Lady Elliot Island: The Island Stay To Swim With Manta Rays

Get up close and personal with extraordinary marine life in a paradise like no other.

Lady Elliot Island is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s best-kept secrets. A coral cay tucked away at its southern tip on the Fraser Coast, the waters surrounding this tiny island are home to over 1200 marine species, including turtles, reef sharks and seasonal humpback whales.

Nicknamed the ‘Home of the Manta Ray,’ researchers have identified over 700 individual manta rays in the nearby waters, making Lady Elliot Island one of the rare places where you can swim with these gentle giants.

Manta Ray in Lady Elliot Island — Get up close to manta rays when you visit Lady Elliot Island.

Location

Located 80 kilometres northeast off the coast of Bundaberg, this tiny 40-hectare island, composed of crushed coral and encircled by a reef, means access by boat is not possible. The only way to reach this secluded paradise is via a small aircraft that lands on an airstrip stretching the island’s length. But arriving is half the fun!

The flight is more than just a transfer; it’s a scenic experience. The plane circles the island twice, banking on both sides to offer passengers an aerial view of the island and reef. Flights depart from Hervey Bay (a 40-minute journey), Bundaberg, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Lady Elliot Island Views — See panoramic views of the island and reef from both sides of the plane.

Style and character

There’s only one resort on Lady Elliot , and as the plane touches down, you’ll see many of the staff waving a warm welcome from the side of the airstrip. This sets the tone for the island’s friendly, laid-back atmosphere, whereby, at the end of your visit, you’ll know staff by their first names.

The award-winning eco resort prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and exudes a relaxed, intimate charm, enhanced by the knowledge that only a few are sharing this unique experience with you – overnight guests are limited to 150.

The resort’s true luxury is its proximity to natural beauty. Amenities are simple and eco-friendly, offering a serene escape where nature takes centre stage.

Lady Elliot Island View — The award-winning eco resort exudes a relaxed, intimate charm.

Experiences

Endless adventures await you on this island paradise. Choose from various water-based activities, starting with snorkelling trails accessed directly off the beach or snorkelling tours with a master reef guide who will spot more marine life than you could spot on your own.

Glass boat in Lady Elliot Island — Endless adventures await you on this island paradise.

You can also glide over coral gardens in a glass-bottom boat , enjoy fish feeding in a shallow lagoon, kayaking, reef walks and sunset cruises . For those eager to swim with manta rays , PADI has listed the island as one of the top 12 locations in the world, and diving enthusiasts can explore over 20 dive sites.

On land, join guided discovery tours, bird watching or seasonal turtle treks. Several self-guided walks allow you to explore at your own pace, and with the entire island walkable in just 45 minutes, it’s impossible to get lost.

Lady Elliot Island Manta Ray — Enjoy a unique experience swimming with majestic manta rays.

Facilities

Enjoy a game of table tennis, a dip in the saltwater pool or beach volleyball. Expand your knowledge at the education centre or explore the resort’s library to identify creatures from your snorkels or walks. You can also find souvenirs or postcards at the gift shop.

The resort also seamlessly integrates impressive sustainable facilities. It generates electricity through a hybrid solar power system, desalinates its water and responsibly manages all waste.

Lady Elliot Island Solar Power System — Discover the island’s sustainability.

Flights to the island are carbon neutral and, instead of a concrete runway, the airstrip is a hard coral base covered with grass. Interestingly, this runway doubles as a recreational cricket pitch when not used by aircraft! And love it or hate it, there’s no mobile reception on the island, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.

Swim with the turtles in Lady Elliot Island — Disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Lady Elliot Island.

Rooms

Despite its compact size, the resort boasts a range of accommodation options to suit bucket-list adventurers, honeymooners, families with young kids and marine enthusiasts.

Accommodation includes eco-cabins with shared bathrooms, garden units with en suites, reef units near the lagoon, luxurious glamping tents and two-bedroom beachfront units.

Lady Elliot Island Glamping Tents — Unwind in a luxurious glamping tent.

Food and drink

The relaxed Beachfront Dining Room, the island’s sole restaurant, offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet and cafe-style lunch (day trip and overnight packages include pre-purchased dining options).

The Lagoon Bar, with its expansive deck overlooking the lagoon, serves drinks and snacks all day and offers antipasto platters at sundown – the perfect accompaniment to watching an island sunset.

Lady Elliot Island Food and drink — Savour drinks and snacks at The Lagoon Bar while watching the sunset over the island.

Access for guests with disabilities

The island’s remoteness adds to its unique charm but can impact accessibility. The resort offers wheelchair-accessible rooms and public bathrooms for day guests. Boating activities are boarded directly from the beach; at high tide, a ramp can sometimes be lowered onto the sand. For visually impaired guests, the resort offers audio recordings about the island.

Guests are encouraged to contact the reservations team to discuss individual needs.

Family-friendly

The resort caters to young adventurers with a Reef Rangers program during school holidays, offering fun, conservation-focused activities. Enjoy fish feeding, guided reef and turtle walks, a pool, a small games room and babysitting services.

Reef Walk in Lady Elliot Island — Embark on a guided reef walk.

Free learn-to-snorkel sessions in the pool ensure everyone is ready for the reef, and boogie boards with a see-through Perspex box are available so kids can see marine life without submerging their heads.

The resort’s library also has a selection of marine life books for curious young minds.

Snorkelling on the reef — Join complimentary learn-to-snorkel sessions and get ready to explore the reef.

Details

Jetstar offers direct flights to Hervey Bay from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Lady Elliot Island flights depart from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

Lady Elliot Island: The island stay that lets you swim with manta rays