Lady Elliot Island is situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the highest possible classification of Marine National Park Zone by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

The island is a coral atoll and first appeared above sea level 3500 years ago. Sea birds bringing vital guano and necessary seeds helped establish vegetation on the island. The island was first mined for guano in 1863, and continued to be mined for a decade. Apart from eight Pisonia trees that still remain standing, all other vegetation and three feet of surface soil was stripped off the island as a result of mining. In an attempt to help stranded sailors, the Queensland Government decided to place goats on each of the Great Barrier Reef Islands, which resulted in no re-growth of vegetation on the island until the late 1960s. It was not until 1969 when Mr. Don Adams, a keen aviator, arrived on Lady Elliot Island and started a re-vegetation program using seeds of native plants collected from nearby Great Barrier Reef Islands and the mainland, which transformed the island into the
beautiful wildlife sanctuary that it is today.

Lady Elliot Island is only one of six island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef, and is teeming with life. From sea turtles, to dolphins, to a large variety of coral and fish, visitors are guaranteed to have a different underwater visual experience everyday. There are plenty of nesting birds on the island, and you may even be lucky to see turtles hatching, or humpbacks migrating depending on the season.

The total population of manta rays around Lady Elliot Island is unknown. However, to date more than 300 individuals have been identified and recorded. These beautiful creatures attract divers worldwide to the resort, and swimming near these gentle animals provides a breathtaking experience.