8 reasons to choose Lady Elliot Island

When it comes to being eco and sustainable, Lady Elliot Island is just part of the philosophy; it’s a tourism champion, with a trophy cabinet to prove its contribution.

Lady Elliot Island was awarded Advanced Eco Certification by Ecotourism Australia (2009), Climate Action Business (2014) and Climate Action Leader (2017), thanks to their operating philosophy “to look after our Environment, we need to be Efficient, Economically Sustainable and able to educate effectively.”

No coral has been left unturned when it comes to streamlining the resort’s sustainability. Everything from the island’s own hybrid solar power station, wastewater treatment plant, water de-salination plant for tap water and simple accommodation has been designed to reduce the impact on the environment.

Their eco initiatives aren’t kept hidden behind closed doors in operating rooms. All guests are invited to learn more about eco-initiatives by joining the Island Team for a Behind the Scenes tour of the resort.

2. You can wander where the WiFi is weak

The average Australian might spend 136 minutes on their phones each day, but the average guest at Lady Elliot Island spends precisely zero (unless you’re taking turtle selfies of course).

On this coral cay, there’s no WiFi, no TVs and no mobile reception – so there’s no trills, beeps and notifications from your phone, to interrupt Mother Nature all day, every day.

3. Getting there requires wings

You can stand on the shores and scour the horizon, but mark our words, you won’t see the mainland from Lady Elliot Island.

Thanks to its location on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef – roughly 80kms north-east of Bundaberg – Lady Elliot is about as remote as you can get when it comes to Queensland’s islands you can actually visit.

The only boats that arrive at Lady Elliot Island come bearing supplies and groceries for the kitchen, so for visitors, you’ll need an air fare, departing from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.

4. David Attenborough filmed here

You know the reef is going to be good when world-renowned naturalist and documentary maker David Attenborough chose this island to feature in his final documentary, Great Barrier Reef.

It’s no surprise Sir David wanted to film here; the water is so clear it’s like looking through the glass of an aquarium.

Crystal clear water goes with Lady Elliot Island’s offshore territory, with no inshore rivers or run off affecting the visibility of the water out there. In fact, the island lays claim to an average 30-metre visibility year-round.

You don’t even need to go well offshore to enjoy this kind of visibility, you can walk straight off the beach to snorkel the coral gardens and naturally-protected lagoons, or don a mask to scuba over 20 world-class dive sites.

5. You’ll spot wildlife without needing to go looking for it

It’s not just the resort that’s green at Lady Elliot Island. Put your head under the water, and you’ll find yourself in a coral garden that’s been classed by GBRMPA a ‘Green Zone’ due to its environmental and ecological significance.

Under the sea, you’ll find a sanctuary for over 1200 species of marine life, most famously a population of manta rays.

Time your visit for winter for mass manta-ray action, as they come to the warm waters to feed and get frisky.

An underwater camera is a must if you want a #turtleselfie of your own. Hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles all swim in these parts, with green and loggerheads also nesting here from November to February. Pssst – for more turtley-good nesting action, jump over here.

If you prefer animal-spotting from the comfort of dry land, fill your day spotting the thousands of resident and migratory sea birds who nest on the island or look out to shore to catch the aerobatic displays of humpback whales who migrate north each year.

6. There’s no such thing as a bad view

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is all about switching off and diving in – to nature, that is. With a handful of eco-accommodation options, you’re guaranteed a low-key, laid-back island escape that puts the reef (and its wildlife) front and centre.

Take your pick from eco cabins tucked under the pandanus trees, reef units with ocean views, or glamping-style tents just metres from the beach. Each one is designed to leave a light footprint on the island while giving you everything you need for a comfy, eco-conscious stay.

There’s no TV, phone, or in-room Wi-Fi – and that’s kind of the point. Here, the soundtrack is seabirds, not streaming. The stars come out on cue, and sunrise is your morning alarm. It’s all part of the charm of going off-grid (but if you need a quick check-in with the outside world, there’s limited Wi-Fi at the restaurant).

7. Your stay is all-inclusive

You know those holidays where you are constantly dipping your hands into your pocket? Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is not one of them.

Overnight stay includes:

• All meals – buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner (yep, it’s all sorted)
• Snorkel gear and a snorkel lesson if you need it
• A glass-bottom boat and guided snorkel tour (one per person per stay)
• A bunch of island tours and activities led by passionate guides
• Environmental Management Charge (so you can help protect the place you’re enjoying)

8. You can even do Lady Elliot Island in a day