It doesn't get much better than the far flung Lizard Island, where the spectacular Great Barrier Reef collides with barefoot luxury at the island's eponymously-named five-star retreat, Lizard Island Resort. Actress Kate Hudson famously referred to Lizard Island as “the most romantic place on earth”.

Don't miss

• Enjoy five-star luxury at a private island resort
• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef just steps from the white sandy shore
• Dine on superb modern Australian cuisine by chef Mark Jensen

How to get there

Lizard Island lies 240 kilometres (150 miles) north of Cairns and 27 kilometres (17 miles) off the coast of northern Queensland. There are direct flights to Cairns from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast and Townsville. From Cairns, East Air operates up to two 60-minute flights a day to Lizard Island, booked through Lizard Island. Private transfers are organised by Lizard Island between Cairns International Airport and East Air. The flight soars above the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet - the reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. 

written by B Sheriden Rhodes https://www.australia.com/en/places/cairns-and-surrounds/guide-to-lizard-island.html