Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical island where you can swim with manta rays, spot turtles and dolphins, and walk among thousands of birds? If so, then Lady Elliot Island is the perfect destination for you. Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay located at the southernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef, about 80 km northeast of Bundaberg. It is one of the few islands on the reef that is accessible by plane, and it is home to the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, a sustainable and award-winning hotel that offers a range of accommodation and activities for visitors.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Lady Elliot Island, including why you should visit, how to get there, where to stay and eat, and what to do and see. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escape, or an educational experience, Lady Elliot Island has something for everyone.
Why Visit Lady Elliot Island?
Lady Elliot Island is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and eco-conscious travelers. Here are some of the main reasons why you should visit this island:
- Eco-tourism: Lady Elliot Island is a leader in eco-tourism, as it is committed to preserving and protecting its natural environment and wildlife. The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and it is a designated Green Zone, which means that fishing and collecting are prohibited. The island also has a carbon-neutral certification, and it uses renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to power its facilities and activities. The island also has a range of eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation, waste management, and reef restoration. By visiting Lady Elliot Island, you are supporting its conservation efforts and contributing to its sustainability.
- Wildlife: Lady Elliot Island is a haven for wildlife, as it hosts a diverse and abundant array of marine and terrestrial animals. The island is famous for its manta rays, which can be seen all year round, and which are often referred to as the "gentle giants of the sea". The island is also home to over 1,200 species of fish, 120 species of coral, and 14 species of sharks, as well as turtles, dolphins, whales, and dugongs. On land, the island is a birdwatcher's paradise, as it hosts over 100,000 seabirds, including terns, noddies, boobies, and frigatebirds. The island is also a nesting site for endangered green and loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs on the beach between November and March.
- Snorkeling and diving: Lady Elliot Island is one of the best places to snorkel and dive on the Great Barrier Reef, as it offers clear water, high visibility, and easy access to the reef. The island is surrounded by a fringing reef, which forms a shallow lagoon that is ideal for snorkeling. The lagoon is teeming with colorful fish, coral, and marine life, and it is also where you can encounter the manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. For more experienced snorkelers and divers, the island also has several deeper sites, such as the Lighthouse Bommie, the Coral Gardens, and the Blowhole, where you can see more sharks, rays, and coral formations. Snorkeling and diving on Lady Elliot Island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
How to Get to Lady Elliot Island?
The only way to get to Lady Elliot Island is by plane, as there are no boat or ferry services to the island. The island has a small airstrip, which can accommodate light aircrafts, such as Cessna and Caravan. There are daily flights to the island from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Brisbane, and Gold Coast, operated by Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. The flight duration varies from 25 minutes to 85 minutes, depending on the departure point. The flights are scenic and offer stunning views of the island and the reef. The flights are also part of the island's eco-tourism, as they use low-emission aircrafts and offset their carbon footprint. The flights are not cheap, but they are worth it for the convenience and the experience. You can book your flights online or by phone, and you can also choose from different packages and specials that include accommodation and activities.
Where to Stay and Eat on Lady Elliot Island?
The only accommodation option on Lady Elliot Island is the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, a sustainable and award-winning hotel that offers a range of accommodation and activities for visitors. The resort has four types of accommodation, which are:
- Tents: These are basic and budget-friendly tents that can accommodate up to two people. They have shared bathroom facilities, ceiling fans, and power outlets. They are located close to the beach and the reef, and they offer a camping-like experience.
- Cabins: These are comfortable and cozy cabins that can accommodate up to four people. They have private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, and mini fridges. They are located in a garden setting, and they offer a more private and spacious experience.
- Suites: These are modern and luxurious suites that can accommodate up to four people. They have private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, mini fridges, and tea and coffee making facilities. They are located on the beachfront, and they offer a more premium and scenic experience.
- Apartments: These are spacious and elegant apartments that can accommodate up to six people. They have private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, mini fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, and microwaves. They are located on the beachfront, and they offer a more deluxe and family-friendly experience.
The resort also has a range of dining options, which are:
- Buffet Restaurant: This is the main restaurant of the resort, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, pasta, meat, fish, and desserts, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant also has a licensed bar, which serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
- Beachfront Cafe: This is a casual and relaxed cafe, which serves light meals, such as sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pizzas, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies. The cafe also has a gift shop, which sells souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.
- Bar: This is a cozy and friendly bar, which serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. The bar also has a pool table, a dart board, and a TV, which provide entertainment and fun.
What to Do and See on Lady Elliot Island?
There is no shortage of things to do and see on Lady Elliot Island, as it offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do and see on the island:
- Snorkeling and diving: As mentioned before, snorkeling and diving are the main attractions of the island, as they allow you to explore the reef and encounter the marine life. The resort provides free snorkeling equipment, such as masks, snorkels, and fins, and also offers guided snorkeling tours and lessons. The resort also has a dive shop, which rents and sells diving equipment, such as wetsuits, regulators, and tanks, and also offers guided diving tours and courses. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, snorkeling and diving on the island are safe, easy, and enjoyable.
- Swimming and kayaking: If you prefer to stay on the surface of the water, you can also enjoy swimming and kayaking on the island. The resort has a swimming pool, which is open from 7 am to 9 pm, and which is heated in winter. The resort also has kayaks, which are available for hire, and which are a great way to explore the lagoon and the reef. Swimming and kayaking on the island are relaxing and refreshing, and they also offer a different perspective of the island and the reef.
- Walking and flying: If you want to see more of the island and its surroundings, you can also go for a walk or a flight on the island. The resort has several walking trails, which range from easy to moderate, and which take you to different parts of the island, such as the lighthouse, the lakes, and the bird rookeries. The resort also offers scenic flights, which take you on a 10-minute or a 25-minute flight over the island and the reef, and which give you a bird's eye view of the island and the reef. Walking and flying on the island are informative and exhilarating, and they also offer a chance to see more of the island and its wildlife.
Conclusion
Lady Elliot Island is a paradise for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of the Great Barrier Reef. By visiting the island, you can enjoy its natural beauty, wildlife, and eco-tourism, and also support its conservation and sustainability. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escape, or an educational experience, Lady Elliot Island has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Lady Elliot Island today, and discover why it is one of the best places to visit on the Great Barrier Reef.
