Lady Elliot Island Natures Calendar

Natures Calendar

Encounter a variety of nature's creatures throughout the year on Lady Elliot Island. As each of the seasons change so do the migratory cycles of the wondrous animals that call Lady Elliot Island home.

Turtle Nesting

November to February - A protected area for the endangered green and loggerhead turtles, the Great Barrier Reef is the chosen nesting ground for these creatures each year between November and February. Turtles spend almost their entire life beneath the surface except for one special occasion, the nesting season when they emerge from the depths to lay their eggs on the warm sandy beaches of Lady Elliot Island and the near by Queensland coast. After traveling great distances the turtles must endure a nesting period which takes up to three hours, laying between 80 and 180 eggs each. Join the experience guides and witness this marvel of nature.

Turtle Hatching

February to April - After the eggs have been incubating for up to 12 weeks the tiny hatchlings break through their shells and emerge through the sand to make their way to the near by waters. This phenomena occurs just meters from the resort beach, balconies offering guests the perfect vantage point.

Whale Watching

June to October - Each year the humpback whales migrate north from the frozen depths of Antarctica to the warmer Queensland waters. The humpbacks' journey takes them past Lady Elliot Island offering guests a glimpse their playful behaviour whilst out on the reef, snorkeling and even from the beach. During the whale season their melodic song can be heard echoing throughout the water so dive below the surface and experience the majestic humpback whales like never before.

Coral Spawning

November to December - One of the most unique events that occurs on the Great Barrier Reef is the Coral Spawning, a massive synchronised event in which the coral polyps release their eggs and sperm in a thick pink, red, orange and purple cloud of micro-organisms. This event occurs in late spring and early summer when the tropical waters are beginning to warm after winter. The organisms disperse across the ocean floor with the ebb of the tides and settle in the deep water creating countless new coral colonies.

Bird Season

October to April - During the bird nesting season up to 50 000 sea birds migrate to Lady Elliot Island to mate and raise their young. Many varied species use the areas surrounding the resort to nest, the crested terns lay their eggs out in the open, the bridled terns choose the shrubs as a home as does the silver gulls. The most common species that inhabits the island are the black-naped tern, brown boobies as well as a small colony of red tailed tropic birds.

Marine Wonderland

May to June - Visit Lady Elliot Island during May and June and experience excellent visibility of over 30 meters in the turquoise, coral studded waters. Even though the spectacular reef is accessible the year round, divers and snorkelers will encounter some of the best conditions that the Great Barrier Reef and the world has to offer during the cooler winter months.