Lizard Island is the largest of six islands in the group called the Lizard Island National Park, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a World Heritage Area. The island is seven square kilometres of remote, unspoilt, wilderness, 60% heath and grasslands, with eucalypt, paperbark and acacia forests, with surrounding mangrove swamps. There are 23 white sandy beaches, and adjacent to the island there is a pristine fringing coral reef, which encircles the Blue Lagoon, and joins the other islands. Diving in the area is considered some of the best in Australia, as due to its remoteness, it is relatively untouched. Established on the island in 1973 is a marine research facility, which is part of the Australian Natural History Museum. This facility is considered a world leading supplier of reef research and educational material. Although only a small facility, there are tours available, however bookings need to be made in advance.
The island itself is a mid shelf, reef island, in the Coral Sea, 30 kilometres off the Queensland coast, and 19 kilometres from the outer reef, where the sea plunges to 2000 to 3000 metres deep. It is the only continental island close to the outer reef. The island is stark and rugged being formed of granite, and 359 metres high, allowing panoramic views of the islands and surrounding ocean. It was from this high point, now known as Cook’s Look, in August 1770 that Captain Cook searched for a viable route through the coral reefs to deeper water. With the large number of lizards seen during this walk, it was quickly named Lizard Island.
The Dingaal people were the original owners of the island, and it was a sacred place, used for young male initiation rites. It was believed to have been created during Dreamtime, and was seen as a sting ray. Lizard Island was thought to be the body of the sting ray, and the other island being the tail. The Dingaal people ask that all visitors respect this special place.
One of Australia’s exclusive hotel chains now has a resort on the island, where people can enjoy the beautiful location and prestine surrounds, the peace and quiet and the luxuriant service. The island is famous for the easy diving to see the giant clam gardens in Watsons Bay, or the curious giant Potato Cod, which grow up to 2 metres long!!
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