When and where
Heron Island is at the southern end of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, in the State of Queensland. It is 72 km northeast of the ferry departure city of Gladstone. Brisbane is the closest major airport hub.
The Summit meets up on Sunday, 3 January 2010 and disbands on Friday, 8 January 2010. Sunday is devoted to traveling to the island, settling in, a nice evening meal and associated informalities. Check-in for the 11 AM ferry departure is at 1030 AM QLD time at the Gladstone Marina. The boat transfer duration is 2 hours in each direction.
For those not staying longer, Friday departure, after a leisurely morning, will be at 1430 Island time (1330 mainland time). Courtesy shuttles link the Gladstone Airport and Marina in both directions.
Island time is Queensland time +1 hr. More importantly, Australia is many hours ahead of most countries, so that airlines tend to arrive two days after they depart (e.g., a winter's evening departure from LA to Sydney or Brisbane takes 14 hours in the air and gains an additional 18 hours of clock time). If you plan to travel internationally to Gladstone, that means from many departure cities, Dec 31 will be your best latest date, giving you time to overnight before catching the ferry.
We'll provide more exacting details about making the boat and other travel logistics as the dates approach, but feel free to contact the organizing committee with any questions in the meantime.
- Where is Heron Island- map
- Voyages Heron Island Resort
- Heron Island Marine Research Station
- More about Heron Island
Costs
This by-invitation-only meeting has no registration fees, and we are offering partial attendance stipends to most participant due to the generosity of our sponsors.
Costs are also held in check by deeply discounted accommodation and transportation rates for Heron Island. We will assist you in securing you discounted booking, and that will be organized by personal email.
For 'twin share' (double occupancy) accommodations, with three meals per day, ferry transfer and sundry island costs, we anticipate costs starting at about $1500 AUD (Resort) or $1100 AUD (Marine Station with most meals at Resort) for the five nights, and rising slowly or quickly depending on your number of accompanying persons and or beers. Note that we have not forgotten to supply some decent wine, however.
For those who need it, we can cover up to a majority of these island costs. Payment will be be direct deposit reimbursement to your nominated bank account. You will be contacted by email regarding that before the conference.
Airfares are too various to account based on the diversity of departure cities, but unusually low international and internal fares are currently on offer from some carriers. International rates are particularly low for those arriving before the Christmas Holidays.
Activities
The meeting's work is wonderfully complemented and supported by the natural beauty and biological diversity of Heron Island and its waters. Several hours will be available each day for socializing and exploring. From viewing nesting seabirds and sea turtles, to snorkeling from shore and diving from boats, Heron Island and its Marine Station are a naturalist's paradise. Those from northerly realms are likely to enjoy simply being reacquainted with warm sand and green leaves as well.
We'll be providing more details on activities soon here. Also check the Resort links for activities, including programs for children.