Lizard Island National Park, Nature reserve on Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Lizard Island National Park is a nature reserve on the Great Barrier Reef, where rugged granite peaks rise sharply from the ocean. The island is ringed by coral reefs and small surrounding islands, with rocky coves and sandy bays dotting the coastline.
Captain James Cook named the island in 1770, using its highest peak as a landmark to navigate safely through the reef passages. This early exploration shaped how Europeans came to know the region.
The Dingaal Aboriginal people knew this land as Dyiigurra, where they gathered for traditional fishing and ceremonial gatherings that shaped their connection to the sea.
The island is reached by boat or helicopter, with camping grounds available in the main bay equipped with facilities and picnic areas. Walking trails crisscross the island at different difficulty levels, offering views over the water.
A marine research station on the island has been studying coral ecosystems since 1973, contributing important findings to global science. The fieldwork conducted there has helped scientists worldwide understand how climate changes affect reef health.
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