Lizard Island, Cairns, Australia: Hotel Deal of the Day
Barefoot Luxury on the Great Barrier Reef
Hidden away on its own 1,000-hectare national park, fringed by white beaches and lapped by the electric blues of the Coral Sea, Lizard Island is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef escape. Unlike most Australian resorts that require a boat trip to the reef, here, you can swim right off the shore and be snorkeling among swirls of tropical fish, graceful turtles, and dazzling coral formations in just ten minutes. Beyond the beach, tawny bushland hums with life—darting lizards (including the island’s dragon-like namesake), vibrant birdlife, and the rustling of unseen critters.
More than just a postcard-perfect island, Lizard Island offers a heady mix of seclusion, adventure, and effortless luxury.
The Story Behind the Paradise
Declared a National Park in 1937, with its surrounding waters recognized as a National Marine Park in 1974, Lizard Island is part of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef. Over the years, it has remained one of the most exclusive island retreats in Australia. In 2021, Australian billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, of R.M. Williams fame, purchased the land, while Delaware North continues to operate the resort.
For those seeking next-level privacy, The House on Lizard Island—a striking four-bedroom brutalist masterpiece—stands alone on its own rugged headland, a beachside sanctuary wrapped in nature and the endless horizon of the Coral Sea.
Suites & Villas: Beachfront Bliss
Lizard Island keeps things intimate, with just 40 villas and suites tucked into the landscape. Each is bright and airy, with high ceilings and private decks that frame postcard-perfect views. Some overlook the rippling blues of the sea, others are wrapped in lush greenery, offering a sense of seclusion.
For the ultimate stay, the oceanfront villas sit right on the manicured lawns, just steps from the sand, shaded by swaying palms. And then there’s The House—a private retreat set apart from the rest of the resort, where concrete, copper, and glass merge with the raw beauty of the island.
Eat, Drink & Indulge
As an all-inclusive island, dining at Lizard Island is a serious affair—fresh, locally sourced, and always exceptional.
Salt Water Restaurant: The main open-air dining spot, where breezy breakfasts roll into long, lazy lunches and elegant, multi-course dinners. Expect everything from fluffy wattleseed pancakes in the morning to just-caught seafood and multi-course degustations by night.
Marlin Bar: The island’s casual hangout at the end of the boardwalk, where you’ll find burgers, sandwiches, and ice-cold beers. This is also a rare public bar, meaning a mix of guests, off-duty staff, and the occasional salty sailor stopping in for a drink on dry land.
For something extra special? Private dining on a deserted beach is always an option.
Adventure & Exploration
Whether you want to dive into the reef, sail across the lagoon, or simply soak up the serenity, Lizard Island delivers.
Snorkeling & Diving: With the Great Barrier Reef literally at your doorstep, exploring its underwater wonders is effortless. Head to Cod Hole, where you’ll find the island’s famous Potato Cod, or drift over vibrant coral gardens just offshore.
Fishing: Charter the Fascination for a day of world-class game fishing.
Hiking: Trek to Cook’s Look, the highest point on the island, for a breathtaking panoramic view of the reef and beyond.
Marine Research: Drop by the Lizard Island Research Station, run by the Australian Museum, to learn about the groundbreaking conservation efforts taking place on the reef.
Exclusive Offers & Promotions
Stay 4, Pay 3
Extend your island escape with a complimentary night when you book a minimum 4-night stay in an Oceanview Plunge Pool Villa or higher. More time to soak in the sun, explore the reef, and unwind in paradise.
Wellness Package
For those seeking relaxation and renewal, the Wellness Package includes:
1-hour spa treatment at Essentia Day Spa per guest
Guided nature walk or a hike up to Cook’s Look for spectacular island views
Guided stand-up paddleboard or kayak tour over the surrounding reefs
Romance Package (additional $1,120 per couple)
Designed for couples looking to elevate their stay, this package includes:
Champagne on arrival with chocolate-dipped strawberries
60-minute spa treatment for two at Essentia Day Spa
Sunset cruise with wine and cheeses
Private dinghy excursion with a picnic for two
Private beachside dining experience with a degustation menu
Minimum 2-night stay required
The Lizard Island Experience
Lizard Island is world of its own. The kind of place where mornings start with sunrise yoga and end with cocktails under a canopy of stars. Where days are spent drifting between untouched beaches, picnicking on your own private stretch of sand, and gliding over coral gardens in a clear-bottomed kayak.
And the best part? You’re blissfully far from the crowds. Just you, the reef, and the wild beauty of Australia’s most spectacular island escape.
Ready to experience the magic of Lizard Island? Contact me today at Mark@MDTraveling.com to start planning your dream getaway to this secluded paradise on the Great Barrier Reef.