Lady Musgrave Island

Lady Musgrave Island, situated on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, is a breathtakingly beautiful coral cay that promises an unparalleled underwater and land-based nature experience for visitors. This pristine island, part of the Capricorn Bunker Group, lies just a short journey from the Queensland coast, offering a slice of paradise with its unspoiled beaches, vibrant coral lagoons, and diverse marine life. Whether accessed from Agnes Water, Seventeen Seventy on a 90 minute boat ride, or a two-hour boat ride from Bundaberg, Lady Musgrave Island stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Gladstone, Agnes Water, Seventeen Seventy region.

Why Visit Lady Musgrave Island?

Unique Access to the Great Barrier Reef

Lady Musgrave Island is exceptional in offering big vessel access directly to the island and its surrounding lagoon, making it a unique destination within the Great Barrier Reef. The island is surrounded by 3,000 acres of living reef, forming a safe, deepwater coral lagoon that serves as a haven for snorkellers, divers, and marine life enthusiasts.

Lady Musgrave Island is an Underwater and Island Wildlife Sanctuary

As the southernmost island of the Bunker Group and a key part of the Capricorn Bunker Group, Lady Musgrave Island plays host to approximately 75% of all seabird biomass of the Great Barrier Reef. It provides a critical habitat for thousands of nesting seabirds and its beaches serve as a nesting ground for green and loggerhead turtles and home to the giant mantarays that gather here in the peak periods of May to August. The surrounding waters are also home to small whitetip reef sharks, leopard sharks, and a huge array of colurful tropical fish species that will have your jaw gaping as you snorkel around the lagoon which is around 3,000 acres of living corals.

Snorkelling Paradise

The island's lagoon offers perfect conditions year-round for snorkellers of all experience levels. From shallow coral snorkelling ideal for beginners to deep water dives for the more confident snorkellers, the underwater landscape of Lady Musgrave Island is a snorkellers dream.

Top Things to Do

• Snorkelling: Immerse yourself on a snorkelling tour in the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, encountering manta rays, moray eels, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Enjoy the beauty of the coral reef without getting wet on a glass bottom boat tour. These tours offer a unique perspective on the reef's complex ecosystem.
• Guided Island Walks: Discover the island's natural beauty and learn about its history on a guided walk through dense pisonia forests and along pristine beaches.
• Fish Feeding and Marine Encounters: Experience close encounters with the island's marine inhabitants during guided fish feeding activities.
• Whale Watching: Visit between July and November to witness majestic humpback whales on their migratory journey.

When to Visit Lady Musgrave Island

The best time to visit Lady Musgrave Island is all year round as the water temperatures change so does the underwater activity. Whale migration is during the months of July to November, and you can swim with manta ray all year round. During the Australian summer, from November to March the weather is warm, and marine life is most active during the coral spawning season it's important to note that camping on the island is strictly prohibited from January to March to protect the nesting and hatching cycles of the turtles.

Accommodation Options

For those looking to extend their stay, Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy offer a variety of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels and motels to luxury resorts. For the adventurous at heart, a wilderness campsite on Lady Musgrave Island provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature (permit required).

Conservation and Respect

Visitors to Lady Musgrave Island are encouraged to practice responsible tourism to preserve its natural beauty for future generations. This includes respecting wildlife, adhering to guidelines during wildlife encounters, and minimizing environmental impact while camping and exploring the island.

Lady Musgrave Island is a jewel of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, offering visitors an intimate connection with nature's wonders, both above and below the water. Whether you're snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, walking through ancient forests, or simply soaking up the tranquillity of this untouched paradise, Lady Musgrave Island promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors to her shores and lagoon.