Captain Cook named Lizard Island when he passed it on August 12, 1770, and climbed its summit, now Cook's Look, to chart a way through the reef. Lying 240 kilometres north of Cairns and 27 kilometres off the Queensland coast, the island became a national park in 1937, and the resort is the only one within its 1,013 hectares, set directly on the Great Barrier Reef and ringed by 24 white-sand beaches. The Australian Museum's research station on the island is a leader in coral reef science, and guests can tour it. Rooms run from garden-view rooms to beachfront suites and ocean-view villas with plunge pools, in bleached timber and soft linen. Stays are all-inclusive, with menus that change daily at Salt Water, wines, motorised dinghies, clear kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear. The Cod Hole, known for its potato cod, is 45 minutes away by boat. The House, on its own peninsula, has three king suites across three storeys plus the adjoining Cottage, an infinity pool above a private beach, a rooftop spa and its own chef and boat. Children from 10 are welcome.
- Nearest airport
- Cairns Airport (CNS), 155 Miles / 249 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 40 rooms, suites and villas
Insider tip Take a dinghy and a picnic to a beach of your own; with 24 beaches for 40 rooms, you are unlikely to share it.
Why I choose it The only resort inside a Great Barrier Reef national park, with a research station next door and beaches to spare.
