Lizard Island Luxury on the Great Barrier Reef
Five Days of Beauty Above and Below at the Lizard Island Resort
By Tab Hauser
GoNOMAD Senior Writer
The Lizard Island Resort on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been on my bucket list for 30 years. It is the first resort that I am giving a six-star rating. This rating is based not just on the highest level of service, food, and accommodation, but also on being located in a prime and pristine location with so many wonderful and unique things to do.
The Lizard Island Resort sits on a 2500 acre, or six square mile granite island 150 miles north of Cairns. Getting there is easy. Guests simply arrive 45 minutes before flight time to a private terminal.
Here they get their luggage weighed and then wait in a comfortable room while watching a video about the island. During the one-hour flight, you will be treated to views of the different coral reef formations that pass underneath.
Arrival on Lizard Island is a cheery event. Smiling staff members meets the plane and its ten passengers with golf carts. While the luggage is unloaded and brought to the suites, guests are driven three minutes to the dining room where sparkling wine and charcuterie await you.
There is no formal check-in and after chatting with a staff member you are escorted to your accommodations.
The Lizard Island Resort is the only hotel on the island which is a national park*. The reason to come here is to be up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef. There is world-class snorkeling just 150 feet off their beaches. It is also a short boat ride to snorkel or dive to their inner reefs. The beauty abounds under the sea in fish and coral that is in excellent condition. There is also much to see also above the surface of the island.
Things to Do on Lizard Island
Guests staying at Lizard Island have included access to motorized small boats, snorkel gear, beach snorkeling, kayaks, stand-up boards, tennis and hiking.
Daily activities can include a nature and historical hike, a hike and snorkel to the beach with giant clams, and yoga to name a few. You can even picnic at a beach that you will probably have to yourself. The resort prints out a weekly guide for its activities.
One highlight was lying on mats on the darkened airstrip at night. Here you are treated to the maximum number of stars visible to the naked eye. Experts say that can be up to 9000 stars and a few galaxies.
For extra fees, snorkeling and diving can be arranged at the nearby or outer reefs. There is also a well-equipped fishing yacht that can be chartered. For those curious about the reef, a visit to the research station on the island can be arranged for a fee.
Their Essentia Day Spa is “an extension of the tranquility of the resort”. In either a private or couples room, guests can enjoy a full menu of relaxing and therapeutic treatments offered.
For hikers, arrange to have a guide take you to “Cook’s Look”. It is here in 1770 that Captain James Cook climbed to the peak to survey the surrounding waters on how to sail out of the Great Barrier Reef safely. He gave Lizard Island its name after seeing lizards as the only animal on it.
Snorkeling
There is no better or easier place than to snorkel Lizard Island’s Watson’s Bay. Watson’s Bay offers snorkeling in three places. We checked out the pristine reef on each side of this beautiful sandy bay on our own.
Here we saw layers of different healthy coral along with many different tropical fish. On a few occasions, we spotted Nemo. Those are colonies of anemone fish also known as clown fish.
When here, take the narrative walk over the hill to Watson’s Bay to snorkel the middle coral reef. This area is known for viewing giant clams. These clams can grow to as large as four feet and live to 70 years. They are not only large but pretty. Here you will see their shells partly opened showing blue, yellow, or green colors. The bright colors are due to algae that grow on their skin. Algae has a symbiotic relationship with the clams.
Diving
If you are a diver or considering diving, Lizard Island is the place to be. We dove twice here during our short four-night visit.
One dive planned was to the outer reef to visit and feed the large friendly cod at Cod Hole with the following dive around Ribbon Reef 10.
As you are at the mercy of seas, our day for Cod Hole had unusually fast currents. Here the dive team took us around the corner to other excellent locations.
One dive was with a lesser current where we were dropped off at one end of the reef and picked up at another. Divers here felt like they were soaring past the pretty coral and tropic fish.
The snorkelers on the boat viewed the top areas of the reef with the current pushing them along making an easy swim. They said it was the best drift snorkeling experience ever.
A key advantage to staying at the Lizard Island Resort is that there are no day trippers. Diving and snorkeling are in small groups with one to two guides for every six guests.
Dining on Lizard Island
The Salt Water Restaurant is open-air with views of the ocean and the occasional lizard that passes by during the morning. Dinner is fine dining here with a good selection of house wines included.
All meals are served ala carte by friendly and efficient servers. Dishes included fresh fish, oysters, and wagyu sirloin. The chef is happy to work around any kind of allergies, dislikes or special requests.
The resort guests have an open bar with premium brands of liquor and a few pages of craft cocktails. You can also have any frozen concoction you care to request.
I enjoyed a pina colada using coconut water cracked opened in front of me. Snacks and drinks are replenished daily in your suite at no charge too.
