Lady Elliot
The southern most of the Great Barrier Reef Islands, Lady Elliot is a true coral cay and one of the premier eco-tourism experiences in Australia. Situated in a tidal lagoon and surrounded by a vast reef of living corals, the island is a rainbow of colours, from the surrounding turquoise and azure waters to the stunning white-sand beaches and lush green vegetation.
A declared "Marine National Park Zone", Lady Elliot is one of the few islands where you will see live coral and abundant bird and marine life at every level. Popular with visitors of all ages, its little wonder Lady Elliot is renowned as a nature lover’s nirvana.
Activities
Given Lady Elliot’s status as one of the best diving locations in the world, scuba diving is, unsurprisingly, a major activity. Step off the beach and snorkel, swim or dive in an underwater world of brilliantly coloured marine life, or simply relax and soak in the natural island atmosphere.
Tour the reef in a glass-bottomed boat, learn to scuba dive, feed the fish, take a guided reef walk or stroll to a deserted beach and live the dream. With exceptionally clear water year round, you may encounter turtles, dolphins and a large variety of coral and fish as well as the giant manta rays that are synonymous with Lady Elliot. Those visiting in the right season may see birds nesting, turtle hatchlings emerging from the sand or migrating humpback whales blow and breech.
For landlubbers, a variety of guided tours provide fascinating insights into what has made Lady Elliot the beautiful island it is today. And for those in search of games to pass the day away, the eco-resort offers boules or pétanque, mini-golf, soccer, volleyball, table tennis and a pool table.
After a day’s adventure on the reef, wind down and enjoy delicious meals in the Beachfront dining room or café, or drinks at the lagoon bar, while taking in the magical ocean views (breakfast and dinner are included in the overnight tariff).
Style of accommodation
The three-star Lady Elliot Eco Resort offers a range of comfortable accommodation options, with each suite, unit, room and hut designed to minimise impact on the island while enriching guests’ experience of the seasonal wildlife.
Island Suite - 2 bedrooms
Offering absolute beach frontage, this spacious, two-bedroom suite accommodates up to four people and features a private balcony, kitchenette and separate air-conditioned lounge with lagoon views over Sunrise Beach. In whale season, humpback whales can be seen breaching on this side of the island. In turtle-nesting season (November to January) the adults come ashore to nest within a few metres of this suite, with the hatchlings emerging from the sand in February to March.
Island Suite - 1 bedroom
Located on the edge of the lagoon, this semi open-plan suite accommodates two people and features a private balcony, kitchenette and separate air-conditioned lounge with lagoon views over Sunrise Beach. In whale season, humpback whales can be seen breaching on this side of the island. In turtle-nesting season (November to January) the adults come ashore to nest within a few metres of this suite, with the hatchlings emerging from the sand in February to March.
Reef Unit
Arranged in blocks of three, Reef Units are ideal for families, offering either double beds or a combination of double and bunk-style beds. Each unit is slightly elevated, featuring polished timber floors, spacious ensuite bathrooms and a large balcony with patio furniture arranged so that you can make the most of the views. The majority of Reef Units are less than 11 yards from Sunrise Beach, which means you are in an ideal position to watch the activities of the seasonal wildlife.
Shearwater Rooms
Suitable for large families and groups of friends, Shearwater Rooms are set in the gardens, located approximately 30 metres from Sunrise Beach, and can sleep up to six people in bunk-style single beds. Each room features polished timber floors, large glass sliding doors, a private bathroom and a balcony set with table and chairs.
Eco Huts
The Eco Huts are roomy, permanent safari-style tents with polished wooden floors. Each hut caters to four people with two sets of double bunk single beds. Electric lighting and power points are available in every cabin as well as a freestanding fan. A small entry patio is furnished with chair and table for added relaxation. During bird season the Eco Huts provide ideal viewing spots to observe the antics of the many birds nesting on the island.
Destination highlights
- World-class snorkelling and diving (visibility is over 32 yards for much of the year)
- Renowned Severance Wreck dive
- Nature and ecology: in season, watching green and loggerhead turtles laying their eggs or their baby hatchlings emerging from their nests, plus humpback whale encounters
- Beachcombing and other guided eco tours
- Resident population of 40 giant manta rays
Great Barrier Reef access
- Coral cay
- Snorkelling and diving straight off the beach or via a short boat ride to variety of reef sites
- Night dives
- Reef walks
- Introductory, open water and advanced dive courses
- Glass-bottom boat tours
Key Dates to Remember
- Nov - Feb Turtle nesting
- Feb - Apr Turtle hatching
- Oct - Apr Bird season
- June - Oct Whale season
Fact Box
Postal address: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, P.O. Box 348, Runaway Bay Queensland 4216, Australia
Telephone: 61 7 5536 3644
Fax: 61 7 5599 5783
Email: reservations@ladyelliot.com.au
Website: www.ladyelliot.com.au
Access
Regular flights are available from Sydney and other major Australian cities to Lady Elliot via Hervey Bay. Seair operates the connecting flight (approx. 40 minutes) between Hervey Bay and Lady Elliot three times a day. Direct flights are available direct to Lady Elliot from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Maroochydore, Brisbane (Redcliffe Airport) and the Gold Coast.
