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Welcome from Peter Gash, Island Custodian

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It's been quite an eventful few months here on Lady Elliot Island.

 

Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred certainly tested our resilience! I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all our guests who demonstrated remarkable understanding and flexibility during the cyclone event. Your cooperation made a difficult situation much more manageable for our team.

 

I'm pleased to report that outside of those challenging days, we've been blessed with truly magnificent weather conditions especially over the Easter weekend. As we transition seasons, the migratory seabirds are beginning their journey away from the island, and with cooler temperatures settling in, our revegetation project is gaining momentum. We're excited to once again welcome volunteers to join us in this important environmental work.  

 

Below the water, manta season has kicked off with numerous sightings both at the surface and around cleaning stations. Our guests have been particularly excited about encounters with a baby manta ray, which has been named Erin in honour of our Activities Supervisor who first spotted this young visitor. Adding to the underwater spectacle, several ornate eagle rays have also made appearances.

 

In the coming weeks, our island team will be conducting necessary maintenance on the restaurant roof but they will work diligently to minimise any impact on our guest's dining experience.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to welcoming you to the island soon.

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We have seen a baby manta!

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Introducing “Erin” (photo below) the newest manta ray to be added to the East Coast Manta Database for Project Manta - The manta rays of Australia. She was spotted off Lady Elliot Island in early April by our team. 

 

At just 1.5 metres across (wingtip to wingtip), Erin is believed to be a newborn and if you look closely, you can still see the delicate crease lines on her wings from being folded inside her mum.  

 

Manta rays give birth to live young and these young are referred to as 'pups'. 

 

A huge thank you to our team (Erin & Pieter) for this special #citizenscience contribution. Each sighting like this helps researchers from Project Manta better understand and protect these gentle giants of the reef.

 

Keep an eye out for Erin – the Project Manta team are especially curious to see if her distinctive tail is a temporary twist or a unique feature that stays with her as she grows!

 

You too can become a citizen scientist by supporting @Project Manta - The manta rays of Australia.

 

It's as easy as snapping photos of these gentle giants during your underwater adventures. Learn more on their website here. 

 

Photo credit:  Erin Watson and Pieter Demmers 

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Show Your Support for the Great Barrier Reef's Lifetime of Greatness

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We need your help! We're joining thousands of ocean lovers on a mission to nominate the Great Barrier Reef for the UNEP's Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of millennia of service to the Earth and its inhabitants. ⁠

 

For those of us living and working on the Great Barrier Reef, this is particularly close to our hearts.

 

Join us as we proudly back its bid to become the first non-human to receive a UN Environment Programme Lifetime Achievement Award!

 

Sign your support here: alifetimeofgreatness.com

 

What is the UNEP's Lifetime Achievement Award?

 

Presented by the United Nationals Environment Programme, the Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual or entity who have spent decades helping the planet and its inhabitants. As the earth's living structure, described by UNESCO as a "globally outstanding and significant entity" we believe the Great Barrier Reef is an eligible and worthy nominee!

Sign Your Support Here
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Your Feedback Truly Counts

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Lady Elliot Island has just received TripAdvisor's 'Travellers Choice' award!

 

We're absolutely thrilled to be recognised among the top 10% of experiences WORLDWIDE! This achievement comes directly from YOUR wonderful reviews and ratings over the past year.

 

A massive THANK YOU to all our guests who took the time to share their magical moments on TripAdvisor. Your feedback helps us create even better experiences and gives future visitors a glimpse into the underwater wonders awaiting them.  

 

If you have visited Lady Elliot Island but haven't left a review on TripAdvisor, please click the button below, we'd love to hear from you!

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4-Night Reef to Rainforest 

Discover the best of Australia with our 4-night package. Experience vibrant marine life at Lady Elliot Island and explore K'gari (Fraser Island) from Kingfisher Bay Resort. Dive, snorkel, and relax amidst stunning reefs and lush rainforests. Exclusion dates apply.

Book Now

Ross Long 5-Night Photography Workshops

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with wildlife photographer Ross Long. His exclusive photography retreats offer you expert photography guidance, intimate group sizes, meals, accommodation and flights. 

 

Visit Ross's website below for more information & to book. 

Book Now

Reef & Retreat with Emporium Hotel

Embark on a luxurious Reef & Retreat package at Emporium Hotel South Bank, featuring two nights in a River City King Suite, daily breakfast, and valet parking plus a day tour to Lady Elliot Island! 

 

Book directly with Emporium Hotel Southbank. Available until March 31, 2026.

Book Now

Seair Pacific Outback Touring 2025

 

Embark on a journey to Outback Queensland with our sister company, Seair Pacific, to see the landscape which has been transformed following this once in a lifetime flood event.

 

Soar west to explore Charleville, Birdsville, Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre, William Creek, and Cunnamulla.

Learn More

A day well spent at Lady Elliot Island
"We eagerly looked forward to our day trip to the Lady Elliot Island, with us flying in from Hervey Bay. The staff provided every little help required for a physically disabled person in our party, right from boarding to disembarking at the island. The snorkelling was definitely a highlight, with diving guides going out of their way to provide all the help, to make it a truly inclusive and memorable trip. Definitely recommend if you visit Queensland."

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Satish B, TripAdvisor, April 2025

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Toll Free Reservations: 1800 072 200 

Phone: +61 7 5536 3644

Email: reservations@ladyelliot.com.au 

Website: ladyelliotisland.com.au

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