Turtle hatchlings scurrying across the beach, stingrays lumbering in waters so clear they can be seen from the jetty, the eerie lament of mutton birds – these are just some of the sights and sounds that greeted University of Queensland grads and guests at a recent Heron Island Alumni Weekend.
Little wonder reservations sold out in under an hour and threatened to crash the system. In the end, over 100 enthusiastic participants enjoyed a weekend immersed in UQ Research Station tours and talks, snorkelling, guided reef and turtle walks – and, oh yes, good company.
Feedback was exceptional and, despite the idyllic surrounds, it was the talks that appealed most to this audience. “I felt I was gaining... knowledge and it’s actually made me want to learn some more,” said UQ Master of Dental Science alumna, Dr Caroline Acton.
UQ Agricultural Science alum, Mitchell Faint, shared that the opportunity has been very special and humbling for him and his family who live in regional Queensland.
Staff and volunteers from Heron Island Research Station and CoralWatch were instrumental in curating that experience, the first of other unique travel learning experiences UQ expects to offer alumni. Subscribe at the UQ alumni events page to stay up to date. And remember, you don’t need Alumni Weekend for a visit to the Heron Island Research Station.
Read more about the Heron Island research Alumni Weekend.
