LIZARD ISLAND FOR TRUE EXPLORERS
Lizard Island and its surrounding coral reefs form one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most treasured marine areas. White sand and grassland meet blue skies and even bluer seas on this remote tropical island that combines mesmerising reef encounters with historical significance.
WHERE IS LIZARD ISLAND?
Lizard Island lies 240 km north of Cairns, with three smaller islands nearby (Palfrey, South and Bird). Together these islands form the Lizard Island Group and their well-developed fringing reef encircles a 10-metre deep Blue Lagoon.
WHY IS IT CALLED LIZARD ISLAND?
When British explorer James Cook discovered and named this island off the Australian coast in 1770, he noted that large monitor lizards were pretty much the only creatures inhabiting the island. It hasn’t changed much since. The most commonly found lizard on Lizard Island is the yellow-spotted monitor (Varanus panoptes).
THINGS TO DO ON LIZARD ISLAND:
HIKING COOK’S LOOK
Start the day at Lizard Island with a heart-pumping hike to the summit of Cook’s Look and take in the same panoramic view British explorer James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs.
Trekking past rocky tourmaline outcrops and paperbark trees gnarled and twisted by southeast trade wind, expect to sight the islands’ namesake monitor lizards and yellow-bellied sunbirds flitting through fronds of purple kangaroo grass.
From 360m above sea level, gaze northwards at the horizon to where Cook had first seen the monstrous ‘labyrinth’ of reefs that threatened to entrap his crew, and spot Lizard Island’s twenty-four white sand beaches meeting the South Pacific Ocean and the Coral Sea.
SWIMMING AND SNORKELLING AT LIZARD ISLAND
Spend the afternoon snorkelling the tranquil turquoise waters of the Clam Gardens at Watsons Bay to see an array of reef fish, the garden of enormous giant clams gardens, colourful coral, stingrays and turtles.
Set amidst the largest reef system in the world with one of the richest varieties of marine life, snorkelling and diving off Lizard Island is extraordinary.
Introductory Scuba Dives can be done from the beach and the area is well protected so a great location for new divers. For certified divers there are several sites we can use that vary depending on experience levels; all unique in their own way
For those who prefer to stay dry we can launch our glass bottom boar & Kayaks; weather conditions permitting
HOW CAN YOU VISIT LIZARD ISLAND?
Join a small ship expedition to have expert guides share their knowledge above and below the water, bringing you close to the natural wonders and wildlife and giving you a deep understanding of this precious destination. A 7-night expedition voyage to Australia’s northern Great Barrier Reef is an ideal way to take in the cultural history, marine wildlife, and rainforest and mangrove ecosystems of this remote and biodiverse region.