As the northern most resort on the Great Barrier Reef, and a luxury lodge of Australia, Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world.
This is just one wonderful Lizard Island fact that makes it like nowhere else.
Add 24 private beaches, and with only 40 suites and villas, that means a private beach for every guest, couple or group.
The hour flight from Cairns allows you to take in the true majesty and scale of the reef, and the resort is literally on the reef - no long boat rides are needed to enjoy one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
Lizard Island was known as Dyiigurra to the Dingaal Aboriginal people and was regarded as a sacred place; it was used by the people for the initiation of young males and for the harvesting of shellfish, turtles, dugongs and fish.
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.
The islands are rich in cultural meaning for the Dingaal Aboriginal people and contain sacred sites including initiation, ceremonial and story sites; shell middens, which provide evidence of long-ago feasting on clams, oysters, spider shells and trochus shells, are found on the islands.
Lizard Island also has a rich heritage associated with the earliest European exploration of the coast and subsequent settlement.
Lost amongst the labyrinth of reefs, Captain James Cook resolved to visit one of the high islands to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him.
The name Lizard Island was given to it by Captain Cook when he passed it on 12 August 1770.
Lizard Island's beauty and wilderness are distinctive, and Lizard Island was declared a National Park in 1937; the waters surrounding the island were declared a Marine Park in 1974.
Today the islands are a popular tourism destination and the base for world-renowned tropical marine research.
Lizard Island presents elegant, yet understated Great Barrier Reef accommodation in a variety of rooms and suites.
All of the Lizard Island Resort rooms and suites offer serene luxury and a private location on the Great Barrier Reef in which to enjoy your stay.
The Villa has set a new aspiration for accommodation, privacy and service at Lizard Island.
Sleeping up to five guests, The Villa is secluded, sitting atop a ridge and commanding uninterrupted views across Sunset Beach and the Coral Sea.
Perched high above the Coral Sea and set on the point of Sunset Bay, The Pavilion combines complete privacy with a spectacular 270-degree panorama of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach.
Set in a broad sweeping arc along Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main lodge and restaurant, Suites Beachfront offer captivating sea views and each has a private pathway leading directly to the beach.
Disabled access rooms are available.
Suites Ocean View are set high on Sunset Bay.
Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Suites offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches.
Select Suites Ocean View have their own private plunge pool.
Rooms Garden View and Suites are located in a tropical garden setting with easy access to the natural beauty of Anchor Bay and the beach.
The Suites Beachfront take pride of place in the natural arc of the tropical landscaping and Anchor Bay beach frontage which affords you direct and easy access to the beach.
A large day bed holds court on the expansive outside deck with full, uninterrupted views to the beach and the many yachts and boats anchored in the Bay.
It is here, on the deck, that you can leave your snorkel and fins for the duration of your stay - allowing you to swim and snorkel on a whim at anytime of the day or night.
Natural interior tones and fabrics provide a soft backdrop to the richness of the blues and greens of the landscape, sky and sea framed through the soaring double glass doors and day bed.
The luxury bathroom is drenched in natural light and overall ambiance is one of tranquility.
Suites Beachfront are loved by those wanting close proximity and access to the beach and wonders of the Anchor Bay waters.
With a separate bedroom and living room, this suite is spacious and conveniently close to the Lodge where Saltwater Restaurant and Driftwood bar are located; a short distance further is the pool and spa - this suites are intimate, warm and welcoming.
Sitting on your private deck surrounded by the naturally wild landscape of the tropics, background sounds from the resident birds mix with the lapping of the ocean to create a natural serenity and ambiance.
The stunning location provides access to a collection of secluded beaches and one of the Island’s greatest vantage points to watch the majestic sun sets; Suites Ocean View are a small, private oasis.
Suites are nestled high along a ridge overlooking the Coral Sea with natural, meandering pathways leading down to some of the Island’s renowned private beaches.
Step inside from your private deck and the serenity of linen and blue hues create a peaceful oasis that can be closed off from the outside world, or keep the doors wide open to be integrated as one with the outside landscape.
A padded box seat sits in a bay alcove with light streaming in and offering breathtaking views over the sea.
Suites Ocean View are nestled high along a ridge overlooking the Coral Sea with natural, meandering pathways leading down to some of the Island’s renowned private beaches; this suites are a small, private oasis with the fun of a private plunge pool for a touch of indulgence.
