Is this Australia’s most secluded island escape?
Welcome to Lizard Island, a little slice of tropical perfection in Tropical North Queensland.
Where is it?
Lizard is the northernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef. It sits around 250 kilometres north of Cairns and 90 kilometres off the coast from the town of Cooktown. The whole island is a national park, covering almost 2,500 acres and ringed with 24 powder white beaches.
What can I do?
Because of its remote location, the reefs surrounding Lizard Island are almost completely unspoilt. They grow right up to the beach, so you can snorkel straight from the sand, or you can head out on a boat and snorkel or dive at one of the reefs further out. Cod Hole is the most famous site and you can come face to face with a huge potato cod who will swim right up to your mask. You can also try standup paddleboarding or look at the reef through a glass bottom kayak. On the land, you can take the challenging hike up to the top of Cook’s Look, the highest point on the island and named after its original discoverer, one Captain James Cook.
Where can I stay?
There’s only one resort on the whole island and it’s pretty pricey. Lizard Island Resort is an ultra luxury property with 40 suites, pavilions and villas. All have floor to ceiling windows looking out over the pristine natural surroundings, private decks and plush interior furnishings. Some of the rooms even have private plunge pools for a relaxing dip.
Can I visit for the day?
You can, though tours are restricted so as to preserve the island’s natural beauty and isolation. Scenic flight day trips depart from Cairns and include a low flight over the reef as well as around six hours on the island.