Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Location

Lady Elliot Island is a small coral cay located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the closest Great Barrier Reef landmass to Brisbane and lies within a Marine National Park forming part of the reef’s World Heritage Listed Area. Regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in the region, over 1,200 species of marine life can be found around the island.

Accommodation

Simple but comfortable, the island’s suites and cabins are designed to keep their impact on their surroundings to a minimum. Aside from the minimalist Eco Cabins, Garden Units feature polished timber floors, en suite bathrooms and a balcony to make the most of the garden views while Reef Units overlook the ocean itself. All rooms are under a 30-metre walk from the beach. The island’s premiere accommodation, its air-conditioned two bedroom suites, sit just off the beach and feature a separate lounge area and balcony with lagoon views.

Dining

Breakfast and dinner buffets at the appropriately named Beachfront Dining Room are included in your stay. Its spacious lagoon deck offers ocean views while guests can enjoy romantic seclusion on the quieter western deck. A tasty and wholesome menu is designed to fuel a day full of water-based exertion.

Due to its remote location, be sure to inform staff of any dietary requirements before arriving. Buffet lunches are also available or grab a light lunch in the attached Beachfront Café. In the evening, head to the Lagoon Bar to sip on cocktails as the sun sets over the waters.

Facilities

On Lady Elliot Island, nature takes centre stage. A range of guided tours familiarise you with the islands reefs, birds and marine life via glass-bottomed boats, walks and dives.

Located away from inshore rivers and the continental shelf, the waters surrounding the island are exceptionally clear, so expect visibility between 20-40m. Perfect for novices and the experienced alike, dives are reached by no more than a 10 minute boat ride, with a spectacular array of marine life and underwater treasures to spot. However, you don’t need to be a diver to experience what the reef has to offer – offshore snorkelling is also a highlight. Retire to the beach volleyball court, table tennis or pool table to round off your day.