About this hotel
General information
Lizard Island Resort is the only all-inclusive resort in Australia set directly on the Great Barrier Reef. The island, some 1,000 hectares with 24 secluded white-sand beaches, has been a national park since 1937, and its waters a marine park since 1974. James Cook named it in 1770 and climbed the summit now called Cook’s Look to plot a way through the reef; the Dingaal people, its Traditional Owners, know it as Jiigurru.
There are only 40 rooms, suites and villas, and guests must be 10 or older. Rates cover all meals, wine, beer, spirits, Champagne and cocktails, a daily-restocked minibar, motorised dinghies for reaching empty beaches, picnic packs, paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear. The neighbouring Lizard Island Research Station is a world leader in coral reef science, and the resort is a Relais & Châteaux member.
Location
Lizard Island lies 240 km north of Cairns and 27 km off the Queensland coast, the northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Guests arrive on a scenic flight of about an hour from Cairns in a small aircraft, with a luggage allowance of 20–25 kg per person depending on the season.
Spa
Essentia Day Spa, beside the beach, uses Sodashi’s botanical products. The menu runs from facials, including the Crystal Vitality Facial found only here, to the Warm Crystal Massage with Australian stones, wraps, scrubs and pregnancy treatments. The spa welcomes guests aged 16 and over.
Sports & leisure
Included: stand-up paddleboards, glass-bottom kayaks, motorised dinghies, snorkelling from the beaches with complimentary lessons, a tennis court, a gym and a freshwater pool. Resident naturalists lead the hike to Cook’s Look, a walk over Chinaman’s Ridge and nature talks, and there are birdwatching, a tour of the research station and pre-dinner presentations. At extra cost: diving from Discover Scuba to full-day outer reef trips to the Cod Hole and Dynamite Passage, inner and outer reef fishing, guided snorkel tours, twilight cruises and private charters.
For children
Children are welcome from the age of 10.
Restaurants & bars
All food and drink is included, apart from the Cellar Master list.
- Salt Water — the main restaurant, with 180-degree ocean views and daily-changing menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Driftwood Bar & Wine Cellar — sunset drinks before dinner
- Beachside Degustation Dining — a seven-course menu with matched wines in two private gazebos on Anchor Bay (at extra cost)
- Marlin Bar — the island’s only bar, casual and open to the public, with cocktails and light meals two evenings a week
Swimming
The island has 24 beaches; the main one is Anchor Bay, where the beachfront suites stand. Watson’s Bay, known as the Clam Gardens, and Sunset Beach are the favourite snorkelling spots. Guests take their own dinghy and a picnic pack to a secluded beach, and there is also a freshwater pool.
Rooms
The resort has 40 rooms, suites and villas, from garden rooms to The House, a three-storey, three-bedroom retreat.
Rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans, a TV and Bluetooth speaker, a daily-restocked minibar, tea and coffee, premium toiletries, robes, Wi-Fi, a safe, yoga mats and beach towels and bags.
The House
A three-storey house with three king suites, each with an ensuite, indoor-outdoor shower and outdoor bath, plus a full kitchen, an infinity pool, a rooftop with daybeds and spa, and access to three private beaches. A private host and chef look after guests.
The Villa
A cliff-top villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, an 8-metre plunge pool and a broad deck over the reef and the Coral Sea. Sleeps up to five.
The Pavilion
A ridge-top pavilion with a king bedroom, a bathroom with freestanding bath, a kitchenette, a plunge pool, a wrap-around deck and its own gazebo, looking over Anchor Bay and the reef. Sleeps up to three.
Beachfront Suites
Suites along Anchor Bay with direct beach access and a large deck with daybed; king or twin beds. Sleep up to three.
Oceanview Plunge Pool Villas
Villas high on the ridge with a king bed, a private plunge pool and a deck over the Coral Sea, with paths down to secluded beaches. For two.
Oceanview Villas
Ridge villas with a private deck and a window seat facing the ocean; king or twin beds. For two.
Gardenview Suites
Suites with a separate bedroom and living room, close to the restaurant, pool and spa, with a deck and a path to Anchor Bay beach. Sleep up to four with rollaway beds.
Gardenview Rooms
Rooms set in the tropical garden with a private deck and window seat; king or twin beds. For two.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.