,099 (value $2,081). Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2012, Heron Island Resort boasts an onsite restaurant, bar, lounge, tennis court, spa and pool.

One of the few true Great Barrier Reef Islands, you can literally step off the island's pristine beaches and you are ON the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the coral gardens surrounding the shores, or take a quick five minute boat trip to one of the 20+ dive and snorkel sites on the reefs edge.

You and a loved one will spend three unforgettable nights in a Reef Room. You will enjoy daily breakfast, lunch and two course or buffet dinner for two so you won't have to worry about cooking. Snorkel gear hire is covered for the duration of your stay – perfect for exploring the island's crystal clear aquamarine waters and diverse marine life. Kids under 12 can stay with all meals included at no extra cost when sharing with adults and using existing bedding, so why not make it a family holiday?

Each recently refurbished Reef Room features interiors that are light and comfortable with a living area extending outdoors to a balcony or garden. The rooms include an ensuite bathroom, ceiling fans, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, beach towels, clock radio, ironing facilities, extra pillows and blankets, hairdryers and umbrellas. Family room configurations are available (subject to availability) with a maximum of three to five people depending on configuration. Disabled access is also available.

Add a night on the exclusive Wilson Island including all meals and alcoholic & soft drinks for two for a total of $1,799 – that's only $700 more (value $3,220). Wilson Island is a private island offering safari style tent accommodation. There are only six tents allowed on the entire island, with a maximum of twelve guests on the island at one time. Untouched, untainted and understated, you'll share Wilson Island with a privileged few including your own chef and bartender. The island is completely natural with sandy floors in the living areas and just enough solar power for an iPod, a cold drink and a hot shower. In 2011 Wilson Island was recommended by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the ten best island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef. It's the perfect romantic holiday retreat!

Travelling to Heron Island is easy. Regular flights to Gladstone are available via Brisbane with either Qantas or Strategic Airlines. Qantas flies to Brisbane from all capital cities. As of 4 March 2013,  Qantas will also be flying direct from Sydney to Gladstone. Once at Gladstone, boat transfers direct to Heron Island are included for two adults.

Boat transfers depart from Gladstone to Heron Island at 11am, and depart from Heron Island to Gladstone at 2pm (two hours each way). Flights arriving at Gladstone must arrive no later than 10am, and flights departing Gladstone must depart no earlier than 5pm to meet boat transfer times. Please confirm all transfer details by calling 1300 863 248.

If you're a nature lover, Heron Island really is a special place. It's 89km off the coast of Queensland, so it's not just another Great Barrier Reef resort – it's a resort on the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is right there at your fingertips. Heron Island is the place for divers, swimmers, and people who love to snorkel. It also offers an array of choices for those who like to explore and laze on beaches far from crowds, with no reef 'day-trippers' to spoil the peace and quiet.

Of course all the wildlife isn't purely aquatic; green turtles have made the beaches on the island their nesting home. So too have birds of all sizes and kinds, in numbers you simply will not believe. It's little wonder that Heron Island is part of a World Heritage listed area and home to one of Australia's premier marine research stations. The reef and its surroundings are in pristine condition. Meticulous planning has gone into making sure the environment and all the wildlife on the island are protected at all costs.


* Value calculated using high season rack rates as per www.wotif.com