Lizard Island, Island in Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Lizard Island is an island in the Great Barrier Reef with granite outcrops and several beaches including Freshwater Beach and Watson's Beach. A resort provides accommodation while fringing coral reefs surround the shoreline and shape much of the coastal landscape.
Captain James Cook climbed the highest peak in 1770 to find a safe passage through surrounding coral reefs. This expedition was part of his survey of the Australian coast.
The Dingaal Aboriginal people see the island as embodying a stingray from their creation stories. This belief remains central to how the land is understood and valued today.
Visitors can only reach the island by aircraft from mainland Queensland since it is remote and isolated. The resort provides lodging and facilities, and should be booked well in advance.
The oldest known pottery fragments in Australia were found here, dating back approximately 6500 years. These artifacts reveal that people have lived on the island since prehistoric times.
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