Lady Elliot Island is a Commonwealth Island located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, managed jointly by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) under a collaborative lease arrangement with – Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort’s lease and associated Marine Parks permit allows for the operation of a low-key resort, which can accommodate a maximum of 150 overnight guests and 100 day guests. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) leases a small section of the island for the operation of the lightstation.

PRESENT CUSTODIANS

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is a family run and operated eco-tourism business. Peter Gash, family and several silent partners have held the lease to operate the resort since 2005. Prior to taking over the lease, since 1995 Peter and family provided the air charter services to the Island. Peter and family also own and operate sister charter flight company Seair Pacific.

Peter sees himself, family and partners as custodians, caring for this beautiful location while at the same time educating and empowering people to fall in love with and protect its natural beauty. His future vision for Lady Elliot Island is to showcase this magnificent jewel of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and to keep its access and visitation costs at a level that all Australians can afford to visit and experience its wondrous natural beauty.

In recognition of Peter’s 30 plus years in Queensland’s dynamic tourism industry and in particular his passion, dedication and leadership in sustainable ecotourism, Peter was awarded the Marie Watson-Blake award for ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Individual’ at the 30th annual QLD Tourism awards in November 2014.  Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort has also been awarded the Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism.

PAST CUSTODIANS

In 1969, a keen aviator, Mr Don Adams (who later went on to found Seabird Aviation) built an airstrip and accommodation on the island, and was granted a tourist recreation lease by the Australian Government. In 1977, Don Adams sold the lease to Barrier Reef Airways. In 1984, the Australian Government called for tenders to construct a low-key resort on that island.

The first owner of the resort lease was John and Judy French, with the resort opening in 1985. In 1992, the resort lease changed hands and was sold to Bevan Whittaker who started guided activities such as reef walking and glass bottom boat tours. Peter began working closely with Bevan during this time, they work successfully together for the next 10 years promoting the special attractions of Lady Elliot Island.

When the lease was again coming up for renewal in 2005, Peter and his partners submitted a tender and became the successful leaseholder.