Lizard Island Marks 50 years of iconic barefoot luxury on the Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island Resort has celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of immersive luxury, pioneering sustainability, and curated guest experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.

For the travel trade and advisor community this milestone represents not only a moment to reflect on the resort’s exceptional track record, but is also an opportunity to introduce discerning clients to a rare blend of remote indulgence and conservation-led hospitality.

Set within a 1,013-hectare national park and surrounded by 24 white-sand beaches, Lizard Island Resort offers a true escape – with just 40 rooms, suites, and villas, each only steps from the reef. While the resort is accessible only by a scenic flight from Cairns or private yacht charter, the journey is part of the destination, and one that continues to reward those who seek the extraordinary. With increasing connectivity and direct flights from major US. cities (including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas) to Brisbane and, followed by a short domestic hop, to Cairns, plus international direct flights from Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Fiji Airways into Cairns, reaching this remote corner of the Great Barrier Reef has never been more seamless for international travellers.

A partnership-focused approach for advisors

To commemorate its golden anniversary, Lizard Island Resort is spotlighting a suite of immersive packages that cater to every type of traveller:

• Romance Package: Perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries, this package includes Champagne on arrival with chocolate-dipped strawberries, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment at Essentia Day Spa, a Marine Explorer Tour, a private dinghy excursion with a picnic, and a private beachside degustation dinner. Minimum 2-night stay; additional cost of $1,120 per couple.
• Wellness on Lizard Island: Designed for those seeking rejuvenation, this package offers a 1-hour spa treatment per guest, a guided nature walk or hike to Cook’s Look, and a guided stand-up paddle board or kayak tour over surrounding reefs. Pricing starts from $360 per couple, in addition to the nightly all-inclusive rate.
• Babymoon Package: Tailored for expecting couples, this package includes gentle spa experiences, mocktails at sunset, and a serene itinerary focused on relaxation and connection before the arrival of baby.

All packages include luxury accommodation, gourmet meals daily, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a selection of wines, beers, spirits, and Champagne, a daily restocked in-room minibar, complimentary use of motorised dinghies, morning or afternoon refreshments for private beach outings, unlimited use of stand-up paddle boards and clear view sea kayaks, and snorkelling equipment for the duration of stays.

A legacy of scientific collaboration & conservation

Since 1975, Lizard Island Resort has maintained a close partnership with the Lizard Island Research Station, operated by the Australian Museum. Now recognised as one of the most productive marine science stations in the world, the station has supported over 1,000 visiting scientists and produced 2,700+ publications on reef health and biodiversity.

Through the Great Reef Census and partnerships with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, guests can participate in citizen science initiatives – including guided snorkel safaris where they collect photographic data for analysis by marine researchers.

Evening presentations and behind-the-scenes tours offer guests a deeper understanding of reef conservation and allow advisors to position Lizard Island as both aspirational and educational – perfect for families, nature lovers, and science-minded travellers.

Celebrating a 50-year commitment to the reef & community

• Sustainable Waste & Energy Practices: The resort diverts over 60 per cent of waste from landfill and uses solar-powered hot water systems and energy-efficient appliances to reduce its carbon footprint.
• Advanced Ecotourism Certification and GreenPath Ambassador Certification recognise Lizard Island’s longstanding commitment to best-in-class environmental practices.
• Known as Jiigurru, Lizard Island is the traditional land of the Dingaal Aboriginal people. Through guided cultural walks led by the resort naturalist, guests gain a respectful introduction to the island’s spiritual and ecological significance. This cultural layer enriches the guest experience and adds another dimension for travel advisors promoting transformative, place-based journeys.
• Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: In alignment with the Reef 2050 Sustainability Plan, Lizard Island removed single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and water bottles in 2018 – well ahead of regulatory timelines. Guests are educated on the importance of reducing marine debris and its direct impact on reef health and endangered species.

A globally connected luxury experience in Australia’s most remote paradise

Lizard Island Resort reinforces its standing among the world’s premier travel experiences. An only Relais & Chateaux in Australia and proud member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, Lizard Island is also affiliated with prestigious travel networks such as Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, and more, ensuring seamless integration into the global luxury travel advisor community.

These partnerships not only reflect the resort’s exceptional standards of service and sustainability, but also provide enhanced value, exclusive amenities, and trusted access for advisor clients. From personalised experiences grounded in scientific discovery and cultural heritage to award-winning cuisine and private beachfront seclusion, Lizard Island offers advisors a rare opportunity to deliver immersive, high-touch journeys within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.