Lizard Island is the most northerly on the Great Barrier Reef Islands (besides Thursday Island at the very top). It is a National Park covering 1000 hectares with 24 sandy beaches and bays with excellent snorkeling, home of the giant clams and coral gardens. The highest peak is Cook's Look at 359 metres. Captain Cook, endeavoring to get out of the Reef area after hitting a Reef further south and laying over in what is now Cooktown, discovered and named Lizard Island. From Cook's Look, the story goes, he was able to find a suitable opening and return to the open seas.

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The second main draw is the Marlin Fishing, and clients book a year ahead during this period. The season actually goes from late September until early November, but October itself is the busiest month of the year with as many as 50 marlin boats in the harbour. Down the beach from the Resort is a special fishing Lodge, used to catering for meals for the crews and for award dinners during this time. These events are well-established and draw heavy international travel, both for the fishing yachts themselves as well as for the normal clients who come at that time of year.

There are no day trippers allowed on the Island, but a limited amount of campers are allowed to camp on the Island, but not in the Resort. Children under 6 years are not catered to on the Island, unless special application is made. The best time to go weather wise is April - November, as the Australian summer (December - March) is very hot and humid, and is subject to cyclone weather. The box jellyfish, so prominent on land, do not effect the beautiful clear waters, and swimming is beautiful all year round. The average temperature is Min - 23C - Max 32
C (approximately 74F - 92F ) Since the rooms are all fully air-conditioned, relief from the heat can easily be sought.

Lizard Island is located 240 kilometres north of Cairns, 27 kilometres off the coast of North Queensland. There is one hour long flight scheduled air daily from Cairns on Qantas, which seems to have removed the pass status to use here, making the trip at the present time about $151.00 per person each way. (Luggage is restricted) There are growing alternatives in the private air companies, however, and flying with four passengers on one's own schedule can be close to the same price as flying on the scheduled air. (Much less luggage restrictions and scenic flights also available) Please ask our office about these options as we are experienced in using them. The flight takes approximately an hour and passes directly over the gorgeous reef below (weather permitting).

Lizard Island Vacation Accommodations

Lizard Island Lodge has 40 private rooms, all with king or twin beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathroom with twin vanity basins and shower, private balcony, telephone, fridge, mini-bar, hairdryers, and ironing facilities. A couch in the room makes up to two more twins. There are never more than four people allowed in any one unit. There are no bathtubs at Lizard Island Lodge.

What will you do on a Lizard Island vacation?

There's lush rainforests and wildflowers and of course, powder white beaches and vivid coral gardens of the sea. Snorkeling and scuba diving around the island is fantastic. It's the perfect spot to learn scuba diving, too. The Cod Hole on the outer reef is considered one of the world's most spectacular diving sites.

Crystal clean waters, sparkling white sand - you won't want to go home.

Famous Black Marlin

Game fishermen come to Lizard from all over the world, especially from August to November, in search of the biggest game fish of all - the Black Marlin.

Black Marlin over pounds are caught off Lizard Island, in fact your chances of catching a legendary "GRANDER" are better than anywhere else on earth!!!.

Whether you are a seasoned big game fisherman or it?s your first time in the chair your Captain and crew will make your day an experience you will never forget.

The Lizard Island Classic: Tournament is held in October and runs for 7 days. Please note that is highly recommended to forward bookings at this time of year to avoid disappointment. LIZARD ISLAND

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Lizard Island is Australia's most northern island resort and one of the world's most exclusive. The Island has excellent beaches, and clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Most of Lizard Island, which covers about 1012 hectares, is national park. There is also a small national park camping ground with minimal facilities. You need a permit from national parks in Cairns to stay here and you must take all provisions.

There are plenty of bushwalks and wildlife. A popular track leads to Cook's Look, the peak on which Captain Cook stood to find passage through the Great Barrier Reef.

There are lush rainforests and wildflowers and of course powder white beaches and the vivid coral gardens of the sea. Snorkelling and scuba diving around the Island is fantastic.

The Cod Hole on the outer reef is considered one of the world's most spectacular diving sites.

Game fishermen come to Lizard from all over the world, especially from August to November, in search of the biggest game fish of all - the Black Marlin.

Remember--You will save Time, Money and Stress when you book your trip with our Virtuoso Australia Specialists.

The Lizard Island Resort's prices you see are published fares--ours are often 10 to 50% less. Use our vacation planner or call us at 1 800 330 8820 or 1 415 446 5252 for the latest up-to-the-minute specials. 

Lizard Island Vacations and Luxury Travel Packages 
Lizard Island Big Game Fishing