Lady Elliot Island Day Trip (All You Need to Know)

Are you seeking a tropical paradise, vibrant marine life, and an eco-friendly adventure on the Great Barrier Reef? Consider booking a Lady Elliot Island Day Trip to experience the best of nature and relaxation.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this stunning (and relatively untravelled) destination and how to make the most of your visit – all within one day!

There are a few islands in Australia I’d really recommend visiting, and this happens to be one of them. Lady Elliot Island is a once in a lifetime experience, and if you’re short on time, it’s totally possible to do it all in a day!

Other islands in Australia I’d recommend:

• Heron Island
• Fitzroy Island
• Kgari (Fraser) Island
• Moreton Island
• North Stradbroke Island

Let’s dive into an ‘all you need to know’ post on your Lady Elliot Island day trip.

Where is Lady Elliot Island?

Lady Elliot Island, a pristine coral cay, is part of the southern Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in the waters of Queensland, Australia, it offers an unspoiled sanctuary for travelers seeking an immersive encounter with nature. When I say immersive, I mean it!

Think manta rays, turtles, fish, reef sharks, dolphins, marine birds and much, much more!

With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral formations, Lady Elliot Island is a haven for snorkelers, divers, and nature enthusiasts.

Brief History and Features of the Island

• Lady Elliot Island emerged from the sea about 3,500 years ago when seabirds brought guano and seeds, kickstarting its vegetation.

• Guano miners arrived in 1863 but damaged the island, leaving only eight Pisonia trees near the bistro. They removed around 3 feet of topsoil.

• In 1969, aviator Mr. Don Adams started a reforestation project using native plants, turning Lady Elliot into a wildlife sanctuary with a now diverse seabird population – the 2nd largest on the Great Barrier Reef.

• The Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort was established in 1984, making a huge commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to tourism ever since.

• The island is environmentally significant due to its importance for nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles, as well as the 1200 other marine species that inhabit the island and the surrounding waters.

How to Get to Lady Elliot Island

Reaching this remote paradise is easier than you might think. You can access Lady Elliot Island via a scenic flight from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg or Brisbane (Redcliffe).

These flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef and its sparkling waters. After landing, the island’s eco-friendly infrastructure ensures that you leave a minimal carbon footprint during your visit.

Day Tour Flight Options to Lady Elliot Island

Day trips & tours run every day with the exception of Christmas Day, subject to booking numbers and weather.

I’d recommend booking here and well in advance as places book out quickly.

Hervey Bay to Lady Elliot Island Day Trip

• Hervey Bay is located approximately 3.5 half hours north of Brisbane with day trips to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort operating daily (excluding Christmas day 25th December).

• You’ll depart Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast airport at approximately 8:10am and arriving on the island at 8:50am upon a short 40-minute scenic flight.

• Departure is 4:00pm from Lady Elliott Island.

Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island Day Trip

• Bundaberg is located approximately 4.5 hours north of Brisbane with day trips to Lady Elliot Island operating daily (excluding Christmas day 25th December).

• Check in at the Lady Elliot Island/QantasLink counter at Bundaberg Airport. You’ll depart Bundaberg airport at approximately 8:40am and arriving on the island at 9:10 am upon a short 30-minute scenic flight.

• Departure is at 4:00pm from Lady Elliott Island.

Brisbane to Lady Elliot Island Day Trip

• Flights operate daily (excluding Christmas Day) from Redcliffe to Lady Elliot Island with a duration of approximately 80 minutes.

• You’ll depart Redcliffe at 7:15am and arriving at 8:45am.

• Departure from the island is at 2:30pm and arrive back in Redcliffe at 4:00pm.

What to do on Lady Elliot Island

There’s a real variety of adventure activities & relaxation choices to accommodate every traveller to the island. Here’s a list of some of our favourite activities:

• Guided kayak tours
• Swim with turtles in the lagoon
• Spot turtles nesting at sunrise
• Guided reef walks
• Scuba diving
• Swim with manta rays
• Relax seaside from the Lady Elliot Island eco resort
• Glass bottom boat tour
• Sunset drinks by the lighthouse

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

When you arrive on the island, you’ll discover the unique charm of the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Nestled amid pristine surroundings, this eco-friendly resort provides a sustainable accommodation option.

Experience eco-conscious living in harmony with nature, including solar power, rainwater harvesting, and guided eco-tours. By staying here, you directly contribute to the island’s conservation efforts.

Room Options

• Eco Cabins
• Glamping Tents
• Family Beachfront Units
• Reef Units

Overnight rate includes:

• Full buffet dinner and breakfast
• Use of snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel & fins) & snorkel lesson if required
• Glass bottom boat/guided snorkel tour (one per person/stay)
• Range of guided tours and activities
• Environmental Management Charge

What is the Best Time to Visit Lady Elliot Island?

The best time to plan your Lady Elliot Island day trip depends on your preferences. However, to witness the island’s rich marine life, the period between November and March is ideal. During this time, you can observe turtles nesting and their hatchlings making their way to the sea. Keep in mind that weather conditions are more unpredictable during these months.

If you prefer calm seas and milder temperatures, plan your visit between May and October. The waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving during this period, and the weather is generally more stable.

Remember, the Great Barrier Reef offers different experiences throughout the year, so choose a time that aligns with your interests.

Final thoughts on Lady Elliot Island

A day trip to Lady Elliot Island is your ticket to an eco-friendly adventure in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re eager to snorkel among vibrant coral or witness nesting turtles, this destination offers a unique blend of natural wonders and sustainable travel.

Choose the best time to visit based on your interests & conditions and embark on a journey of discovery, conservation, and adventure. Lady Elliot Island is calling – your day trip adventure awaits.

Disclaimer: These are my experiences, honest opinions and stories. We are proud to partner with many beautiful digital education & travel products and services as an affiliate. On some occasions, we may benefit from a commission when you make a purchase with these links. This commission helps to support the ongoing publication of free and readily available content designed for those who wish to get started in the online business and creator space. This is not financial advice.