An insider's guide to Lizard Island and Lizard Island Resort

Discover the essentials of Lizard Island with an expert guide from someone who’s experienced it firsthand.

If only one could measure a good time on Lizard Island by how much sand has been collected in your cossies. Or how many hours you’ve spent lolling on your day bed before the sun seeps over the horizon. It’s fitting that Lizard Island is named after the Whitsunday island’s best-known resident: the yellow-spotted monitor lizard. You can spend much of the late afternoon flat out like a lizard drinking at a gin tasting.

And while your skin won’t be as scaly as this suborder of reptiles after a visit to Essentia Day Spa , you can certainly change the colour of your kaftan to better blend in, like a chameleon, with your surrounds. Lizard Island was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 because of its many monitor lizards. But to the Traditional Owners of the lands, seas and skies of the region, the Dingaal and Ngurrumungu peoples, the island is known as Dyiigurra, and it represents a sacred place.

Location

the Lizard Island Resort from above — The resort is totally secluded, just 28 kilometres off the Queensland coastline. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lizard Island is in the northernmost part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Australia. It’s about 240 kilometres north of Cairns and about 28 kilometres off the Queensland coastline. The island is accessible by charter flights from the East Air Terminal at Cairns Airport and takes about an hour to get there. From above, the sun colours the frayed edges of the Ribbon Reefs, which appear like vibrant threads in an azure embroidery. It also paints its contours, gilding its neatly stacked granite boulders and rows of gums. Lizard Island is 1624 kilometres northwest of Brisbane and home to 1013 hectares of national park. It’s also a part of the larger stingray-like formation of islands that makes up the Lizard Island Group. If you have a boat that is larger than seven metres you can pull up in designated reef anchorage areas like Watsons Bay and Blue Lagoon. And if you have your own plane (many guests do) you can use the lavish resort’s private airstrip.

Style and character

a beachfront suite at Lizard Island Resort — The sea-view suites spill onto the manicured gardens. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lizard Island Resort is one of three Luxury Lodges of Australia properties in Tropical North Queensland. And despite the fact it’s one of the most luxe resorts on the Great Barrier Reef, it retains its laidback charm. The villas have an old Queenslander aesthetic, which is timeless, and a luxury element that emphasises light-filled spaces and a casual coastal chic. Although there are no tins of empty paint lying around, it’s likely the villas are all painted in Surf Mist, a light, neutral colour that complements the mix of contemporary natural textiles, earthy rattan light fittings and textured throws.

Lizard Island Resort was refurbished in 2015 after being damaged by cyclones, and Melbourne-based designers Hecker Guthrie turned to nature for ideas, forms and materials. The villas and restaurants are timeless thanks to the fact the indoors and outdoors appear to merge. Hecker Guthrie revels in texture and detail and employs wood and fabric to define the aesthetic of the living environment. But the greatest luxury of all is the location of the resort and exclusivity of access to the island’s diverse landscape.

Rooms

a man looking out the window of his suite at Lizard Island Resort — The luxury Lizard Island accommodation offers bright and breezy beachfront rooms. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There are only 40 rooms, suites and villas scattered around the 1000-hectare resort, with stone pathways that funnel guests through the greenery to the resort’s bar, restaurant, pool and spa. The luxury Lizard Island accommodation includes: Oceanview Villas, which are perched like eyries overlooking Sunset Bay; Gardenview Suites and Rooms, tucked away in tropical gardens; Beachfront Suites situated along the arc of Anchor Bay; and Oceanview Plunge Pool Villas where you can float like a starfish in your private plunge pool. Premium Leif products are used in the bathrooms and the rooms and suites are bright and breezy with wide-angle views of the sea or garden. I’m staying in an Oceanview Villa, which is a standalone cabin framed by palm trees bent into the wind.

Beach towels and beach bags are provided for those who want to flipper straight into the sea. A hairdryer is available in each room, but to be honest, the Lizard Island look is more #beachhairdontcare. There’s also an iron and an ironing board so you can iron your linen outfit ahead of the evening meal. To ensure your comfort, the resort offers a pillow menu that includes a range of hypoallergenic microfibre pillows that range from squishy to firm.

Facilities

the 8-metre private plunge pool in The Villa, Lizard Island Resort — Enjoy early morning dips at the 8-metre private plunge pool at The Villa. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

On the entertainment front, the rooms have LCD Televisions and Bluetooth speakers so you can crank your Island Vibes playlist. Although there is air con, the whirring of a ceiling fan will heighten that sense of connection to the tropics. Workaholics will appreciate the office desk and stationery. While those in holiday mode will likely work their way through the fully stocked mini bar and take advantage of the tea and coffee-making facilities. There’s complimentary wi-fi, but the best views are of sea and sky. Leave your phone in the room and take one of the complimentary motorised dinghies to explore the coral reef gardens that fringe the island.

a woman having a facial treatment at Essentia Spa, Lizard Island Resort — Get pampered with rejuvenating facial and body treatments on-site. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lizard Island has an Essentia Spa onsite, which is designed around the concept of sodashi, a Sanskrit word for ‘wholeness, purity and radiance’. Choose between a diverse menu of day treatments such as the Pure Radiance Facial, Detoxifying Marine Body Wrap and Signature Massage. The resort has a swimming pool, tennis court, gym and tour desk. There’s also a communal lounge and laundry.

Food and drink

a close-up shot of food on a plate, Lizard Island Resort — The menu is inspired by the ocean’s bounty and seasonal produce from the mainland. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

A stay on Lizard Island is all-inclusive with menus that draw inspiration from the tropical environment . Meals are enjoyed in the open-air Salt Water restaurant, an indoor-outdoor space where diners welcome the gentle caress of a sea breeze. The menu changes daily and is inspired by the ocean’s bounty and seasonal produce sourced from the mainland. Champagne, beer and spirits are on offer throughout your stay, and guests are invited to take part in a Wolf Lane Tropical Gin Tasting Masterclass at the Driftwood Bar & Wine Cellar. Breakfast is a la carte at the exclusive island retreat, and there are signature experiences such as seven-course Beachside Degustation Dining with matching wines and a menu tailor-made by the executive chef to suit the occasion. Personalised Beach Picnics are also popular, as guests can motor to a private beach via dinghy. The Marlin Bar is at the end of the boardwalk and is a public bar that has welcomed guests since 1975. Expect everyone from visiting celebrities to salty sea dogs to make cameos at the bar, which is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5pm.

Things to do

stand-up paddleboarding at Lizard Island — Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the island’s pristine waters. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Visitors to Lizard Island tend to be quite active as there are a lot of things to see and do. Cook’s Look offers one of the best vantage points of the island. Hike here in the cool of the day at dusk, when the colour in the sky changes from bands of pink to blue.  A comprehensive guide to Lizard Island will always include a trip to the famous Cod Hole, famous for its resident potato cods and brightly coloured tropical fish. Visitors can also snorkel straight off the sand.  The Australian Museum has a Marine Research Station on the island where many visitors choose to volunteer. Help build the Australasian Fishes station’s image library used to identify fish or record frog calls to help the scientists learn more about what is happening to Australia’s frogs.

an aerial view of Lizard Island Resort — This exclusive island retreat is tucked into a secluded part of the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lizard Island is all about experiential luxury, with everything a short amble away. The beaches are secluded and seductive. Flipper straight off the beach at Watsons Bay to find giant clams and sea turtles in the Clam Gardens, an exclusive experience that is one of Lizard Island’s greatest draws. Lizard Island is also known the world over for its game fishing, something the island specialises in. The nearby Ribbon Reefs are considered some of the best in the world for big game fishing. Fish all day and come back to your luxury villa to enjoy oysters and Champagne on beaches that are like a scene stolen from a postcard.

Is Lizard Island Resort family-friendly?

guests participating in a yoga session on the beach — Join morning yoga sessions on the beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lizard Island welcomes children aged 10 and over, which is the perfect age to take advantage of all of the island activities. Extended families often book out The House, an architecturally designed home with an adjoining cottage that sleeps eight.

Access for guests with disabilities?

The resort offers some accessibility with wheelchair-friendly paths leading to the restaurant and villas, but the island’s national park has limitations for those with mobility issues. Contact Lizard Island for more details.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef’s first underwater hotel

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.

An insider’s guide to Lizard Island and Lizard Island Resort