Accommodation
Day Visits
Getting Here
Snorkel & Dive
SustainabilityAccess to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is on small aircraft chartered from Seair Pacific to transport our guests to and from the Island. As Lady Elliot Island is the most remote Great Barrier Reef island regularly accessed, boat access is impractical.
Seair has been the provider of aircraft charter to the resort since 1996 and its pilots are very experienced in operating into and out of the grass airstrip which runs the entire length of the island.
Our Reservations Team will book your flights in conjunction with your accommodation, please refer to our Enquiry Page.
Lady Elliot Island is the only coral cay Island with an airstrip on the Great Barrier Reef. Our scenic flight transfers are one of the highlights of the overall guest experience and all our visitors enjoy two scenic flights providing a bird’s eye view of the reef as part of their visit to our unique Island paradise.
Lady Elliot Island is a private closed destination and permission to access the Island is only granted by the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, no other flight access is permitted.
Departure Ports & Flight Times
- Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) to Lady Elliot Island
Departs Hervey Bay Arrives Lady Elliot Island 08:10am* 08:50am 10:30am 11:10am 01:00pm 01:40pm Departs Lady Elliot Island Arrives Hervey Bay 09:30am 10:10am 11:30am 12:10pm 04:00pm* 04:40pm *08:10am & 04:00pm flights are for day guests or one-night stays only
The scenic flight from Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast to Lady Elliot Island takes approximately 40 minutes. Check in at the Lady Elliot Island counter at Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast Airport, Gate 2 in the main terminal. Please view driving map/directions HERE. Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure. Your flight will be arranged in coordination with your accommodation booking.
To reach Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast by Air: Qantas and Jetstar provide flights from Australia’s major cities to Hervey Bay Airport.
To reach Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast – Self-Drive: Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast is just over 3 hours drive (289km) north of Brisbane, via the Bruce Highway.
To reach Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast by Rail: Queensland Rail offers a train service between Brisbane and Maryborough. A Shuttle Bus can transfer you from Maryborough to Hervey Bay. For more information on the timetable visit Queensland Rail Travel’s website.
To reach Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast by Bus: Greyhound Pioneer and Premier Motor Services provide a daily air-conditioned coach service between the Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay and Maryborough) and Brisbane (Airport and City Transit Centre in Roma Street).
- Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island
Departs Bundaberg Arrives Lady Elliot Island 08:40am* 09:10am 01:30pm 02:00pm Departs Lady Elliot Island Arrives Bundaberg 11:30am 12:00pm 04:00pm* 04:30pm *08:40am & 04:00pm flights are for day guests or one-night stays only
The scenic flight from Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island takes approximately 30 minutes. Check in at the Lady Elliot Island/QantasLink counter at Bundaberg Airport (counter may not always be attended and the pilot will meet you shortly prior to boarding). Please view driving map/directions HERE. Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure. Your flight will be arranged in coordination with your accommodation booking.
To get to Bundaberg by Air: Qantas and Link Airways provide daily flights from Brisbane to Bundaberg Airport.
To reach Bundaberg – Self-Drive: Bundaberg is just over 4 hours drive (390km) north of Brisbane, via the Bruce Highway.
To get to Bundaberg by Rail: Queensland Rail offers a Tilt train service between Brisbane and Bundaberg. For more information on the Tilt Train timetable visit Queensland Rail Travel’s website.
- Brisbane (Redcliffe) to Lady Elliot Island
Departs Brisbane (Redcliffe) Arrives Lady Elliot Island 07:15am 08:45am Departs Lady Elliot Island Arrives Brisbane (Redcliffe) 02:30pm 04:00pm The scenic flight from Brisbane (Redcliffe) to Lady Elliot Island takes approximately 80 minutes. Redcliffe Aerodrome is approximately 40 minutes drive north of Brisbane city. The pilot will greet you directly in front of the amenities block. Please view driving map/directions HERE. Your flight will be arranged in coordination with your accommodation booking. Transfers between Brisbane and Redcliffe can also be added if required.
To reach Brisbane by Air: See Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin Australia websites for direct flights from Sydney and Australia’s major cities to Brisbane.
- Gold Coast (Coolangatta) to Lady Elliot Island
Departs Coolangatta Arrives Lady Elliot Island 06:45am 08:45am Departs Lady Elliot Island Arrives Coolangatta 02:30PM 04:30PM The scenic flight from the Gold Coast (Coolangatta) to Lady Elliot Island takes approximately 100 minutes. Check in at the Seair hangar at Lores Bonney Circuit in the General Aviation Area at Coolangatta Airport. Please view driving map/directions HERE. Please check in 15 minutes prior to departure. Your flight will be arranged in coordination with your accommodation booking.
To reach the Gold Coast by Air: See Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia or Tigerair websites for direct flights from Sydney and Australia’s major cities to the Gold Coast.
