Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Location

Lizard is the northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. With over 1,000 hectares of national parkland and 24 powdery white sand beaches to play on, you'll feel like you've found your very own private island paradise. The underwater realm is a particular highlight and there are daily boat trips to the local dive sites.

Many a diver has developed a soft spot for the inquisitive potato cod that greets visitors at the Cod Hole, while metre-long clams lie like dinosaur eggs amid the vivid coral gardens. For non-divers, there is equally good snorkelling off Lizard’s beaches.

Accommodation

Accommodation on Lizard Island consists of just 40 rooms, suites and villas, most with uninterrupted views across the beautiful turquoise waters of Sunset Beach and Anchor Bay. In every room you'll find all of the usual luxuries including bathrobes, tea and coffee making facilities as well as a scented oil burner and featured book collection. To promote the sense of escapism, television and internet have been replaced with Bose sound systems, with iPod docking.

Dining

Dining on Lizard Island is an experience all of its own. Included in the daily rate are all meals, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, a selection of fine wines, premium beers and champagne. Food here is a gourmet mix of local produce, with a hint of modern Australian, Asian and European flavours.

If you're looking for that something special, Lizard's Signature Beach Dining Experience is available at one of two beautiful private beach locations. Prior to dinner, you will have the opportunity to meet with the chef to discuss your 7-course degustation menu and matching wine selection. The resort also provides gourmet hampers for picnics on the beach between swims.

Facilities

A large variety of both water and land activities are available around the resort and across the island. Complimentary activities include snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, nature presentations, paddle ski tours, tennis and a fully equipped gym. For an additional charge, guests can also take aforementioned diving and snorkelling trips to the inner or outer reef. There's also a superb spa offering a wide range of relaxing treatments as well as the chance to indulge in a romantic champagne sunset cruise.

Blog: Australia's best islands