Lizard Island: Notes On Trip July 1980
Plan a trip to Lizard Island, QLD—renowned for world-class snorkelling, scuba diving, and coral reefs. This 1980 adventure highlights camping at Watson’s Beach or secluded Freshwater Beach, hikes to Cook’s Look, and visits to the Marine Research Station amid stunning island beauty and isolation.
LIZARD ISLAND: NOTES ON TRIP JULY 80
* Permits - Cairns BPA NATIONAL PARKS before buying airticket! (essential).
* WATER - Take some water (in case NPS info. inaccurate)
- Good water at Windmill.
- Discoloured water in well.
* Why go? - terrific snorkelling / scuba.
- magnificent variety of coral & fish
- isolation combined with natural beauty.
- snob value (you can say you've been to an island where millionaires go). Off-season rates were $90/day.
* Where to camp?
(1) N.P.S. has set up an area north side of Watson's Beach: a table, a toilet, & a well. However, for 9 months of the year it has strong S.E. Trade winds gusting through a natural air-tunnel on the island formed by two parallel sets of mountains. All boats moor here.
(2) "Freshwater Beach" near S.E. tip of island.
There is a soak just up from the beach (On walking around the southern coastline, this was the only water I encountered). It is near the Blue Lagoon, completely isolated, & has coconut trees. (idyllic) It is also free from sandflies.
(3) There are some nice beaches close to the resort.
What to do?
(1) The best coral is (a) the Blue Lagoon
(b) northern end of Watson's Beach
(c) Northern tip.
(2) walking: (a) there is a rough track to Cook's Look (~1000')
Track starts at northern end of Watson's Beach
(b) There is an offshoot of the above track which leads to a miniature beach at northern end of island.
(c) Walk around coast, looking for coconuts &c.
(3) Visit the Marine Research Station. (fascinating)
(4) Snorkelling
(5) lazing
