Lady Musgrave Island

Lady Musgrave Island is the only coral island on the Great Barrier Reef with a navigable lagoon. Over eight kilometres in circumference, this unique cay truly has it all – reef, island, beautifully coloured corals, marine life, flora, fauna, and of course, turtles.

Scuba divers may come face to face with manta rays or moray eels, and snorkellers will discover giant rainbow coloured fish or coral trout. Swimming and snorkelling inside the lagoon offers calm, crystal clear water – like swimming in a giant aquarium! In summer, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs and thousands of seabirds nest in rookeries on the uninhabited island. 

how to experience lady musgrave island?

Day Trips from the Mainland

Spend the day exploring Lady Musgrave Island and Lagoon with 1770 Reef Great Barrier Reef Eco Tours. Day trips depart regularly from the Town of 1770, the closest access point to Lady Musgrave Island. The island is also accessible via Bundaberg.

Click here for more information about day tours with 1770 Reef Great Barrier Reef Eco Tours. 

reef island camping

For those who wish to stay a little longer, try camping on top of Lady Musgrave Island’s 400 acres of living reef (permit required and National Park restrictions apply). Access to the island for campers is via Curtis Ferry Services exclusive barge hire, which departs from the Gladstone Marina. Campers should note that there are no shops or facilities ashore and they are required to take their own fresh water, food and all supplies. 

Click here for more information about camping permits and restrictions.