Lincoln Lewis swims with turtles at Lady Musgrave Island, Great Barrier Reef
If you’ve ever dreamed of having the Great Barrier Reef all to yourself, leave the mainland behind and set your compass for the pristine, coral-formed sanctuary of Lady Musgrave Island.
Lincoln Lewis swam with turtles and spent a night under the stars on an eco-friendly pontoon.
Lincoln Lewis discovers a hidden Queensland gem. Getaway 2026
Location: Lady Musgrave Island, QLD
Costs:
Lady Musgrave Experience www.ladymusgraveexperience.com.au
Day tours start at $340 for adults, $240 for kids & $1000 for families (2 adults & 2 children), including tours, snorkelling, meals & transfers
Overnight stays start at $950 per night (single) & $1450 per night (twin share) including most tours, snorkelling, meals & transfers
Turtle nesting & hatching tours cost $85pp (October - April)
Info correct at 04.07.26
Highlights:
Lady Musgrave Island sits at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, approximately 90 kilometres off the coast of Bundaberg.
The 14 hectare coral cay sits inside a vast, protected coral lagoon, makingit one of the calmest and clearest places to see the reef. There are no permanent residents and no crowds, visitor numbers are kept low which increases your personal experience, and ensures minimal environmental impact.
After a two-hour boat ride from Bundy, Lincoln arrived at Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon, a multi-level base for day trippers and overnight guests, floating just off the island.
From the pontoon, the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant and abundant marine life awaits. There are glass bottom boat tours for those who want a marine experience without getting wet and tenders can take you onto the island forland-based guided tours explaining the island’s history and habits of migratory birds.
Lincoln couldn’t wait to get in the turquoise water and snorkel amongst the colourful coral gardens.
Whether you are swimming with turtles, watching manta rays, or observing the incredible schools of golden trevally, life on the reef changes with nature’s calendar.
Lincoln went swimming with turtles. Getaway 2026
From January to April baby turtles are hatching and making their way into the ocean, from May to August the manta rays are most active, June to October sees the majestic migrations of whales and November to January turtles lay theireggs. No matter what the season, every visit feels like a rare privilege.
As the day guests departed and the sun started to dip below the horizon, the true magic of the location revealed itself, as the pontoon appeared to transform into a private sanctuary.
The top deck is fitted with eight queen-size glamping beds, offering a rare opportunity to sleep directly over the reef, under a canopy of stars. On a special trip to the island at dusk, Lincoln witnessed the surreal sight of tiny turtle hatchlings making their first, brave trek toward the tide.
With such prolific bird and marine life, the odds of survival are stacked against the tiny travellers, a stark but beautiful reminder of the fragile cycle of life.
Back at Lady Musgrave HQ after a magnificent three-course chef prepared meal, it was time to sleep under the starlit sky. Each glamping bed has its own privacy canopy with waterproof covers and under-bed storage.
Every moment on the Lady Musgrave Island Experience offers an unparalleled connection to the environment and promises an unforgettable adventure.
Waking up to sunrise on the reef was a completely different experience, giving Lincoln a greater appreciation for just how special that part of the world is, and the only way to start the day was in the water of course!
