Inside and around Australia’s most remote island resort, a paradise perched right on the Great Barrier Reef!
Picture yourself waking up to powder-white beaches stretching in every direction, with the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep. This isn’t just another tropical getaway. This is Lizard Island Resort, Australia’s most remote and exclusive island paradise where nature’s greatest secrets unfold before your eyes. We bring you the insider report so that you don’t have to wonder where to stay when you visit the Great Barrier Reef.
Located 240 km north of Cairns and 27 km off the Queensland coast, Lizard Island sits in glorious isolation as Australia’s northernmost island resort. With just 40 luxurious rooms spread across 1,013 hectares of protected National Park, this isn’t a place you’ll bump into crowds. The island boasts 24 secluded beaches, each more stunning than the last.
Getting there feels like an adventure in itself. The scenic one-hour flight from Cairns takes you soaring over 200 km of the Great Barrier Reef, offering aerial views that serve as the perfect introduction to the natural wonderland awaiting below.
Where David Attenborough Made History
Lizard Island holds a special place in natural history. This is where the legendary Sir David Attenborough conducted groundbreaking research for his acclaimed documentary series ‘Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough’.
The island’s world-renowned research station, operated by the Australian Museum, has been at the forefront of marine research since 1973. What started as six academics camping on the beach in army tents has evolved into one of the world’s leading reef-research facilities, hosting 350 researchers annually. The station continues to unlock the reef’s mysteries, from coral spawning events to the complex relationships between marine species.
Guests can tour this fascinating facility and gain insights into cutting-edge conservation efforts that are helping protect this natural wonder for future generations.
An Underwater Universe
Step directly off the beach and find yourself swimming among vibrant coral gardens where giant clams stretch four feet across in the famous Clam Garden at Watson’s Bay. The crystal-clear waters reveal colourful parrotfish, graceful manta rays, and schools of tropical fish.
For divers and snorkellers, the world-famous dive site, Cod Hole, awaits just a short boat ride away, offering encounters with massive potato cod, coral trout, and Maori wrasse.
The inner and outer reef systems provide endless exploration opportunities, from gentle snorkelling spots perfect for beginners to dramatic drop-offs that thrill experienced divers.
Luxury That Honours Nature
The resort perfectly balances sophisticated comfort with respect for the environment. Forty elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and villas are designed to complement rather than compete with the island’s raw beauty. Each accommodation features private decks with stunning ocean or garden views, and select villas include their own plunge pools for the ultimate in privacy.
The accommodations range from beachfront suites where you can roll out of bed onto the sand, to elevated ocean view villas that offer sweeping panoramas across the Coral Sea. The design philosophy embraces natural materials and clean lines that feel both contemporary and timeless.
protected National Park.
Culinary Excellence in Paradise
Dining at Lizard Island is an experience that celebrates both local flavours and international cuisine. The resort’s all-inclusive approach means you’ll enjoy gourmet meals throughout your stay without worrying about additional costs. Salt Water Restaurant serves as the culinary heart of the island, offering fresh seafood, premium Australian produce, and international dishes that change daily.
The five-course tasting menu showcases the chef’s creativity, while the Driftwood Bar provides the perfect setting for sunset cocktails. For a truly romantic experience, arrange a private beach picnic with gourmet hampers prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team. Imagine dining on freshly prepared delicacies while waves gently lap at your private stretch of sand.
Part of Australia’s Luxury Lodge Collection
Lizard Island Resort proudly stands as a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, a prestigious collection that represents the finest in Australian luxury accommodation. This membership ensures the highest standards of service, sustainability, and authentic Australian experiences. The resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship and guest satisfaction reflects the values that make the Luxury Lodges collection so respected worldwide.
This article was written following an inspection trip by the Panache World team. Our intimate understanding of destinations helps us design highly personalized trips for our clients.