Private deck and plunge pool with uninterrupted ocean views are the first thing to greet you when you arrive; immediately you know you are in a place like nowhere else.
Step inside and the serenity of linen and blue hues create a peaceful oasis that can be closed off from the outside world or with doors wide open, integrated as one with the outside.
The Rooms Garden View are perfectly located for ease of access to the natural beauty of Anchor Bay.
These rooms are designed to ensure a relaxing stay and feature the understated interior design elegance that Lizard Island is renowned for.
Smaller than the suites, these rooms also feature a premium in-room sound system, LCD Smart televisions and Apple docking stations.
Bedding includes a king-size bed or 2 king single beds (max. 2 people).
From Salt Water Restaurant, private beachside degustation dining, Marlin Bar, Driftwood Bar and private beach picnics,
the dining experience will not disappoint; trust and enjoy a pleasant pastime.
Located in the main lodge, Driftwood Bar serves evening pre-dinner drinks from a menu that is rich in local and international wines and specialty cocktails.
The long bar is the social hub with many reconnecting with others they have meet throughout the day; for those wishing to enjoy a private drink - the lounge seating is perfect or take a short walk out onto the lawns to watch the sun set.
The private Cellar is a visual talking point; the bar team are well versed and trained in the treasures it holds and would love to assist you if you are wishing to upgrade your wine selections at dinner.
Lizard Island wine and beverage list is inclusive, however, if you wish to select from the Cellar list, there will be an additional charge.
Australian & International
The Head Chef Mark Jensen has designed the menus to give guests balanced yet delicious dining options.
Every meal you experience on the island is nutritious and incorporating locally-sourced produce to help you focus on your health and wellbeing.
Just some of the delicious options include Moreton Bay bugs marinated in chilli, coriander and tamarind or a tofu and soba noodle salad with pickled ginger and chilli dressing.
Or perhaps the chargrilled chicken breast served with quinoa, broccolini and fresh lime to help keep you fueled during your stay.
Take a look at the current Healthy Menu and whet your appetite before your visit.
healthy food
When you arrive at the Marlin Bar it is like stepping back in time - as the Bar remains almost untouched from its original rustic style and ambience that has thrilled sailors, guests and deep sea fishermen since the 1970’s.
One concession to this has been the introduction of a wood fire pizza oven; the hotel's team invites you to enjoy a stroll down the boardwalk and enjoy authentic pizza and a glass of wine in this iconic location.
beef & burger night
pizza night
tapas night
With 24 beaches to choose from, create your own picnic basket content the night before and the following day head down to the Beach Club where your hamper and private dinghy await.
Motor to your beach of choice, or have one of the Marine team drop you off and collect you at a predetermined time.
The true luxury of this signature Lizard Island experience is that you have your chosen beach to yourselves.
Bookings are essential and order forms must be given to Reception prior to 20.00h the night before; private beach picnics are included as part of your stay.
Simple and relaxed, Salt Water Restaurant is in an idyllic setting allowing you to take full advantage of the 180-degree ocean views and the blazing evening sunsets in a design that is fully open to the landscaped lawns and gardens that slope down to Anchor Bay.
Here, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your stay.
With a choice of seating right next to the open air verandah or the more relaxed banquette/couch seating - you can select a different seating location and view each time you dine at Salt Water.
One morning it may be looking out to Watson’s Bay and the next to Osprey Island.
The menu changes daily and is driven by the freshest local produce from the waters around the island and the coast and from the hinterland of the mainland - much of which arrives on daily flights.
With an accent on fresh seafood combined with the flavours of modern Australian, Asian and European cuisine - the Executive Chef welcomes the opportunity to chat with you about the menu to ensure that the Salt Water Restaurant experience is one to remember.
Australian, Asian & European
Two private beach pavilions sit on Anchor bay - each commanding spectacular views of the nightly sunsets.
Here, you feel as if you are the only people on the island as the staff discretely serve the seven course dinner with complementary wines.
Prior to your dinner, you will meet with the Executive Chef to discuss and design the 7-course degustation menu with accompanying wines.
Beachside dining is one of the most popular experiences and bookings are essential.
Take a well-deserved break to a true oasis of peace and tranquility, like nowhere you have been before.
