{"product_id":"heron-island-nature-tour-artist-retreat-17-22-february-2027-deposit-of-1130-00","title":"HERON ISLAND NATURE TOUR - ARTIST RETREAT: 17 – 22 February 2027 - $4,520.00","description":"\u003cp\u003eBook your nature artist Barrier Reef Island retreat now! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExperience 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeron 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!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Heron Island Nature Tour includes: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereturn boat trip from Gladstone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 nights' accommodation and food at the Heron Island Resort\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003enature journaling with Julia Landford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eart workshops with Jessica Riese\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecitizen science activities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea range of nature walks exploring the reef, island vegetation, birds and turtles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eevening walks around the island\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea visit to the University of Queensland's Research Station (optional extra)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone reef snorkelling experience or glass bottom boat trip\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003efree time for snorkelling\/diving* on the barrier reef surrounds, or relaxing in the pool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea sunset cruise with drinks and much more! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDates:  25 February - 2 March 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Boat departs from Gladstone on Wednesday 17 February, and returns on Monday 22 February 2027.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eFlights 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCost: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwin 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle accommodation (not sharing) is available by application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur expert nature tour art and science team:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTravel with naturalists\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulia and Alan Landford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewho 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulia Landford \u003c\/strong\u003eis the team leader and Founding Director of NatureArt Lab and brings substantial experience with natural history, nature journalling and tour management. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlan Landford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehas 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eJessica Riese \u003c\/b\u003eis 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJessica 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.  \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNature Tour Cancellation policy: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf NatureArt Lab has to cancel a nature tour due to undersubscription, you will receive a refund of all payments made for that tour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact us at info@natureartlab.com.au if you have any questions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"bird on nest\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/45-heron-feb19-gen-031_480x480.jpg?v=1664609706\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"marine research centre with person\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/heron-island-research-station-tour_480x480.jpg?v=1664609565\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"snorkeling the barrier reef\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/snorkelling-shark-bay_480x480.jpg?v=1664609610\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"sunset cruise\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/sunset-cruise_480x480.jpg?v=1664609620\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatureArt Lab Awards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhotos: courtesy of Heron Island Resort, and Julia Landford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NatureArt Lab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43076125458495,"sku":null,"price":1130.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/IMG_1743.heic?v=1776561090","url":"https:\/\/natureartlab.com.au\/products\/heron-island-nature-tour-artist-retreat-17-22-february-2027-deposit-of-1130-00","provider":"NatureArt Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}