The Great Barrier Reef

Listed as one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef spans over 2300 kilometres and comprises over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays, together forming an ecosystem that is home to diverse, colourful and intriguing marine animal and plant species. 

Lizard Island’s unique location on the reef places it at the centre of both inner and outer reef systems, offering guests of The House the rare opportunity to snorkel off one of three private, powdery white beaches, or venture further afield to explore the more remote dive locations. These include Cod Hole, a reef-encircled sand patch renowned for its huge, but friendly, potato cod. It’s widely considered one of the world’s best dive sites, not only for the friendly fish - some of which are 60 years old - but for the particularly spectacular array of soft and hard corals in bright technicolour. Cod Hole is located roughly an hour's boat ride from Lizard Island and its remoteness only adds to its beauty.

The reefs around Lizard Island have fortuitously experienced a 20 percent year-on-year growth thanks to favourable weather conditions and positive measures taken by the scientists at the Lizard Island Research Station. Lizard Island has one of the most researched reefs in the world, with both scientists and researchers from the Station hosting approximately 100 research projects each year. Tours to the Research Station are conducted twice a week and available for all guests of The House.