The Marlin Bar directly on the beach is open two days a week serving big juicy burgers or a good pizza. This is a place to meet the visiting boaters that anchor in the bay.
It is also where the staff unwinds and a place to thank them with a round of drinks. People tend to congregate here to watch the big sunsets and bright orange afterglow that happens nightly.
Lizard Island Accommodations
Lizard Island Resort is a boutique property with room for about 80 guests.
The Villa is ultimate in privacy. It is a large airy house with a rooftop lounging area having a commanding view across Sunset Beach and the Coral Sea.
The Villa includes a guest house, a chef, a vehicle, and private staff. Rock stars have been known to stay here.
The Pavilion villa is a moderate size house that sits high above the Coral Sea having a spectacular 270-degree panorama view.
The Beachfront Suites on Anchor Bay have easy access to the main lodge and restaurant. They all offer sea views along with a private path leading directly to the beach. (Disabled access rooms are available.)
The Ocean View Villas (where we upgraded) sits above Sunset Bay. We chose the private plunge pool suite overlooking the ocean. We found this little pool to be the perfect place to enjoy their complimentary Tasmanian sparkling bottle of wine and a snack at the day’s end.
The Garden View Rooms are the lowest-priced accommodations. While located in a tropical garden setting, guests staying there are only a three-minute walk to the beach.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all accommodations and most of the resort. There is no mobile phone coverage on Lizard Island.
The Cairns Connection
To get to Lizard Island, you need to go through Cairns. I recommend a couple of nights here. Cairns in a lively waterside city. It is a good place to sort out your jet lag when visiting from overseas.
Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. From Cairns, you can catch a fast boat to floating platforms on the reef or to the nearby islands. Going north of the Cairns takes you to the tropical rainforests and a few beach towns.
After getting to Cairns walk off some of that jet lag on their esplanade. This waterfront walkway goes along the water. Here you will see pelicans and other seabirds, art, and will be adjacent to restaurants and the night market.
A Fun Way to See the Ancient Rainforest
If you are in Cairns for a day and are looking for a non-reef adventure on your own, I recommend visiting the world’s oldest rainforest. An enjoyable way to do this is to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway one way and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
The easiest way to arrange this is to book a combination ticket on Skyrail’s website. I recommend taking the gondola to Kuranda and then the train back.
For an inexpensive splurge, consider the AUD$25 diamond upgrade on your cable car with a glass floor. Looking down is really cool! This upgrade has a separate line and you will probably have the gondola to yourself.
For the return train ride Consider upgrading to the “Gold Class” ticket. For AUD$45 you get individual comfortable seats in a restored 100-year-old carriage. It includes early boarding with wine, beer, soda, local coffee, and tea. During the ride back a dedicated attendant refills your glass and serves you a local cheese platter. More information on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
To get to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal take an Uber or taxi for AUD$25. If you are a military enthusiast, the terminal is located adjacent to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
I recommend getting to the terminal no earlier than 10:30 AM. Following this schedule will give you plenty of time in Kuranda and be able to catch the 3:30 return train.
Before boarding the sky rail car it is important you download their app. The app gives you a narrative of what you are seeing below. The Skyrail offers two stops. The first one is at Red Peak where you can get a 20-minute ranger-led tour. We learned a lot about this 125 million-year-old rainforest while walking on an easy boardwalk. The next stop is Barron Falls. After departing the gondola stroll down the path to catch the view of this magnificent 1000-foot multitier waterfall.
Kuranda is a small village and the terminal for the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway. There is a main street lined with shops, cafes, and aboriginal art stores. Walk to the market at the end of the street and enjoy the organic tropical fruit smoothies from Fruibies.
For those not into shopping or lunch, there are trails along the river. While here consider the 45-minute slow riverboat ride with Kuranda Riverboat. Here we viewed a few crocodiles, birds, turtles, and fish.
Cairns Lodging
The Shangri-la Hotel and Marina is a five-star hotel in the perfect location. It is at the start of the esplanade, adjacent to the man-made swimming lagoon, close to restaurants and attached to the marina.
The hotel has a small swimming pool and a well-equipped gym. We elected to upgrade to the 602-square-foot Horizon Club Room with an oversize balcony viewing of the marina. Horizon club floor guests get breakfast, evening appetizers, and drinks. https://www.shangri-la.com/en/cairns/shangrila/
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January 12, 2023 @ 11:10 am
What an ingenious way to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Now on my bucket list.
Thank you
January 10, 2023 @ 9:27 am
We visited Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef about 10 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We have been frequently talking about going back. We had never heard of Lizard Island until we read Tab’s article and are now seriously considering staying there as it sounds superb.
January 8, 2023 @ 4:41 pm
Love the Lizard – our favourite Island. Lay like a lizard or be as active with many activities as you like.
This visit was a bonus meeting Tab and his lovely wife on one of guided our Island walks.
