Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Great Barrier Reef Day Tour ex Gold Coast

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Fly from Coolangatta up the coast over Moreton Island and K'gari to Lady Elliot Island, a coral cay on the southern Great Barrier Reef, for about five hours of snorkelling with turtles, a glass-bottom boat and a prawn buffet lunch with a drink, then home to your Gold Coast hotel by evening.

Days

Full day, about 5:45am to 4:30pm

Age

All ages

Group size

Fully guided shared day tour

Start / finish

Gold Coast hotel / Coolangatta / Lady Elliot Island / Gold Coast
Your Gold Coast hotel, about 4:30pm

Return

Your Gold Coast hotel, about 4:30pm

Transport

Hotel transfers and return scenic flight

Meals

Light breakfast, buffet lunch with prawns and a drink, afternoon snack

Route

Map of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Great Barrier Reef Day Tour ex Gold Coast

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Included experiences

Scenic flight — Gold Coast, Moreton Island and K'gari from the air
Glass-bottom boat — coral gardens from above
Guided snorkel — reef fish, turtles and possibly manta rays
Lagoon — fish feeding and turtle snorkelling
Beachfront Dining Room — hot and cold buffet with prawns

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Great Barrier Reef Day Tour ex Gold Coast

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: COOLANGATTA TAKE-OFF

The alarm goes early: you're collected from your Gold Coast hotel at around 5:45 to 6am and driven to the hangar at Coolangatta, the southern end of the Gold Coast, a town named after the schooner Coolangatta, wrecked on its beach in 1846. Pack one light backpack, 4kg at most, as there are no overhead lockers. The plane heads north with a light breakfast served on board, and the sun is still low over the Pacific as the high-rises of Surfers Paradise drop away below.

THE FLIGHT: UP THE SAND ISLAND COAST

Below you pass South Stradbroke Island, cut off from its northern half by a storm in 1896, then Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Moreton Island, two of the largest sand islands on earth. Next comes K'gari (Fraser Island), 123 km long, the largest of them all and World Heritage-listed since 1992. Beyond it the sea turns turquoise over the reef, and Lady Elliot Island comes into view, the southernmost coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, with its own grass airstrip.

ON THE ISLAND: REEF, LUNCH AND LAGOON

You have about five hours on the island. A guide meets you with a welcome drink and an orientation walk past the lighthouse, lit in 1873, then kits you out with mask, snorkel, fins, short wetsuit and reef shoes, plus a lesson if you need one. The glass-bottom boat and guided snorkel tour shows you coral gardens, then puts you in the water among reef fish, turtles and, with luck, manta rays, most common from June to September. Lunch is a hot and cold buffet with fresh prawns and a house sparkling, wine or beer in the Beachfront Dining Room. Afterwards, watch the fish feeding or snorkel the lagoon with green and hawksbill turtles.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO THE GOLD COAST

At 2:30pm the plane lifts off for the run back down the coast, with bottled water and chocolate served on board. Grab the window if you can: the sand islands look different with the afternoon light on them, and the Gold Coast skyline appears long before you land. From November to March, look down at the beaches you've just left: turtles nest there, and from February to April hatchlings make their dash for the sea. A transfer takes you back to your hotel, where the tour finishes at about 4:30pm, salt still in your hair.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Gold Coast hotel at around 5:45 to 6am, confirmed when you book. The flight leaves from the Seair Pacific hangar, 14-16 Lores Bonney Circuit, Bilinga, near Gold Coast Airport.
Departure time: The flight leaves at about 6:45am.
Finishes: Back at your hotel at about 4:30pm, after a 2:30pm flight from the island.
Duration: Full day, with about five hours on the island.
Fitness: Moderate. Snorkelling is the main activity, but the glass-bottom boat shows the reef without getting wet.
Please note: One light backpack of no more than 4kg per person; there are no overhead lockers. Flight times vary with weather, aircraft type and a possible transit stop, and some activities depend on the tide.

What to bring

Swimsuit
Comfortable casual walking shoes
Hat
Sunscreen
Camera
Everything in one light backpack, 4kg at most

What is included

Hotel transfers (complimentary for guests staying in the Gold Coast CBD)
Return scenic flight from the Gold Coast
Light breakfast and afternoon tea (bottled water and chocolate) in flight
Welcome drink and island orientation
Combined glass-bottom boat and guided snorkel tour
Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and short wetsuit) and a snorkel lesson if needed
Hot and cold buffet lunch with prawns, a complimentary house sparkling, wine or beer, and soft drinks
Fish feeding in the lagoon
Day guest facilities — storage, showers, towels, sunscreen and reef walking shoes
Environmental management charge and fuel levy

Not included

Further alcoholic drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.