What is Lady Elliot Island?
Lady Elliot Island is the southernmost coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Bundaberg in Queensland. It is known for excellent snorkeling, manta rays, turtles and an eco-resort.
The island is in a highly protected Green Zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where fishing is not allowed. This has helped create rich marine life in the surrounding waters.
Visitors reach the island by small plane from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, the Gold Coast or Brisbane, as it has its own grass airstrip.
Manta rays and turtles
Lady Elliot is famous as a place to see manta rays, which gather in the area at certain times of year. Snorkelers may also see turtles, reef sharks and colorful fish in the lagoon.
Green and loggerhead turtles nest on the island in summer, and humpback whales pass by in winter.
The island was once mined for guano, which stripped much of its vegetation. Since the 1960s, revegetation efforts have restored much of the island's natural habitat. The resort uses solar power and focuses on sustainable tourism.