Lady Elliot Island, Australia Cruises

Lady Elliot Island, Australia Cruise Port

As the southernmost cay of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is part of the Capricorn and Bunker Group of islands and owned by the Commonwealth of Australia. The cay was formed by pebbles instead of sand, giving it a unique texture. Years ago, aggressive guano mining destroyed many of the island’s original trees and plant life, but in recent years regulations have been put in place to re-vegetate the 110 acre island. Lady Elliot Island (or “LEI”) is classified within the “Green Zone” of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, affording it the greatest amount of protection to its biodiversity. The heavily protected seagrass beds, mangrove communities, and deep-water reefs are fascinating sites to behold via snorkeling or scuba diving in the depths of the ultra-clear waters. The high level of protection allows 1,200 maritime species to thrive in the area, including an abundance of manta rays and turtles.

• Lady Elliot Island Day Tours offer an insider’s perspective on the small, yet important island and will take you through the resort area as well as through terrain less traveled. Snorkeling and scuba diving side excursions are often included as an option.
   
The 17-meter, white and red Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse is an iconic structure built in 1873, designed and built in pieces in England and then shipped over and constructed onsite. This stop offers a pleasant view for miles around.
 
• For one of the best dive sites in the area, visit Lady Elliot Island Dive Shop. Taking advantage of the improvements brought about from the Green Zone status, diving into the crystal-clear depths has never been better.
   
• Discover one of the most important and expansive sea turtle habitats in the world in the Great Barrier Reef, easily accessible from this humble island’s shores.