Is Lizard Island Really worth it?

I'm in the final planning stages for a two-week trip to Australia in early September. First-time visit. Flying Quantas from New York via Los Angeles and Sydney to Cairns (yes, a very long day!).

I start out at Thala Beach Resort, Port Douglas (3 nights),
then to Lizard Island (5 nights),
finishing in Sydney (4 nights) .

Great Barrier Reef has been lifelong travel dream, and FOCAL POINT for the trip. I figure I must also see Daintree area; eager to visit old friend relocated to Sydney.

The big question- is Lizard Island really worth it? There is so much hype around this property, and I am so clueless halfway around the world, I am concerned that I will not get a good (snorkeling) reef experience without it. I also want to keep as sane an itinerary as possible; I had to acknowledge that I just cannot do everything in two weeks.

Also, what are your thoughts about my distribution of time in each place? Cost is not a significant concern - - - I just want to limit aggravation and time spent "in transit." Thanks!

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Tassietwister on Jan 4, 07 at 06:00 AM

My dream for the Barrier Reef is to have my own boat and go to Lizard and wherever else. It is out of my budget but I can't think of a better way to see the reef and many many islands and cays. It costs a lot, maybe $2,000 a day with some crew to charter a boat but you will see whatever you want and have some shore stops also if you wish.

Otherwise everyone who has been to Lizard raves about it but thought I would throw in my dream trip if money was no barrier.
Louise on Jan 4, 07 at 11:39 AM

I love to snorkel and have been to quite a few islands on the Great Barrier Reef. The one I would for sure return to is Lizard Island. Both times they were only day visits and spending more time there would be ideal.
SnRSeattle on Jan 4, 07 at 12:30 PM

ETP, have you done a search on this forum using the windows above? There are lots of raves (and a couple rants) about Lizard. Like Louise, we have only been there on a day trip, but the snorkeling was fantastic. Giant clams and other great sealife right in front of our noses. The resort is way too expensive for us, but sounds wonderful. I think the resort has reef trips from there (for more $) that can give you more GBR experiences. If you are more into the snorkeling/diving than the resort experience, have you considered a liveaboard? There have been several postings here about the Spirit of Freedom out of Cairns (and we are booked on her, woohoo!) There are several trips that would give you a first hand experience with the reef, especially if you are a diver. We are on the 3 day Cod Hole trip because we are snorkelers. It ends up at Lizard for a flight back to Cairns, but you could just stay at the resort for the remaining 2 days if you wanted (and then pay for a flight back to Cairns.) Just an idea if you wanted more time in the water instead of at the resort.

Sally in Seattle, help, we're drowning in all this rain! Wish we could send it to Australia!
Louise on Jan 4, 07 at 01:25 PM

Sally - I think that is a great idea. I was tempted to say that 5 nights might be too much and thought maybe they might just want to "veg" out. Splitting with a liveaboard sounds good to me. By the way, still working on that air back from Australia November 16th.
NancyNC on Feb 16, 07 at 03:50 PM

We stayed 5 nights at Lizard in Nov 2003. It was worth every penny! Yes, it's pricey, but I really felt it was the type of place where you could say "Jump" and they would reply "How high". From the accomodations to the meals to the luxury of taking a skiff to your own private beach - it was truly paradise for us. It was SO relaxing, SO perfect in every way that I can't wait until the day that we go back.

QualMod on Feb 21, 07 at 12:08 AM

I am also considering Lizard Island for next Dec07/Jan08. I have a couple of questions for those of you have been there: (1) What do you consider the best accomodation on Lizard Island (or the price. I am considering the Sunset Point Villas, but read on tripadvisor that the Anchor Bay Suites are nice too. View and privacy are important to me and I am willing to pay a bit extra for this (but I can't afford The Pavillion rooms and, (2) How far in advance should I book Lizard Island for 2 people over New Years eve? Thanks in advance!

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Is Lizard Island Really worth it?

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