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.
Join one of the
resort's guided bird walks with an expert guide to learn about the
varied species, the surrounding environment and the impact the
migration period has on Lady Elliot Island's eco system.
Keen photographers will also have the perfect opportunity to get
up close to these magnificent birds as you wander through the
heart of the island.
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.
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