Whether you need a lifestyle re-boot or want to maintain your wellness routine while you’re away, you’ll be able to stay active while you nourish your body with fresh and whole foods.
Rebalance, relax, and rejuvenate while the spa's team personalises your spa experience with exclusive La Biosthetique skincare; each of the La Biosthetique bio-mimetic skin ranges is based on deep penetrating and powerful ingredients for highly effective results, formulated to suit individual skin needs.
Lizard Island’s partnership with La Biosthetique represents an alignment of luxury and sensory experience, each delivering bespoke care crafted to each individual.
Just as Lizard Island has defined itself as a rare and precious destination, La Biosthetique stands apart as the modern Parisian apothecary.
Together, the cultures create a premium and boutique environment for those seeking the ultimate indulgence.
Using only the finest, natural, raw ingredients, La Biosthetique performance skincare ranges are designed to work in harmony with your own bio-chemistry.
LIZARD ISLAND RESEARCH STATION
The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally recognised as the major island-based research facility on the Great Barrier Reef.
It attracts coral reef researchers from all around the world - with approximately 100 research projects conducted annually.
Since its opening in 1973 there has been more than 1,200 scientific publications produced by Australian and international researchers as a result of work undertaking at the facility.
Tours to the Research Station are conducted twice a week and available for all Lizard Island guests.
ECO-TOURISM
Everything that the hotel's team do is in full commitment to protecting, nurturing and maintaining the critical balance between the resort and the diverse eco-system of Lizard Island and its surrounding waters.
Lizard Island's Advanced Ecotourism Certified and GreenPath Ambassador Ecotourism Certification is Ecotourism Australia's flagship program.
Launched in 1996, it was the world's first ecotourism certification program.
Delaware North Australia Parks and Resorts - owners and operators of Lizard Island, is creating a greener, more sustainable business.
Lizard Island is part of an environmental management system called GreenPath that is applicable to every site where Delaware North is located.
GreenPath focuses on the total environmental impacts of the operations, including water and energy use, packaging, lighting, waste and food sourcing.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by 24 powdery white beaches and 1,000 hectares of National Park, Lizard Island is the ultimate in a secluded and private destination for your special event.
Consistently rated as one of the top resorts in the world, and with a recent $50 million refurbishment, you will experience an event and hospitality like nowhere else.
The expert team will work with you to ensure your dream event is limited only by your imagination.
With only 40 villas and suites, those arranging a special event commonly reserve the island exclusive for their event - now that is the ultimate in a "private special event".
You will enjoy everything the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef has to offer.
Discover scuba diving, big game fishing, snorkeling in the world famous Cod Hole, hikes and guided nature walks and spa treatments.
Boats and game fisherman from all over the world ascend on Anchor Bay to fulfill dreams of catching one of these majestic creatures (7 days every October).
Lizard Island is located on the Great Barrier Reef with world famous dive sites, such as the Cod Hole, only 45 minutes from shore.
One of the greatest joys of fishing in and around Lizard Island is the ease of access to some of the world’s greatest fishing spots.
Get up close to the marine and plant life in the waters off Anchor Bay in a glass bottom sea kayak.
Located within easy access to the main resort facilities, the meeting room can accommodate up to 30 delegates theatre style or 12 boardroom style and is equipped with chairs, tables, white board and projector.
The private dinghies are a signature of Lizard Island. The most popular activity is to take a picnic hamper, your snorkel gear and motor to a private beach for a day of tranquility and exploring.
Resident Naturalists share their knowledge and passion of local flora and fauna with guided walks across the island and at pre-dinner video and talk presentations.
Paddle Boards are available at the Beach House and provide a fun, self-paced way to explore the waters of Anchor Bay and you get to exercise while you do it!
A private charter for fishing, snorkeling and diving excursions will elevate your Lizard Island experience to a sublime, new level and leave you with no doubt as to why Lizard Island is like nowhere else.
Experience the most picturesque reef and marine life by simply stepping off the beach or take your own personal dinghy to a private location for the day.
Hike in the footsteps of Captain Cook to the highest point on the island and take in the panoramic views that can only be enjoyed from this vantage point.
The privacy and natural seclusion of Lizard Island makes it a popular destination for couples seeking a truly intimate and exclusive location for their wedding.
LIZARD ISLAND RESORT
PMB 40 Cairns QLD 4871Australia