Lizard Island Resort: A Guide to Australia’s Reef Island

Lizard Island Resort: Australia’s Reef Island Escape

ByLuxury Adventures

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Lizard Island Resort: Australia’s Reef Island Escape

Lizard Island sits far enough north that the Great Barrier Reef feels like your own backyard.

The island lies 240 kilometres north of Cairns and about 27 kilometres off the Queensland coast. It is surrounded by national park, fringed by coral gardens and home to Australia’s northernmost island resort.

For travellers who want the reef without the day-tripper traffic, it is one of the country’s most distinctive stays.

Where Is Lizard Island?

Lizard Island covers roughly 1,000 hectares of national park, with the island’s highest point, Cook’s Look, rising to about 359 metres.

Captain James Cook came ashore in 1770 after the Endeavour struck a nearby reef. His crew spent almost two months on the island while repairs were carried out, and Cook climbed the summit now known as Cook’s Look to find a passage through the reef.

The name comes from the monitor lizards, or goannas, that were so common here that Cook named the island after them. You will still see them throughout the day.

Getting There: The Scenic Flight from Cairns

Access to Lizard Island is by a one-hour scenic flight from Cairns, landing on the island’s private airstrip.

The route crosses more than 200 kilometres of reef, which makes the journey part of the holiday rather than simply a transfer. There are no regular scheduled services or public ferries, so arrivals are generally arranged as part of a resort stay or by private charter.

If you are combining Lizard Island with other Australian destinations, we can help coordinate the flights and timing. See our Australia sample itineraries for ideas.

A Resort of 40 Rooms and 24 Beaches

Lizard Island Resort is deliberately small, with around 40 suites and villas.

Accommodation ranges from Gardenview Rooms to Beachfront Suites on Anchor Bay and villas set on Sunset Ridge, some with private plunge pools. The Pavilion sits high on the point with panoramic views across Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach.

The island itself has 24 white-sand beaches. Complimentary motorised dinghies allow guests to reach a beach of their own with a picnic hamper, which remains one of the defining experiences of a stay here.

What Is Included in a Stay

Lizard Island operates on an all-inclusive basis, which simplifies planning.

Stays include gourmet meals daily, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, and a restocked in-room minibar. Guests also have use of motorised dinghies, stand-up paddleboards, clear-view sea kayaks and snorkelling gear for the duration of their stay.

Dining centres on Salt Water, with menus drawn from local waters and suppliers. Beachside degustation dinners in private gazebos can be arranged, and the Marlin Bar offers something more relaxed.

Note that the resort caters to children aged 10 and over.

Snorkelling, Diving and the Cod Hole

The reef is directly accessible, which sets Lizard Island apart from islands that require long boat transfers.

You can snorkel off the beach into fringing reefs, or join guided half and full-day trips to inner and outer reef sites. The Cod Hole, home to large and curious potato cod, is among the best-known dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef.

Other options include night dives, seasonal fishing, sunset cruises and private charters. Marlin fishing runs from September to December and is tag and release only.

On land, walking trails lead to Chinaman’s Ridge, Watson’s Bay, the Blue Lagoon and Cook’s Look. The Lizard Island Research Station also offers tours, giving guests insight into reef research and conservation work.

When to Visit

Lizard Island sits in the tropical north, so conditions vary through the year.

The cooler, drier months from roughly May to October suit walking, snorkelling and time on the beach. The warmer months bring higher humidity and a greater chance of rain, along with the marlin season.

Cyclones are possible in the wet season, so travel insurance and flexible planning matter for any far-north Queensland trip.

Pairing Lizard Island with the Rest of Australia

Lizard Island works well as a finale to a longer Australian journey.

Many travellers combine it with the Daintree and Port Douglas, or with a southern route through Sydney and the wine regions. Because the island is remote, we recommend building in a buffer night in Cairns before your flight in case of weather delays.

Explore our Australia accommodation and Australia activities for more options.

Lizard Island Resort FAQs

How do you get to Lizard Island?

By a one-hour scenic flight from Cairns to the island’s private airstrip. There are no scheduled public services, so transfers are usually arranged with your resort booking or by private charter.

How many beaches does Lizard Island have?

The island has 24 white-sand beaches. Complimentary dinghies and picnic hampers allow guests to spend time on a beach away from others.

Is Lizard Island Resort all-inclusive?

Yes. Stays include meals, a selection of beverages, an in-room minibar and use of dinghies, paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear. Additional experiences such as private charters and some dining options carry extra charges.

Can you snorkel and dive from the island?

Yes. You can snorkel off the beach, and the resort runs guided trips to inner and outer reef sites, including the Cod Hole. Night dives and dive instruction are also available.

Is Lizard Island suitable for children?

The resort caters to children aged 10 and over.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The drier months from around May to October are generally the most comfortable for beach time, walking and snorkelling. Marlin season runs from September to December.

Are the 2013 package prices still available?

No. The prices and dates in the original version of this article referred to a promotion that ended in 2014. Please contact us for current rates and inclusions.