Lizard Island Resort
Barefoot luxury meets serious conservation. The resort isn't manicured or over-groomed — think wild granite terrain, scrub interior, and 40 low-slung villas arranged around Anchor Bay and Sunset Beach. Understated elegance, not flashy. The kind of place where David Attenborough called the reef his favourite on Earth.
Pre-book all diving and fishing experiences before arrival — dive boat capacity is just 6-10 guests and slots go fast
Why It Matters
The only all-inclusive resort in Australia located literally on the Great Barrier Reef. Holds the Michelin Three Key distinction — the highest honour in the Michelin Guide's inaugural Oceania selection — plus membership in Relais & Châteaux and Luxury Lodges of Australia. World-famous dive sites like the Cod Hole are just 45 minutes by boat. The island has only one resort and 40 rooms total.
Lizard Island is the only all-inclusive resort in Australia sitting directly on the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by 24 white-sand beaches inside a 1,013-hectare National Park. You get here by a one-hour scenic charter flight from Cairns — luggage limit 25kg, no mobile reception once you land. The 40 villas and suites are designed with bleached timbers and soft linens, open-plan layouts that let the reef in. There are no locks, no schedules, and no reason to keep track of time.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Beachfront Suites
Set along the natural arc of Anchor Bay with direct, uninterrupted beach access. A large daybed holds court on the expansive outside deck with full views across the bay and its anchored yachts. Natural interior tones with soaring double glass doors framing the blues and greens outside. At 87 sqm, these are well-proportioned and have a luxury bathroom drenched in natural light.
King or 2x King Single · 87 sqm
Gardenview Rooms
The entry-level room category. Lush tropical landscape surrounds each room, with natural meandering pathways that lead directly onto Anchor Bay Beach. Still elegantly appointed and fully inclusive — just no separate living room or elevated views.
King or King Zipper
Gardenview Suites
Separate bedroom and living room layout, conveniently close to the Lodge, Salt Water Restaurant, Driftwood Bar, the pool, and Essentia Spa. Lush tropical surroundings with natural, meandering pathways to Anchor Bay Beach. Good choice if you want to be central to the resort.
King and Sofa Bed
Oceanview Plunge Pool Villas
Set high on Sunset Bay with access to secluded beaches and your own private plunge pool. One of the most popular room categories for couples — the elevated position gives some of the best sunset views on the island.
King
Oceanview Villas
Positioned high on Sunset Bay offering ocean views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach. Private deck with table and chairs, and easy access to the secluded Sunset Beach below. One of the island's best sunset vantage points.
King or King Zipper
The House
A three-storey, three-bedroom award-winning property on a private peninsula, completely set apart from the rest of the resort. The House is 260 sqm with 56 sqm of covered terraces and a 106 sqm rooftop. Think panoramic Coral Sea views from every floor, three king suites each with ensuite, indoor-outdoor shower and outdoor bath, a private infinity pool, a yoga deck, and a rooftop spa. Comes with a private chef, a dedicated host, and exclusive use of 'Mojo' — a twin-outboard Searanger boat. The adjoining Cottage (for au pairs, older kids, or grandparents) cannot be booked separately.
3x King · 260 sqm
The Pavilion
Sits atop a soaring ridge commanding panoramic ocean views. One bedroom with glass sliding doors opening onto a wraparound deck that creates a seamless connection with the outdoors. Private plunge pool.
King
The Villa
Clifftop location offering ultimate privacy and stunning ocean vistas. Two bedrooms with private pool, suited to couples or small families. The elevated position commands sweeping ocean views at sunrise.
King (and sofa bed option)The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Morning yoga sessions on the beach or the resort pavilion. Available on request.
Inner reef is 15 minutes by boat (Mackerel, Queenfish, Trevally), outer reef is 50 minutes (Mackerel, Tuna, Mahi-mahi, Sailfish, small Black Marlin). Light tackle and big game options available. Private charters also bookable.
Departs Beach Club at 8:30am, returns around 3:30pm. Visits two dive sites on the outer ribbon reefs, including the world-famous Cod Hole where you encounter huge but friendly Potato Cod. Lunch and refreshments included. Tours alternate between inner and outer reefs daily. Private tour available for AUD $2,500 (divers) or AUD $2,000 (snorkellers).
Departs 8:30am, returns 11:30am. Visits continental islands with fringing reefs or patch reefs. Private tours available.
Complimentary clear-view kayaks let you observe marine and plant life directly below. Guided tours also available.
Complimentary for all guests. Take your own dinghy to any of the 24 beaches around the island for a fully private beach day. The resort prepares a refreshments pack with your choice of food and beverages the evening before.
Step directly off the beach into the reef. The Clam Gardens at Watson's Bay are a short swim from the beach, with giant clams and green sea turtles. Guided and self-guided options available. Snorkelling gear included in the all-inclusive rate.
Complimentary unlimited use. Navigate the waters of Anchor Bay at your own pace on a stand-up paddleboard.
Guests with a GoPro can participate in the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef's citizen science survey, photographing coral and marine life at designated reef sites. One of the world's largest marine citizen science initiatives.
Hike to the island's highest point in the footsteps of Captain Cook. Panoramic 360-degree views of the reef and surrounding islands. Best done at sunrise. Register at reception if going unguided.
Resort tennis court included for all guests. Balls and racquets provided. Night lighting available.
Tour the Australian Museum-operated coral reef research facility on the island. Speak with marine scientists about reef health, Crown-of-Thorns management, and conservation research.
Resident naturalists run guided interpretive walks across the island (flora, fauna, Indigenous history, bird spotting) and evening video and talk presentations. Also run guided beach snorkels in Anchor Bay.
The resort's 51ft Riviera Cruise Vessel 'Duyfken' (8 passengers, 20-knot cruise speed) or smaller vessels for fully private fishing, diving, or snorkelling excursions. Crew serve local produce and refreshments onboard.
Runs at dusk aboard 'MV Nemo' in Anchor Bay. Fruit, cheese, and a selection of drinks to enjoy while watching the sunset from the water.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
24 beaches accessible across the island, most reachable by complimentary motorised dinghy. Private beach picnic hampers included. Sun loungers and beach bags provided in rooms.
Available in all guest rooms and dedicated areas across the resort. Note: no mobile phone reception on the island — most guests consider this a feature.
All stays include gourmet daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, a curated selection of wine, beer, Champagne, and spirits, in-room mini-bar restocked daily, and morning/afternoon refreshments packs for private beach outings.
Equipped with cardio machines, pin-loaded weight machines, and free weights. Complimentary for all guests.
Centrally located between the Resort Lodge and Essentia Day Spa. Surrounded by tropical gardens.
On-site library for guests.
Small resort boutique on the island.
BUILD YOUR LIZARD ISLAND RESORT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning