Off gas and hike into history!

In 1770 while on his epic voyage of discovery aboard the Endeavour Captain Cook climbed to the summit of Lizard Island to sight safe passage through the Great Barrier Reef. Now, Lizard Island is the Great Barrier Reefs most luxurious reef resort and is a special feature of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions 7 night Coral Sea Safari. 

Lizard Island is conveniently located at the end of the Coral Sea sector and the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef phases of the itinerary. If your holiday dive budget is short on time or money you can use Mike Ball’s Fly Dive option to join or depart the 7 night Coral Sea Safari at this halfway point.

After enjoying big animal encounter in the Coral Sea and a great breakfast 7 day guests have opportunity to off gas and hike into the past on Lizard Island before heading out to the Cod Wall.

This hike is classified as ‘easy’, is highly recommended and is staff led.  This is a great opportunity to take some unique land photographs (before embarking Spoilsport at 10.15am.) Includes: Walk of Watson’s Bay, visit the historic ruins of Mrs Watson’s Cottage plus explore the Pandanus Swamp and Chinaman’s Ridge.

For more itinerary details click here>>

Lizard Island Quick Facts>>

• Known as Dyiigurra by local Aboriginals and is regarded as a sacred place for the initiation of young males.
• The first European to explore the island was Captain Cook searching for safe passage out of the Great Barrier Reef .
• Lizard Island is named after the numerous lizards, Gould’s Sand Monitors, found there.  Captain Cook wrote in his journal: "The only land animals we saw here were lizards and these seem'd to be plenty which occasioned my naming the island Lizard Island."
• In 1879 Captain Robert Watson, a beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) fisherman built a cottage on the island.  On one of his absences Aborigines attacked the cottage forcing Mrs. Watson, her baby daughter and Chinese servant to flee in a barrel.  The vessel floated away from the coast and all three perished.
• In 1939 the island was declared a national park.
• In 1970 a Research Station was built and since its inception at least 100 new coral reef species have been described and named, including fishes, corals, worms, molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms.