Twenty-four beaches, and no day visitors

A crowded boat, a fixed itinerary and a few hours on the reef before heading back to the mainland. That's the standard version.

Sitting 240 kilometres north of Cairns, Lizard Island is the northernmost luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef and the only one located entirely within a national park. There are just 40 suites and villas scattered across the island, 24 beaches to choose from, and no day visitors. The only people sharing the island are those staying at the resort.

The journey starts with a spectacular one-hour flight from Cairns. As the mainland disappears behind you, the Great Barrier Reef unfolds below in every imaginable shade of blue. Coral bommies, tiny sand cays and the Ribbon Reefs slide beneath the wing before Lizard Island finally comes into view. It isn't just a transfer; it's a reminder of just how remote this part of Australia really is.

Most days begin with a simple question: which beach do you want to disappear to?

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards, clear-view kayaks and motorised dinghies are all there to use, so you're not waiting around for an organised tour to begin. Pack a picnic hamper, take the dinghy around the headland and find a beach with nobody else on it. Swim, snorkel, read, open the wine and stay until you decide it's time to head back.

The snorkelling straight off the island is exceptional. Coral gardens fringe the shoreline, so it takes just a few fin kicks to find turtles, giant clams, reef sharks and schools of brightly coloured tropical fish. Here, the reef begins just metres from the beach, so you don't even need a boat to experience it.

For divers, this is where Lizard Island really comes into its own. It's the closest luxury resort to Cod Hole, one of Australia's most iconic dive sites, famous for its friendly giant potato cod and remarkable visibility. Regular trips head out to the Ribbon Reefs, while beginners can complete an introductory dive or earn their certification during their stay.

If you can drag yourself out of the water, there's plenty more to discover. Sunset cruises, nature walks and private boating experiences can all be arranged, while keen hikers can tackle the walk up to Cook's Look. The climb takes around an hour and rewards you with one of the best views anywhere on the reef.

Fishing is another highlight. From light tackle fishing on the inner reef to full-day game fishing charters chasing tuna, mahi-mahi and even black marlin in season, Lizard Island has long been regarded as one of Australia's premier sport fishing destinations.

If slowing down is more your style, that's just as easy. Spend the morning by the infinity pool, book into the Essentia Day Spa, wander down to the beach with a book, or simply order another cocktail while deciding whether you can be bothered moving at all. Nobody's judging.

Accommodation ranges from elegant suites tucked into the hillside through to expansive beachfront villas with private pools. The interiors are deliberately understated, allowing the island to take centre stage with natural timber, stone and soft coastal tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto generous private decks, many with uninterrupted views across the Coral Sea.

The real luxury isn't necessarily inside. It's stepping outside and having an entire national park, world-class reef and 24 secluded beaches waiting to be explored. With just 40 rooms, exceptional snorkelling and diving, world-class fishing and a genuinely all-inclusive experience, Lizard Island offers something increasingly rare in Australia: a place that still feels genuinely wild.