Travel Eye on Lizard Island (Queensland, Australia)

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Overview:

Lizard Island was known as Dyiigurra to the Dingaal Aboriginal people and regarded as a sacred place. The Dingaal believed that the Lizard group of islands had been created in the Dreamtime. They saw it as a stingray with Lizard Island being the body and the other islands in the group forming the tail. It was also used by the people for the initiation of young males and for the harvesting of shellfish, turtles, dugongs and fish.

The island located on the outer reef has 24 sandy beaches, offers the visitors unforgettable sights, spectacular coral and giant clams (some reputed to be 120 years old), against a background of pristine white-sand beaches, blue seas, stunning views and a warm climate.

Renowned for the diving, you can come face to face with a huge curious Potato Cod, at the world famous 'Cod Hole', who will swim right up close to inspect you with child-like curiosity, as well as amazing Moray Eels and dazzling tropical fishes.

There are many fantastic walks, abundant birdlife and you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard the island is named after.

This island is ideal for those who are prepared to pay for seclusion. There is just one lodge hotel, which is strictly off limits to any other visitors to the island.

Locality:

Lizard Island is the most northerly of the resort islands of the Great Barrier Reef, it is 19 miles off the north Queensland coast (150 mls N of Cairns and its international airport). The main island in the Lizard group, together with Seabird Islet, South and Palfrey Islands. Despite being a continental rather than a coral island, uniquely it is actually on the reef and only 12 mls from its outer edge.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There are as many as 24 beaches on the island, all of fine white coral sand probably making this the best of all resort islands. There are no facilities however hotel guests use free outboard dinghies to reach them.

There is no shopping apart from the hotel boutique.

During the daytime the main activities are water sports, especially scuba diving and big-game fishing. Boat trips to other islands. Hikes including to Cook's Look, 1,200-ft peak on the island from where the historic captain charted his escape passage through the reef into the open ocean and tours of the marine research station.

You can snorkel just off the beach or go to the outer reef for deeper waters. Lizard Island offers full Scuba Diving facilities including equipment and courses. Persons over 45 years are recommended to obtain a dive medical certificate PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

The nightlife is nearly non-existant a choice of flora and fauna information sessions or Beach barbecues. The only restaurants on this islands is the one based at the hotels.