Well documented visually and with information by Tab.
December 7, 2022 @ 7:45 pm
Another terrific article bringing me to a place of such beauty and wonder. Your photos and explanations would help any traveler to this area. Thanks for sharing this incredible adventure with us.
December 9, 2022 @ 7:06 am
Thank you Dave for taking the time to read and comment. Also, thank you for following my stories. From the posting I have seen on your social media sites, it seems you get around a little also. Cheers
December 7, 2022 @ 9:31 am
Going to Lizard Island sounds like a fabulous adventure and vacation of a lifetime! What a great place. Thanks for taking me on an armchair journey with this article!
December 9, 2022 @ 7:05 am
Thank you for the comment, i appreciate that. It is an incredible part of the world
December 7, 2022 @ 9:31 am
Great job capturing another beautiful part of the world. It will go on my bucket list for certain!
November 24, 2022 @ 3:38 pm
We met Tab and his wife on a recent Aranui 5 “cruise” to Pitcairn Island. Tab had mentioned his stay at Lizard Island Resort, thus we looked up his article. Wow, my kind of place. Everything described in the article made me think… I need to go here, experience all that is offered. My first trip to Australian was in the late 1980’s, to Cairns. We live in Huntington Beach, Ca … it is way past time to make plans for an adventure holiday to Australia, especially Lizard Island Resort. Thank you Tab for the great article!!!
November 28, 2022 @ 11:29 am
G’day Billy, It was nice meeting you. I really appreciate your comments here. If you make it to NYC area please look me up.
November 23, 2022 @ 11:19 pm
Wow! What a great travel article – lots of helpful information, wonderful photos and descriptions! Thanks, Tab, I hope to be able to visit Lizard Island and other destinations in your article. SilverSea is an excellent cruise company and I have enjoyed several trips on the Explorer. You provided good insights and I’m ready to pack my bags.
November 28, 2022 @ 11:30 am
Hi Peggy, Thanks for the comment. also, I enjoy your FB posts now that we are friends. You can’t of wrong on Lizard Island. Keep in touch. Tab
November 23, 2022 @ 3:43 pm
Your article and your photos provoke curiosity to jump on a plane and head to Lizard Island immediately. Thanks for such a detailed and beautiful story
November 20, 2022 @ 12:05 pm
Mr. Hauser, what a fabulous trip and a great story. My husband and I are in the process of retiring soon and I shall be bookmarking your story for planning a trip. Thank you, Tab for another wonderful story, I look forward to reading more of your adventures.
November 28, 2022 @ 11:31 am
Hi Kris, Retirement is not horrible 🙂 I appreciate being “bookmarked” I also have seen you have read some of my other stories and commented. Thank you
November 19, 2022 @ 7:42 pm
Say something like living in Melbourne we have been trying to pick which place to visit on the Great Barrier Reef. My adult kids want to dive and snorkel. This place looks a lot more luxurious than the other islands on the GBR and where I can sit by an uncrowded beach and have much nicer accommodations. Thanks for sending the email on the link,
November 28, 2022 @ 11:33 am
G’day Melbourne, I have been to Heron Island before.. It is very nice but not in the league of Lizard.. You are lucky to be able to get there a lot quicker than I did. Cheers
November 18, 2022 @ 9:43 am
Lizard Island sounds glorious. Beautiful trip
November 18, 2022 @ 6:20 am
Beautiful photos as always, from the comfort of my home I feel like I’m on another continent. I definitely will put this on my bucket list.
November 17, 2022 @ 11:38 pm
Great article! This sounds like a new entry on my bucket list.
December 9, 2022 @ 7:07 am
THank you for taking the time to read the LIzard Island story and leaving a comment. I really appreciate that
November 17, 2022 @ 9:39 pm
I have heard of Lizard before but after reading your description it moves to the top of my list when I take my trip to Australia.
Great article.
Thanks
December 31, 2022 @ 6:13 pm
Lizard Island looks great from your write-up and photos, a must when we next go to Australia. I’ll look forward to more of your suggestions.
November 17, 2022 @ 8:45 pm
Sounds like a perfect spot on Earth with wonders abounding for everyone. With all the horror stories we read about the Great Barrier Reef habitat destruction, this sounds like a healthy enclave amidst all the destruction. Nice also to consider time before and after Lizard Island. Sure do wish i could arrange a trip there for my scuba club. Nice to dream. thanks for bringing us there Mr.Hauser – even if only virtually.
November 28, 2022 @ 11:34 am
Gary,, your club is going to be completely spoiled by LIzard. If you don’t take any non diving spouses, you will be in trouble! This place is really nice, Cheers
November 17, 2022 @ 5:50 pm
In reading this article, it made me put this area on my bucket list. It looks and sounds wonderful that I will do many hours of research to visit.