Island Restoration

An Island of Hope

Not long ago, Lady Elliot Island was almost unrecognisable. In the late 1800s, this tiny coral cay at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef was mined extensively for guano (the accumulated faecal excrement of seabirds) and used as fertiliser during early civilisation. By the time mining ceased, the island had been stripped bare. With no topsoil and no native vegetation remaining, Lady Elliot Island was left exposed, dry and inhospitable to wildlife.

For over 50 years, Lady Elliot Island has been on a journey of regeneration, restoring and protecting this unique ecosystem. This ongoing transformation has only been possible thanks to the unwavering dedication of passionate people working hand in hand to return this island to its natural glory.

This long-standing commitment has paved the way for the island to be selected in 2018 as the first site for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, a bold program focused on building climate resilience across key reef habitats. For Lady Elliot Island, it marked the beginning of a new chapter: a seven-year (2018–2025), island-wide mission to restore the islands terrestrial ecosystem, revive native flora, and protect wildlife for generations to come. Today, thanks to decades of collaboration and care, the island is thriving once again.

50+ years of restoration on Lady Elliot Island

Reef Islands Initiative Impact (2018-2025)

The Reef Islands Initiative at Lady Elliot Island restores this vital coral cay by removing invasive plants and replanting natives. Since 2018, the project has strengthened habitats for seabirds, turtles, and wildlife through community collaboration and scientific monitoring, making Lady Elliot a model for reef island restoration.

125% increase in turtle habitat at the main nesting beach

18.2 out of 28.5 hectares revegetated

11,400 native coral cay plants added

4,000 plant species stocked in the only native coral cay nursery on the Great Barrier Reef

581 individual volunteers contributed to the island restoration

Explore the impact of restoration on Lady Elliot Island in this fact sheet - from turtle habitat growth and plant recovery to solar power and marine research.

Download Fact Sheet

Next Chapter

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative is set to conclude in 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter in Lady Elliot Island’s restoration journey. However, this milestone does not signal the end of revegetation efforts on the island.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, together with Lady Elliot Island’s dedicated team, remains firmly committed to continuing this important work. With decades of progress already made, the focus now turns to long-term stewardship, ensuring the island’s ecosystems remain resilient, healthy, and thriving for many years to come. Restoration on Lady Elliot Island is far from over, it’s only evolving.

Get Involved

If you have a passion for conservation and want to leave your legacy on the Great Barrier Reef, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our revegetation program on Lady Elliot Island, over 500 individuals have already played a vital role in bringing this project to life. Their energy, commitment, and care are what make large-scale restoration efforts possible.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and make a meaningful impact, email our team at volunteer@ladyelliot.com.au to express your interest. Whether you're an experienced conservationist or simply eager to help, your time and passion can make a lasting difference.