Lizard Island

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is 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 approximately 60 minutes.

With emphasis on the titular island and 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.

Accommodating just 40 room and suite types within the resort complex in addition to the exclusive four-bed accommodation The House, Lizard Island offers an immersive and exclusive experience.

The House at Lizard Island

A world-class reef house occupying its own private peninsula on Lizard Island, The House at Lizard is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Four bedrooms across the three-storey House and its accompanying Cottage offer direct beach access and outstanding seclusion, while your stay is facilitated through on-call servicing by your own private chef, sommelier, and expert host.

The Villa

With an outstanding cliff-top location, The Villa is Lizard Island’s popular private option with a spacious floorplan and stunning ocean vistas. Discover understated elegance and space perfect for couples and families with two ensuited bedrooms, a spacious lounge area with butler’s kitchen, and expansive outdoor deck overlooking the Coral Sea.

The Pavilion

Set atop a soaring ridge with panoramic ocean views, The Pavilion combines intimacy with spectacular panoramic views. Enjoy an expansive and integrated lounge area and wrap-around deck area that melds the indoors and outdoors, a spacious bedroom and well-equipped bathroom, a private plunge pool and gazebo perfect for a memorable romantic escape.

Beachfront Suites

Set upon the broad sweeping arc of Anchor Bay, these suites offer captivating sea views and uninterrupted beach access. The seamless blend of interior and exterior in an elegant and spacious open plan design offers the ultimate in luxurious comfort. Easy access to the main lodge and a large verandah with daybed are the highlights of the Beachfront Suites.

Oceanview Villas (Plunge Pool)

Oceanview Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge among native eucalyptus bushland and offer access to a string of secluded beaches. Enjoy remarkable sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach from your private deck with outdoor furniture, or upgrade your experience with the added luxury of a private plunge pool.

Gardenview Rooms and Suites

Located in a tropical garden with easy access to Anchor Bay and the beach club, Gardenview Rooms are exceptionally comfortable and have a private balcony with outdoor setting. Gardenview Suites with two separate sleeping areas are also available.

With ever-changing menus that draw inspiration from the local environment, Lizard Island offers a gourmet dining experience and a fine selection of wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay.

Salt Water Restaurant

Simple and relaxed, the Salt Water Restaurant offers idyllic surroundings with 180-degree ocean views of the Coral Sea. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner options made with the freshest local produce from the waters around the island and the hinterland of Tropical North Queensland.

Marlin Bar

Offering casual fare, the Marlin Bar offers wonderful cocktails, light meals, and friendly service. This is the only public bar on the island and invites sea-faring visitors to relax into the evenings with a weekly changing menu.

Beachfront Degustation

Two private gazebos are perfectly position on the shore of Anchor Bay, offering commanding views of Coral Sea sunsets. This popular dining experience includes a private 7-course degustation dinner with perfectly matched wines, coordinated by the Executive Chef to perfectly suit your occasion and tastes.

Lizard Island has seasonal closures between January and February at the peak of the Wet Season. Preferred dates of travel are between May – October each year, which is the Dry Season of Tropical North Queensland.