Lady Elliot Island

Where else in the Great Barrier Reef can you walk less than 100 metres out of your door and slip on a snorkel, mask and flippers and be immersed in one of the seven wonders of the natural world?

Lady Elliot Island is the Southernmost island on the Great Barrier Reef and is home to nesting turtles, manta rays, migrating whales, resident and visiting bird populations among the natural and abundant reef life.

Brilliantly coloured fish, starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, anemones, urchins and turtles grazing on outcrops are all unveiled in an instant as you pop your face down into the exceptionally clear lagoon.

This lagoon protects and nurtures the curiosity of beginners (you can stand up on this side and it's only accessible during high tide) while on the western side of the island experienced snorkellers and divers descend to see the coral sea.

It will take your breath away, the colour, variety and sheer abundance of marine life you can get up close and personal with each day and with restricted visitor numbers you have an uncrowded Southern Great Barrier Reef experience.

This island is a coral cay, so make sure you bring some protective footing as the coral will crunch underfoot as you circumnavigate the island exploring its bird habitat and native flora. Watch the sunset over the ocean where you feel miles away from civilisation in this protected eco gem.

Picture yourself as an island castaway and let loose discovering the treasures of the sea and sky waiting to be seen from the simple slip of your body from the land into the deep blue ocean.