Celebrating 20 years as Island Custodians

2025 is a huge year for Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort as it marks a truly special milestone, 20 years since the Gash family, partners and team became custodians of this tiny coral cay.

Over the past two decades, our family-led team and industry partners have worked passionately to restore and protect this vital ecosystem, transforming it into one of the most pristine and inspiring locations on the Great Barrier Reef. What began as a bold vision in 2005 has become a beacon of sustainable tourism, education, and conservation.

From first-time visitors to our much-loved return guests, each and every one of you have become part of the Lady Elliot story.
It blows our minds to think about the ripple effect this small but mighty island has had, not only over the last 20 years, but since tourism first began here in 1969 thanks to pioneer Don Adams.

Every visit does more than offer a holiday, it helps us continue our path of sustainability and, hopefully, inspires future eco-warriors. If even one guest chooses less plastic, adds solar panels, starts a compost, or falls in love with the Great Barrier Reef, we know our work is making a difference.

We look forward to celebrating the journey, past and present team members, industry partners, guests, and media will gather next month for an island style celebration.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of protecting, preserving, and celebrating this special place together.

~ Peter Gash and family

Can you help us?

If you have any photos of the resort from the last two decades that you would be happy for us to share, please send them to marketing@ladyelliot.com.au by October 28th 2025.

Photo Flashbacks

As we dig photos out of the archives and reflect on how the resort and the guest experiences have evolved over two decades, we invite you to step back in time with us.