Lizard Island, Australia’s northernmost island beach resort in the Great Barrier Reef, accessible only by a one-hour scenic flight, is a slice of Aussie paradise.
The arrival and welcome by the team felt a bit “Fantasy Island”-ish. We knew right away that we were in for a privileged experience!
Guests are welcomed to the main house to immediately settle in with some beverages and bites. As a Relais & Chateaux property, the food philosophy is simple, embracing the local, fresh produce of the region. With all glorious meals and beverages included in your stay, and daily changing menus, guests enjoy the degustation at Salt Water Restaurant, gourmet picnic lunches, and sunset cocktails as they wish.
Experiences at Lizard Island
Fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, hiking, and tennis are just some of the many coveted activities at Lizard Island National Park. The marine life is astounding on the Great Barrier Reef. Among the estimated 1,500 different fish species, the favorites to look for include the Potato Cod and Giant Grouper, schooling trevallies, giant sweetlips, reef sharks, olive sea snakes, turtles, rays, cuttlefish, anemone fish and giant clams.
The island has 24 powdery-white sand beaches, and thousands of acres of national park surrounded by nothing but blue sky and ocean! With one resort on the island and just 40 rooms, guests enjoy exclusivity and tranquility.
There are an estimated 300 species of hard coral making up the spectacular coral gardens in the Lizard Island region of the Great Barrier Reef. Ancient boulder, plate, and colourful staghorn
corals are but a few you can expect to see. Soft corals and sea fans also flourish here.
Dolphins are often seen from the boat. Humpback and minke whales are spotted breaching in the winter months. During the summer months jellyfish are omnipresent and guests snorkel with a full-bodied stinger suit which also provides the necessary 50 SPF sun protection.
NOTE: The above photos were provided by Lizard Island, as we forgot to bring our underwater camera while snorkeling.
Lizard Island Castaway Picnic by Dinghy!
Our favorite day may have been heading out in our own dinghy with our snorkel gear, curated picnic hamper, and a bottle of Riesling to one of the many sandy white beaches. Full induction and safety briefing is provided with a warning to keep away from rough waters or risk ending up in Fiji.
Beach Front Guest Cottages
With just 40 suites and villas, the resort feels exclusive and intimate. We stayed in one of the beachfront suites, which offers direct beach access and features an expansive outdoor deck with a large daybed, perfect for soaking in the views of the water and the nearby anchored yachts.
The accommodations may be simple and rustic, but they felt spacious and relaxed. We especially enjoyed being a few steps away from the beach.
Dining at Lizard
When it comes to food, Lizard Island knows how to spoil you. From fine dining at Salt Water to casual eats at Driftwood Bar, every meal is a treat. The staff is exceptional and every bite at every meal was well worth the trip!
A couple of nights a week, the resort opens up a pizza night for locals, boaties, guests and staff to let their hair down together. After so many nights of “fancy food” ordering a pizza with the “locals” and enjoying a beautiful bottle of Rockford, gifted by some Sydney friends, was just the ticket!
The House
You can experience Villa Life on Lizard Island at The House, an elegant three storey, three bedroom property offering direct beach access via sandy paths and complete seclusion within the rocky bush terrain. Broad balconies and a stunning rooftop allow every opportunity for guests to experience the expansive views of the reef maximised from every angle. Outdoor baths, a private swimming pool, adjoining yoga deck and a rooftop spa are perfect for time to relax and rejuvenate with complete privacy in nature.
CAIRNS
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and due to island flight times to Lizard, an overnight stay in the city may be required. We had a perfectly enjoyable stay at the very well-located Shangri-la Hotel on the Marina.
And a fabulous oysters and seafood dinner on board the PRAWN STAR!
The Verdict
Our three nights at Lizard Island exploring The Great Barrier Reef were nothing short of perfection. From the beachfront accommodations to the unforgettable dining experiences and breathtaking adventures, every detail was thoughtfully crafted. If you’re looking for the ultimate escape, Lizard Island is where you’ll find it.
