Map showing Lizard Island (Near Cooktown) and the Great Barrier Reef: Queensland Map.
Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, is one of a group of six islands that is located some 250 kilometres north east of the city of Cairns.
In the far north of Queensland, Lizard Island has wonderful sandy beaches and is surrounded by coral reefs filled with colourful tropical fish and other marine life. On the island there are mangroves, backed by woodlands as well as grass fields.
The island itself is part of the Lizard National Park, protecting the four islands of Lizard, Osprey, Palfrey and South Island as well as Eagle Island, located further west of the main group.
Dingaal People
Occupied by Aboriginals, the Dingaal people, for probably thousands of years, there are inititation sites, shell middens (piles of sea shells such as clams and oysters) and other traces of their long occupation of these islands.
Captain Cook found these islands in 1770, during his journey to chart the East Australia Coast. Today, much research is done here on the marine life here in this remote and beautiful part of the world at the Lizard Island Research Station, guided tours are available.
Luxury Resort
There is a luxury resort on the island, where visitors have included famous people such as Tiger Woods, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom and Teri Hatcher. The resort has been ranked as one of the world’s top ten in the world.
A network of walks exist, from the easy to the difficult, allowing you to explore the island. Excellent snorkelling of the reefs is also available, a main popular spot is at the Clam Gardens in Watsons Bay. Be aware of the currents and weather, you can find out more about current conditions at the resort’s watersports centre.
Camping
There are camp sites available in this part of the world, at Watsons Bay. You will need to bring all your own supplies, although water is available at a hand-pump, bring your own containers. There are toilets, picnic tables and gas barbecues available at the site.
You will need to get a permit from the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Native Animals
This far north of Queensland, crocodiles are occasional visitors, more information can be found at the Lizard National Park website.
Birdlife, protected by the National Park, is abundant. The yellow-spotted monitor and other lizards can also be seen.
Other Islands on the Great Barrier Reef
There are hundreds of islands on the Australia Great Barrier Reef . More about the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of beautiful islands situated off the coast of Queensland and a very popular yachting paradise: Whitsunday Islands. See the Whitsunday Coast Map QLD.
Lizard Island on the Australia Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia
Next: Orpheus Island, Australia Great Barrier Reef
Lizard Island, Far North Queensland
Map showing Lizard Island (Near Cooktown) and the Great Barrier Reef: Queensland Map.
Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, is one of a group of six islands that is located some 250 kilometres north east of the city of Cairns.
In the far north of Queensland, Lizard Island has wonderful sandy beaches and is surrounded by coral reefs filled with colourful tropical fish and other marine life. On the island there are mangroves, backed by woodlands as well as grass fields.
The island itself is part of the Lizard National Park, protecting the four islands of Lizard, Osprey, Palfrey and South Island as well as Eagle Island, located further west of the main group.
Dingaal People
Occupied by Aboriginals, the Dingaal people, for probably thousands of years, there are inititation sites, shell middens (piles of sea shells such as clams and oysters) and other traces of their long occupation of these islands.
Captain Cook found these islands in 1770, during his journey to chart the East Australia Coast. Today, much research is done here on the marine life here in this remote and beautiful part of the world at the Lizard Island Research Station, guided tours are available.
Luxury Resort
There is a luxury resort on the island, where visitors have included famous people such as Tiger Woods, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom and Teri Hatcher. The resort has been ranked as one of the world’s top ten in the world.
A network of walks exist, from the easy to the difficult, allowing you to explore the island. Excellent snorkelling of the reefs is also available, a main popular spot is at the Clam Gardens in Watsons Bay. Be aware of the currents and weather, you can find out more about current conditions at the resort’s watersports centre.
Camping
There are camp sites available in this part of the world, at Watsons Bay. You will need to bring all your own supplies, although water is available at a hand-pump, bring your own containers. There are toilets, picnic tables and gas barbecues available at the site.
You will need to get a permit from the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Native Animals
This far north of Queensland, crocodiles are occasional visitors, more information can be found at the Lizard National Park website.
Birdlife, protected by the National Park, is abundant. The yellow-spotted monitor and other lizards can also be seen.
Other Islands on the Great Barrier Reef
There are hundreds of islands on the Australia Great Barrier Reef . More about the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of beautiful islands situated off the coast of Queensland and a very popular yachting paradise: Whitsunday Islands. See the Whitsunday Coast Map QLD.
National Parks
National Parks of Queensland: Queensland National Parks and in Australia: Australia National Parks.
Far North Queensland Map
Shows Mackay and Surrounding towns, beaches, national parks and places to go : Tropical North - Cairns Map or the Map of Queensland.
Touring Australia: The Queensland Coast
Touring the Queensland Coast - Queensland Coast.
Hotels and Resorts in Queensland
Find Hotels and Resorts in Queensland - Hotels in Australia.
Previous: Lady Elliot Island
Topic: QLD Barrier Reef
Main Photo: Lizard Island on the Australia Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia