About Lady Elliot Island
Lady Elliot Island is a 45-hectare coral cay at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, about 85 kilometres north-east of Bundaberg in Queensland. Part of the Capricorn and Bunker Group within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it is known as the southernmost coral cay of the reef. The island features a heritage-listed lighthouse, an eco resort, and is renowned for manta rays, turtle nesting, and extensive snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a low-lying coral cay with sandy beaches, a central airstrip, historic lighthouse, and eco resort accommodation. The island is surrounded by fringing reef accessible directly from the beach for snorkelling and diving. Facilities include a resort, restaurant, dive centre and education centre. Activities focus on guided reef walks, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling, diving, birdwatching and turtle watching in season. No private boats or day access without a booked flight and tour.
Key highlights
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Southernmost coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef in the Capricorn and Bunker Group
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Heritage-listed lighthouse built in 1873, with earlier 1866 lighthouse frame
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Year-round snorkelling and diving directly off the beach on fringing reef
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Renowned manta ray aggregation site with frequent sightings
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Major green and loggerhead turtle nesting and hatching site
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Important seabird nesting and roosting area with guided birdwatching
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Eco resort operating within Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Green Zone
History of Lady Elliot Island
Sighted in 1816 by Captain Thomas Stewart of the ship Lady Elliot after which it is named. Guano mining occurred in the 1860s. A lighthouse was first erected in 1866 and replaced by the current heritage-listed lighthouse in 1873, which remains an important navigation aid. The island later became a Commonwealth lighthouse reserve and is now part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Culture & Context
Significant as an eco-tourism and conservation site within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The heritage-listed lighthouse reflects Queensland's maritime history. The island is recognised for its conservation programs for manta rays, turtles and seabirds and for its low-impact eco resort model.