Lizard Island is set on the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system comprising nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. it is also the planet’s biggest single living structure made by billions of tiny organisms known as coral polyps. It stretches for over 2,600km, covering approximately 350,000 square kilometres.
A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use.
Lizard Island is accessible via scheduled or charter flight from Cairns. Approximately two light aircraft flights occur each day, taking around 60 minutes.
With emphasis on island-based activities and those on the surrounding Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island offers five-star experiences to match the five-star accommodation. The experienced and enthusiastic staff and guides will assist where needed. Either explore on your own at your leisure, or be accompanied by an expert guide at additional cost.
Enjoy unlimited use of non-motorised water sports including stand-up paddleboards, clear view sea kayaks, and snorkelling gear, as well as motorised dinghies to beach hop between white-sand beaches.
Discover a kaleidoscopic display of aquatic life in the surrounds of the island. Some estimated 1,500 different fish species exist within the region, with favourite species including Potato Cod, Giant Grouper, schooling trevallies, giant sweetlips, reef sharks, olive sea snakes, green turtles, rays, cuttlefish, anemone fish, giant clams, 300 species of hard coral in surrounding coral gardens, and more. Dolphins are often seen in the region, and seasonal Humpback and Minke whale watching is available between July to September.
Private vessel charters for fishing, snorkelling, dive excursions, or simply basking on the deck of a yacht can all be organised in advance at additional cost. Each journey is accompanied by a skipper who will tailor an itinerary to suit your preferences, including a consultation prior to travel, refreshments, and complimentary gear hire.
On land, take a serene, self-paced journey through the waters of Anchor Bay, go stargazing, stretch and unwind with yoga, enjoy a picnic hamper in an isolated spot on the beach, hike to the highest point of the island at Cook’s Look, or venture on a nature walk and talk with the island’s resident naturalists looking for birds and other wildlife.
Alongside optional add-ons including a Research Station tour and the on-site Essentia Day Spa, there’s activities for all kinds of adventurers at Lizard Island.
Lizard Island offers a range of luxury accommodation options designed to suit different needs and preferences, all while maintaining a strong connection to the island’s natural beauty. From expansive multi-bedroom houses with private access to the beach and personalised services like a private chef and sommelier, to intimate cliff-top villas with panoramic ocean views and private plunge pools, there is a perfect retreat for everyone.
Guests can also choose from beachfront suites with direct access to the sands of Anchor Bay or secluded oceanview villas nestled in native bushland. For those seeking a more casual but equally comfortable stay, gardenview rooms and suites are set amidst lush tropical surroundings. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group, Lizard Island offers a blend of privacy, elegance, and immersive natural beauty.
Lizard Island delivers an exceptional dining experience that draws on the fresh, local produce of Tropical North Queensland. With menus that change daily to reflect the island’s environment, guests can enjoy gourmet meals paired with a fine selection of wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. Whether dining at the resort’s main restaurant with its sweeping ocean views, relaxing with casual fare and cocktails at a beachside bar, or indulging in a private, multi-course degustation by the water, every meal on Lizard Island is thoughtfully curated to enhance the overall experience and celebrate the island’s natural surroundings.