*Flight times vary depending on weather, aircraft type and possible transit stop
Important Flight Information:
- Flights are subject to change and may vary depending on weather, aircraft type and possible transit stops
- Single passengers from Brisbane (Redcliffe) will incur a surcharge of $50 each way ($100 return) – non commissionable or refundable
- *08:10, 08:40 & 16:00 flights are for day guests or one-night stays only (subject to availability)
- 15kg luggage limit per person (soft bags preferred, must not exceed 70cm x 40cm x 30cm)
- Excess luggage $160 return per 10kg ($16 per kg)
- Flights do not operate Christmas Day
- Please ensure you have provided reservations with a contact phone number
- If you are a sole traveller please advise an emergency contact
- Please advise if you will be travelling on any connecting flights, buses, trains etc
- Please re-confirm flight 24 hours prior to travel 1800 072 200 or 07 5536 3644
- Please check in 30 minutes prior to your departing flight (15 minutes for Redcliffe)
PASSENGER MOBILITY AND WEIGHT:
As access to Lady Elliot Island is via small aircraft only, it is important for us to be aware in advance of any passengers requiring assistance with mobility, travelling with a wheelchair or walking aid. Additionally as we use standard passenger weights for all guests on our flights, if anyone in your booking weights over 100kg please inform us of their actual weight so that we can ensure safe loading of our aircraft.
LUGGAGE INFORMATION:
Each passenger, including children and infants, is allowed a maximum of 15kg of baggage. Suitcases and individual items must not exceed 15kg in weight and should not be larger than 70cm x 40cm x 30cm to fit in the aircraft luggage compartments. We are unable to accommodate suitcases and other travel bags larger than these dimensions, particularly hard-cased luggage. Soft bags are preferred for ease of stowing.
We can accommodate freediver fins that are longer than 70cm.
Passengers traveling with dive or camera equipment and needing additional luggage allowance can purchase it up to 3 days prior to travel by calling Reservations on 1800 072 200. (charges apply). Any excess luggage that has not been prearranged may not travel on the same flights as the guest and excess luggage charges will be added to the guests’ island house account.
Luggage storage is available at the Gold Coast, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg airports. Storage is not available at Redcliffe.
Flight Costs
Cost of return scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
| FLIGHTS | 1 April 2024 – 28 March 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ADULT | CHILD | ||
| BUNDABERG | $465.00 | $330.00 | |
| HERVEY BAY/FRASER COAST | $465.00 | $330.00 | |
| BRISBANE (REDCLIFFE) | $910.00* | $599.00 | |
| GOLD COAST (COOLANGATTA) | $910.00 | $599.00 | |
*Sole Adult ex Redcliffe $1,010.00 (includes $100 single person surcharge)
Cost of return scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island 1 April 2025- 31 March 2026
| FLIGHTS | 1 April 2025 – 28 March 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ADULT | CHILD | ||
| BUNDABERG | $485.00 | $345.00 | |
| HERVEY BAY/FRASER COAST | $485.00 | $345.00 | |
| BRISBANE (REDCLIFFE) | $945.00* | $625.00 | |
| GOLD COAST (COOLANGATTA) | $945.00 | $625.00 | |
*Sole Adult ex Redcliffe $1,045.00 (includes $100 single person surcharge)
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Exclusive Private Charter Flights
Exclusive private charter flights are available for overnight guests to Lady Elliot from Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast or Bundaberg, prices start from:
- Cessna Caravan $3,800 (inc GST) one way. Up to 12 passengers.
- Twin-Otter $5,200 (inc GST) one way. Up to 12 passengers.
Please note: The above costing is for overnight private charters (one way) and is based on aircraft hire only. Additional Island fees apply. Private charter flights from Brisbane (Redcliffe) and the Gold Coast are also available.
For Private Day Tour charters, please contact our Reservations Team for a personalised charter quote on 07 5536 3644.
NB: Pricing based on 2024-2025 charter rates and pricing is subject to change
Driving Maps
Maps/Directions to Airports can be downloaded below:
Directions – Bundaberg (BDB)
SOME THINGS WERE NEVER MEANT TO FLY
For safety reasons, certain items may need prior approval before being transported or used on the island. Other items are prohibited from being flown in the aircraft or used on the island. Please see below:
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Drones Need prior written approval before travelling due to Lady Elliot Island airstrip/aircraft operations. Batteries require dangerous goods acceptance and packaging approval before flights. |
REQUIRES APPROVAL GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
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Corrosives e.g., Wet cell, Lithium and Lipo batteries, acids & alkaline substances. |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK |
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Compressed Gases e.g., Poisonous & flammable gases such as butane, refrigerants |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK |
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Flammable Liquids or Solids e.g., paints, lighter or heating fluid, matches, articles easily ignited |
PROHIBITED FLIGHT RISK
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Poisons or Toxic Substances e.g. insecticides, weed killers |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK |
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Explosives, Fireworks or Flares |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK |
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Weapons e.g. firearms, knives, blades, sharp items |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK |
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Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) In-water risk to user and other snorkelers/divers. Batteries requiring Dangerous Goods Acceptance and Packaging before flights. |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK |
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Full Face Snorkelling Masks In-water risk to user. Not permitted on Lady Elliot Island guided activities. Requires discussion with Lady Elliot Island staff prior to use. |
REQUIRES APPROVAL GENERAL RISK |
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SNUBAH / Hookah Dive Systems In-water risk to user. Batteries requiring Dangerous Goods Acceptance and Packaging before flights. |
PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
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Seair and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort reserve the right to refuse to transport any item that they deem to be a safety risk for the flight or use on the island.