Why Honeymoon on Lizard Island
Lizard Island is about privacy and simplicity. The resort hands you the keys to a small motorized dinghy, a picnic hamper and a map. Then you head off to a beach you will likely have to yourselves for the afternoon. The resort lists 24 beaches, so you could try a different one each day.
The island also puts you much closer to the outer reef than mainland towns do. The Ribbon Reefs and the famous Cod Hole, where giant potato cod approach divers, are within reach by boat.
Because it is a national park with a research station, the island has a wild, uncrowded feel. Evenings are calm, meals are relaxed and there is little to do beyond swimming, eating and watching the sunset. If one of you likes action, there is diving, fishing and hiking. If the other prefers the spa, Essentia Day Spa is on site.
When to Go
The best time is roughly May to November, during the dry season. Days are warm and sunny, humidity is lower and seas are often calmer, though trade winds can blow strongly in winter. Water clarity is usually good.
September to November is especially popular. Winds tend to ease, water warms and it is the season for black marlin fishing off the nearby reefs, which draws anglers from around the world.
December to April is the wet season. Expect heat, humidity, heavy downpours and the chance of tropical cyclones. Box jellyfish and other stingers are also more common in tropical waters from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit in the water. Check the resort's operating calendar, since it may close for part of the year.
Where to Stay
Lizard Island Resort is the only place to stay, apart from the research station and a basic national park campground. The resort sits on the island's northwestern side, facing calm bays and white sand.
Rooms range from garden view rooms and suites to beachfront suites, ocean view villas with plunge pools and two top tier options called The Pavilion and The Villa. The higher categories offer more privacy, bigger decks and private pools.
The all-inclusive rate covers gourmet meals, most drinks including wine, beer, spirits and Champagne, a restocked minibar, dinghies, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear. Diving, fishing charters and spa treatments cost extra. Expect rates of several thousand Australian dollars a night for two, depending on room and season (approximate). Booking direct or through a specialist can sometimes add perks for honeymooners.
Romantic Things to Do
- Take a dinghy and a picnic to a private beach for the day. Watson's Beach and Casuarina Beach are two of the named ones.
- Snorkel the Blue Lagoon, a shallow area of fringing reef with clams, reef fish and turtles.
- Dive or snorkel the Cod Hole and other Ribbon Reef sites on an outer reef boat trip.
- Hike to Cook's Look early in the morning for views over the reef. It is steep and takes a few hours return.
- Visit the Lizard Island Research Station, run by the Australian Museum, to learn about reef science.
- Book a couples treatment at Essentia Day Spa.
- Join a sunset cruise or a private dinner on the beach.
- Try sport fishing in season, with catch and release encouraged.
Getting There and Around
Fly to Cairns Airport (CNS), usually via Sydney or Brisbane from the US. From Cairns, the resort arranges light aircraft flights to Lizard Island Airport (LZR), which take about one hour. The low-level flight over the reef is a highlight in itself.
Luggage limits on the small planes are strict, so pack soft bags and keep weight down. Check current allowances with the resort.
On the island, you walk or use the resort's boats. There are no roads to speak of beyond the airstrip. Plan a night in Cairns or Port Douglas before or after if your international flights do not line up, since the light aircraft flights operate during daylight and can be affected by weather.
Food and Drink
All meals are included at the resort, with menus that change daily and lean on seafood, tropical fruit and Australian produce. Expect a mix of relaxed breakfasts, long lunches and multi-course dinners, plus private dining options on the beach or your deck for a supplement.
The drinks package is generous by Australian standards, covering wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and Champagne. Premium wines may cost extra.
Picnic hampers are prepared for beach outings and are part of the fun. Let the kitchen know your preferences and any dietary needs early, since everything has to be flown in and planned around the island's remote location. There are no other restaurants or shops on the island.
Honeymoon Tips
Be realistic about the reef. Parts of the coral around Lizard Island have been badly damaged by bleaching, as across much of the Great Barrier Reef. Recovery varies by site. Ask staff where conditions are best before you head out.
Pack stinger suits or rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen and sturdy shoes for hikes. The sun is very strong at this latitude.
Book outer reef dives and fishing trips early, as boat space is limited. Mention your honeymoon when you book, since the resort often plans special touches.
Combine Lizard Island with Port Douglas, the Daintree or a city stay for variety. Three or four nights on the island is a good length for most couples.
