Access 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/two 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: See Virgin Australia’s website for direct flights from Sydney and Australia’s major cities to Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast. QantasLink also operate daily flights from Brisbane see the Qantas website.

    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/two 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: See Virgin Australia’s website for direct flights from Brisbane to Bundaberg. QantasLink also operate daily flights from Brisbane to Bundaberg see Qantas website.

    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
  • Brisbane (Redcliffe) service/flight will incur a surcharge of $50 each way ($100 return) per sole traveller – non commissionable or refundable
  • *08:10, 08:40 & 16:00 flights are for day guests or one/two night stays only
  • 15kg luggage limit per person (soft bags preferred, must not exceed 70cm x 40cm x 30cm)
  • Excess luggage $7.00 per kg one way or $14 return
  • 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)

Flight Costs

Cost of return scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island 2022-2023 Rates

FLIGHTS 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023
ADULT CHILD
BUNDABERG $385.00 $260.00
HERVEY BAY/FRASER COAST $385.00 $260.00
BRISBANE (REDCLIFFE) $790.00* $490.00
GOLD COAST (COOLANGATTA) $790.00 $490.00

*Sole Adult ex Redcliffe $890.00 (includes $100 single person surcharge)

Cost of return scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island 2023-2024 Rates

FLIGHTS 1 April 2023 – 28 March 2024
ADULT CHILD
BUNDABERG $415.00 $285.00
HERVEY BAY/FRASER COAST $415.00 $285.00
BRISBANE (REDCLIFFE) $820.00* $525.00
GOLD COAST (COOLANGATTA) $820.00 $525.00

*Sole Adult ex Redcliffe $920.00 (includes $100 single person surcharge)

 

  • 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 $3,234 (inc GST) one way. Up to 12 passengers.
    • Twin-Otter $4,620 (inc GST) one way. Up to 15 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 2022-2023 charter rates 

Driving Maps

Maps/Directions to Airports can be downloaded below:

Directions – Bundaberg (BDB)

Directions –  Hervey Bay (HVB)

Directions – Redcliffe (RED)

Directions – Gold Coast (GC)

Directions – Agnes Water/1770

 

 

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:

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

 
Corrosives e.g., Wet cell, Lithium and Lipo batteries, acids & alkaline substances.  

PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
Compressed Gases e.g., Poisonous & flammable gases such as butane, refrigerants  

PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
Flammable Liquids or Solids  e.g., paints, lighter or heating fluid, matches, articles easily ignited  

PROHIBITED FLIGHT RISK

 
Poisons or Toxic Substances e.g. insecticides, weed killers  

PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
Explosives, Fireworks or Flares  

PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
Weapons e.g. firearms, knives, blades, sharp items  

PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK
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
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
SNUBAH / Hookah Dive Systems In-water risk to user.  Batteries requiring Dangerous Goods Acceptance and Packaging before flights.  

PROHIBITED GENERAL AND FLIGHT RISK

 

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.