What is the history of Lady Elliot Island?
What is the history of Lady Elliot Island? Lady Elliot Island first appeared above sea level roughly 3,500 years ago. Sea birds landed on the bare coral cay bringing with them the vital guano and seeds necessary to establish vegetation on the island. Guano miners first appeared on Lady Elliot Island in 1863 and remained on the island for a decade.
Why was guano mined from islands of the Great Barrier Reef?
Guano, the cemented deposits formed on islands and cays by accumulations of bird droppings, was extracted from the Great Barrier Reef in order to supply phosphatic fertiliser for agriculture.
Where do you fly into for Lady Elliot Island?
The scenic flight from Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast to Lady Elliot Island takes approximately 40 minutes. Check in at the Lady Elliot Island counter at Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast Airport, Gate 2 in the main terminal.
Is Heron Island worth it?
Heron Island is one of the very best places in Queensland for snorkelling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Here you're in the very heart of the reef, and the crystal-clear water surrounding the island is perfect for viewing coral and an array of marine life, including turtles, fish, rays and reef sharks.
Does anyone live on Lady Elliot Island?
It is a premier dive site in Australia renown for it's manta rays, turtles, and whales. There are approximately 30 people working and living on Lady Elliot Island.
What is a fact about Lady Elliot Island?
Lady Elliot Island is the closest Great Barrier Reef island to Brisbane, Queensland's southern capital and can be accessed via scenic flight from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast, Brisbane (Redcliffe) and the Gold Coast. Lady Elliot is only 42 Hectares (100 acres) in size, small enough to walk around in 45 minutes.
What are the green zones on Lady Elliot Island?
The surrounding reef on Lady Elliot Island is a 'Green Zone' which is home to the most diverse, colourful and intriguing marine animal and reef life. The Great Barrier Reef is also unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters.
How many guests are on Lady Elliot Island?
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort's lease and associated Marine Parks permit allows for the operation of a low-key resort, which can accommodate a maximum of 150 overnight guests and 100 day guests.
Are there stingers on Lady Elliot Island?
Unlike islands further north, Lady Elliot Island is not affected by the stinger season and it is safe to swim all year round.
How many birds are on Lady Elliot Island?
Lady Elliot Island is one of the most significant seabird breeding sites in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and it is the southern-most extent of many species' breeding distribution. Large numbers of seabirds breed there, with as many as 100,000 birds nesting there during summer!
Does Lady Elliot have reception?
There is no mobile phone reception on Lady Elliot Island, this is one of our draw cards and one of the reasons many of our guests return.
What is the best time of year to visit Lady Elliot Island?
July - September Visibility for diving is also fantastic during this time of year, sitting at approximately 30m. This is often considered the best time to visit Lady Elliot Island.
What type of ecosystem is Lady Elliot Island?
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF The surrounding reef on Lady Elliot Island is a 'Green Zone' which is home to the most diverse, colourful and intriguing marine animal and reef life. The Great Barrier Reef is also unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters.
What is the closest town to Lady Elliot Island?
Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay situated at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. We are located approximately 80 kilometers north-east of Bundaberg and nestled in between Fraser Island and Lady Musgrave Island. Lady Elliot is the closest Great Barrier Reef island to Brisbane, Queensland's southern capital.
What was mined on Lady Elliot Island?
After its discovery in 1816, Lady Elliot Island was mined intensively for guano (bird poo) which was used as a fertiliser, an industry that was beginning to boom at the time. This process was extremely destructive, leaving the island bare and barren for years to come, due to the removal of all soil and vegetation.