Last year, we spent 2 nights and 3 days on LEI (in a Reef Unit), and it just wasn't long enough to actually wind down, so we quickly booked 5 nights this time. From the beginning... Nothing beats looking down from our flight from Bundaberg and seeing whales underneath, and then the crystal clear waters surrounding the small island, and then being waved in by staff made our arrival so special. We'd splurged and booked a 2 bedroom Ocean View suite which was very comfortable. Only thing, would love some firmer pillows and a broom to sweep the outside deck. The small kitchenette had a microwave and fridge so we brought our own dips, crackers etc and microwave popcorn as all the water activities make us permanently hungry. We had a very cute baby Red Tailed Tropic Bird nesting just outside, as well as lots of Noddies, and Terns. Some birds did chatter a bit at night, but we had ear plugs so not concerned. Now for the water - we dived 4 times, snorkelled lots in the lagoon when the tide allowed, did the Coral Gardens to Lighthouse drift snorkel with our 11 and 13yo (recommend bringing a pool noodle) and the snorkel safari. Saw so much sea life - mantas, small reef sharks, schools of fish, turtles, rays, heard a whale singing and tonnes of parrot fish. The southern reef is mostly brown, yellow, and creamy coloured hard corals, so if you're expecting bright soft corals, there aren't as many as up north, but the diversity was incredible and seemed very healthy. We meant to join a kayak tour but too busy snorkelling, so next time. We hired wetsuits (water approx 23 degrees). All dive equipment in good nic. Out of the water - we thoroughly enjoyed the excellent breakfast and dinner buffets (something for everyone - just ask if you're really fussy), and ate a la carte lunches; joined the fish feeding at the lagoon and the reef walk, went on the island history tour and got to see inside the lighthouse and museum and visit the nursery. I walked around the island in about an hour (slowly to take photos - you could prob do it quickly in 30mins). Evening activities included getting board games from the activities room, watching a doco, joining in 'Island Bingo' (sadly didn't win). Finally had time to also relax and read a few books. If you are used to 5 star resorts with kids clubs, swim up bars, and staff grovelling and treating you like a king, this place isn't for you. If you want staff to welcome you like family, have no wifi, and get really in touch with nature, then LEI is worth every cent. We booked well in advance and paid off gradually so wasn't a massive outlay. We will definitely be back.…
Where do I begin?? This place is heaven on Earth! Not only is it peaceful and relaxing, but it’s an incredible place to see the incredibly beautiful Great Barrier Reef. I want to begin by acknowledging the hard work that all of the staff put in to keep the island looking great and keeping us, visitors happy. So many great people made our visit special. From Pablo and Jeremy guiding us on our glass bottom boat tour, to all the kitchen staff who always greeted us with a smile, all the tour guides guiding us in reef walks and island tours and everyone else who worked their tails off behind the scenes. The reef around the island is simply incredible. There is so much marine life to see. You can’t swim a meter without seeing a school of fish. We were lucky to see many mantas, countless schools of fish, a stingray, colourful clams, some blacktip sharks, countless schools of fish; big, small, plain and vibrant, half a dozen turtles and probably a couple thousand sea cucumbers. The reef isn’t as colorful as it is up north, because there isn’t as much soft coral as there is hard, yet there are still many colours to see. If you want to see the Reef, come here. The food on the island is great. The buffets always left us full and very satisfied. Meals ranged from lamb chops to Asian stir-fries to some delicious fish. There was a wide variety of food, and there was always something for everyone. We didn’t get the lunch buffet option, but we were happy with the “à la carte” lunches and occasional buffet lunches, if we were hungry. The cabins on the island are quite nice. Some have a bit of wear and tear, but nothing that would shock anyone. They are in the process of renovation some units, and we were lucky enough to get one of their new reef units in addition to an older garden unit. Nothing kept me from sleeping. The overall quality of sleep for me was great. Nothing prevented me from falling asleep, except a couple minutes of heavy rain early in the morning. The cabins are just fine. I think LEI is the absolute best spot to see the Great Barrier Reef. Not only do you get to see the Reef, but you also get so much more, free tours, equipment... It’s all worth it. If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef, skip Port Douglas, skip any of those lousy pontoon tours, spend a little extra and stay at least 3 nights here, I guarantee that it’ll be worth it. Thank you, Lady Elliot Island for the trip of a lifetime, the awe-inspiring moments, and the everlasting memories that I will never forget.…
Our wedding was my sixth time at Lady Elliot, and it was SO incredible. Our wedding day could not have been more perfect. The team was amazingly helpful in the lead up to the event and the days beforehand. The staff was so keen to make sure everything was spot on. We went snorkelling all day with turtles and mantas and all the other amazing marine life that calls the island home before we got hitched. The ceremony was so gorgeously set-up, as was the reception. The food blew me away. We were a big bunch of vegetarians, and it was so so yummy. It was just such a magical day and I can't thank the team at LEI enough or speak more highly of everyone involved that made it happen. This place is pure heaven, even when you're not tying the knot!…
This was our second trip to lady Elliot and once again it did not disappoint. Wonderful snorkel experiences with mantas, turtles, sharks and even a bottlenose dolphin called Bubbles. We love it here, it’s not flash but it is perfect for people who love nature and the sea! The food was great, drinks reasonably priced and the staff are always wonderful. We are booking again for next year. My husband has dived and snorkelled all around the world and rates this as the best place he has ever snorkelled in terms of variety and diversity of marine life. Thank you Lady Elliot, see you next year for trip #3.…
Yes the hotel is old, the glass bottom boat is a bad joke (compared to glass bottom boats I experienced in the Red Sea in the 90's) and the trip is not cheap but all that doesn't matter compared to the fact that the coral reef is 100% dead. And I honestly don't know why nobody is talking about this here!…
"reef units have great sunrise and ocean views and easy access to lagoon snorkeling"Read full review
"Avoid booking in bird nesting season, unless you're a bird enthusiast, as it is very noisy day and night"Read full review
"Ask the reservation team to find the best fit for your budget and interests ... heaps of options"Read full review
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