The Goliath Heron is predominantly found in aquatic environments, both coastal and inland, and tends to stay close to water sources. Its preferred habitats include the shallow edges of large lakes, lagoons, and extensive river systems. It typically hunts in deeper water and around floating vegetation away from the shore. It can also be found in various shallow water bodies such as rivers, lakes (both saltwater and freshwater), marshes, swamps, tidal estuaries, reefs, and occasionally mangrove creeks and water holes.