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Welcome from Peter Gash, Island Custodian

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Welcome to 2026! This time of year holds a special kind of magic on Lady Elliot Island.


Baby birds and baby turtles are everywhere. We’ve been blessed with good weather and some decent down pours, so the island is looking very green, and the forest is looking super lush. 


The water is warm, but thankfully I have seen no sign of coral bleaching so far this summer.

Despite snorkelling here for over 40 years, the island continues to surprise me. I’ve seen more mantas than usual at this time of year and within a few minutes of being in the water near the Lighthouse quay way I saw three octopus including a tiny baby octopus which was a new experience for me. On a night snorkel in the lagoon, I saw blue spotted lagoon rays, countless turtles and even baby turtle hatchlings!


Island restoration and revegetation work will continue across the island with a focus on native grasses, which we have begun planting in the Northeast of the island to the delight of the migratory crested terns (I refer to them as ‘punk-rockers’) that prefer to nest there than near the airstrip. Our plan is working as more of them have chosen to nest in that area this season than I’ve seen ever before.  


Several enhancements are in the pipeline to streamline and enrich your island experience including the construction of a new storeroom behind reception which will allow us to create a more spacious Departure Lounge and Day Guest area in the future.


Seeing first-time visitors, return guests, multi-generational families and even past Lighthouse Keepers and their families on the island over the Christmas and New Year period was truly heart warming. 


Here's to another year of discovery and connection with the Southern Great Barrier Reef. We can't wait to welcome you to Lady Elliot Island.


P.S. If you're ready to discover the heart of Australia from the skies check out the new tours from Lady Elliot Island’s sister company, Seair Touring (read more below).   


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The reef has already blessed us with remarkable encounters this month. Green and Loggerhead turtle mums have been VERY busy with over 115 confirmed nests so far this season with turtle hatchlings making their dash to the sea when the sand is cool. 


Two Red-tailed Tropicbirds are sitting on eggs, including one pair nesting in a brand-new spot we've never recorded before, which is exciting.


The Roseate Terns have flown north again, while the Noddy and Bridled Tern fledglings are mastering their wings. The Frigatebirds are everywhere and even our longest-serving team members are gobsmacked with the number of them cruising in the skies above.


Underwater, the Ornate Eagle Rays are arriving early (last year the number of sightings peaked in February) and some Tiger Sharks have been cruising past. We've spotted a few Bowmouth Guitarfish, also known as a Shark Ray, and Taurus (the world's oldest known individual manta ray) dropped by on the afternoon dive last week. Even a few a Sea Snakes have made an appearance lately.


Below photo credit: Tracy Olive 

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Nature Update  

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Island Christmas 

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Christmas on Lady Elliot Island was truly unforgettable! Santa traded his sleigh for a Glass Bottom Boat, making a spectacular island arrival that delighted guests of all ages. Our youngest visitors enjoyed festive cookie decorating, while everyone savoured a magnificent Christmas buffet lunch, lovingly prepared by our talented Food & Beverage team. It was really  a feast that captured the true spirit of the season.


The celebrations concluded with our now-legendary team vs. guests cricket match, filled with laughter, good-natured rivalry, and that wonderful sense of island community that makes Lady Elliot so special.


It was a Christmas like no other, celebrated on the Southern Great Barrier Reef with sunshine, smiles, and unforgettable memories.


Why not join us for Christmas 2026?  Start planning your festive island escape today here!

Book for Christmas 2026

Unwind completely and embrace island time at your own pace over 2 or 3 nights, the choice is yours. Very limited availability remains so enquire now on our website.

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 Recharge 
3 Night Accommodation, Food & Flight Package 

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Escape the digital world and reconnect with nature at Lady Elliot Island with this 3-night package, where you can join guided snorkel tours and reef walks with marine biologists or simply unwind amid spectacular sunsets on our pristine coral cay. Return home refreshed, recharged, and inspired to become a passionate advocate for marine conservation.

Learn More & Book
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 Back to Nature
2 Night Accommodation, Food & Flight Package 

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Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Lady Elliot Island on a guided snorkel tour, join a reef walk with a marine biologist, or simply slow down and soak in the island's pristine beauty. After just two nights, we're sure you'll leave with a renewed sense of wonder and commitment to protecting our precious marine environment.

Learn More & Book
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Visit Outback Australia without the long drive

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Are you keen to explore Australia's Outback without the long drive? Our sister company Seair Pacific Aviation has announced their 2026 outback touring collection featuring unforgettable adventures into some of the country's most remote and spectacular destinations in just a few days (instead of weeks on the road!).

 

Soar over 2,000km in the comfort of a private Cessna Caravan to legendary outback towns like Birdsville, Innamincka, and Cunnamulla, flying past iconic landmarks including Big Red sand dune and Lake Eyre, or explore Lightning Ridge's famous opals, Arkaroola's ancient wilderness, and the historic charm of Broken Hill and Silverton on their NEW 3-day adventure. 

 

Experience Western Queensland's dinosaur museums and aviation history in with luxury glamping, unwind at Cunnamulla Hot Springs, enjoy classic outback pub lunches, and stargaze under the clearest skies in the Flinders Ranges, each tour combines seamless private flights with authentic outback experiences that promise adventure and memories to last a lifetime. 

 

Which will you tick off your bucket list in 2026? 

Learn More & Book
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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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