Master Reef Guide I Naturalist Guide I Marine Biologist | Heron Island Resort | Southern Great Barrier Reef (Cohort 2)
Master Reef Guide Rachael has had the privilege of being the resident Naturalist Guide and Marine Biologist on Heron Island for the past three 3 years. Heron Island is a small coral cay on the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, 72km off the Gladstone mainland.
Rachael’s passion for the marine environment started at a young age. Growing up on the Tweed Coast, she was always in the water, exploring and learning about the ocean’s residents. This passion led her to pursue a career as a marine biologist.
Being the resident naturalist guide on Heron Island, Rachael lives and breathes her passion for the Great Barrier Reef and its protection every day. Her role involves educating guests from around the world about the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area through guided reef walks at low tide, semi-submersible reef tours, island and bird walks, kayak tours, stargazing and hosting educational presentations.
Rachael delivers tours in a way that is fun and educational with so much enthusiasm and passion that it’s infectious. Rachael always includes a take home conservation message and especially enjoys educating the younger guests on marine conservation through the renowned Junior Rangers Program. Rachael believes the greatest joy in her role is seeing guests and staff inspired by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and wanting to be a part of its protection.
“It was a privilege to be selected as a part of the Master Reef Guide program. The field school on Fitzroy Island in Cairns was a highlight. It was a great feeling to be in the presence of and learning from highly regarded experts. I enjoyed meeting, networking and learning from my fellow Master Reef Guides who share my passion. I am so proud to be a part of this support network of amazing and talented ambassadors for the Great Barrier Reef”.
