48 hours on Lady Elliot Island

The only way to access Lady Elliot Island is by air. But it's easier than it sounds, with carbon-offset chartered flights departing departing daily from the Gold Coast, Brisbane (Redcliffe), Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. Nab a window seat: this will be one of the most scenic flights of your life.

If travelling between June-November, keep your eyes peeled for whales below.

Check-in

Before you go racing for the water’s edge, put your bags down. There’s a range of accommodation options: couples should settle into the glamping tents, while families will find the eco cabins and units have a little more space for the kids. 

Nomatter where you sleep, you'll be just a stone's throw from the water, so you really can’t go wrong.

Overnight rates include a full buffet dinner and breakfast, use of snorkel equipment, a glass bottom boat tour or guided snorkel tour, plus a range of other tours and activities throughout your stay. 

Dive into the action

It's easy to meet some of the 1,200 species of marine life that call the shores and waters of Lady Elliot Island home. Pick up your snorkel gear and get wet: the lagoon on the eastern side of the island is tidal and only open at high tide, while the western side with its deeper ledges is perfect all day long. Keep a look out for eagle rays, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and more.

When you need a beach break, head to the activities board and the dive centre to sign up for any tours that run while you're here. There's guided reef walking, bird watching, glass-bottom kayaking and after-dark turtle tours (in-season only).

Wander through the forest

It’s not all about the big-blue on Lady Elliot Island. The Pisonia forest in the south-west part of the island is associated with a large noddy bird rookery, and the island boasts a pair of sea eagles that also frequent this area.

As part of the reforestation program that revitalised the island following extensive mining from the 1860s to the 1970s, Lady Elliot Island now has the second highest diversity of bird species on the Great Barrier Reef. There’s up to 95 different species of seabirds, land birds and shorebirds visiting throughout the year (especially from September to May). Guided nature walks are available if you want to learn while you wander.

Cheers to day one

There’s only one thing to do at sunset: grab a beer (don’t worry, they drive an esky around to the best sunset spot so you can purchase a drink there) and watch the sun fade away for the day.

Day 2

Rise and shine

Morning routines look a little different on Lady Elliot Island. Take a beachside stroll beside the lapping tides and you'll see peak hour is the bustle of birds and marine life going about their day. 

Breathe in deeply: this is a 48 hour escape that feels good inside and out. From the predominantly solar-powered operations to planting over 4,000 trees as part of the island's re-greening program, the team at Lady Elliot Island walks the walk as a world-leading eco resort.

And the credentials back it up: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification, Climate Action Leader Certification and Green Travel Leader status from Ecotourism Australia.

Go a little deeper

Lady Elliot Island is a diving nirvana, with over 20 dive sites offshore to explore: so if you scuba (or want to get certified), it's well worth working a little extra time into your itinerary to do so. 

Even with fringing reefs accessible right from the beach, you'd be missing out if you didn't join a snorkel safari that takes you to some untouched reef sites with a Master Reef Guide. Be sure to sign up so you don't miss out. 

Soak up the last of your 48 hous on Lady Elliot Island with as much time in the water as possible.

Meet the logo

Lady Elliot is known as the home of the manta ray for a very good reason. During the winter months they’re prolific in the waters on the western side of the island. If you didn't already spot them on your snorkel tour, grab some lunch then head on the DIY snorkel trail to the aptly-named manta bommie.

Nail the turtle photography

The turtles in the eastern lagoon are absolute posers: take advantage and take your best shot. It's hard not to be mesmerised by their gracefulness.

Take in one last sunset

48 hours on Lady Elliot Island goes by far too quickly - but it's a trip that changes you from the moment you step onto the coral beach. If flight schedules allow, take in your last sunset from the water. It's a great way to close out the adventure - and make plans for your return.