Blog
20th July 2016
Lizard Island famil trip!!
Having been brought up in Australia and learned to scuba dive at an early age, one of my enduring shameful secrets is that I had never dived on the Great Barrier Reef! Enter my bonza mates from Business Events Australia to put this right and put a big tick next to an important bucket list item.
I have to say, right up front, this was one of the best famil I have been lucky enough to be part of: small, well-chosen group, great locations and properties, excellent range of activities, wonderfully warm and engaging hosts.
After a very pleasant flight to Cairns (thank you Air New Zealand), there is a short transfer to a much smaller plane and then an hours flight due north. The flight is a real highlight as you look out in wonder at the largest structure on earth, the Great Barrier Reef.
Yes, Lizard Island is remote but it didn’t feel like a struggle to get there and the effort it does take is well rewarded. The second you touch down you realise this is a very different place to tropical islands of the South Pacific. The island is the top of an undersea mountain and feels more like part of Queensland than Fiji. The resort itself is not “over the top” luxury, more a series of understated, sleek, pale buildings that blend into the landscape.
Waiting for us, key staff explained how everything worked while we indulged in champagne and a fabulous selection of canapes (which are also favoured by the local birdlife..most persistent a seagull called Geoff) Then to our large, simple but very elegant villas overlooking the beautiful bay.
The next few days were spent exploring the resort which is a mix of standalone villas, several high end rooms on the point and a stunning 2 bedroom “owners cottage” with it’s own pool and plenty of room to host your own functions for 30 of your closest friends.
Some key features of Lizard Island that make it perfect for small incentive groups and retreats are: the food and drink options are excellent, not always true of remote locations. There are plenty of activities, including hiking, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, and a trip to the Marine Research Centre. A first rate spa with a full selection of massage and treatment options.
There is even an off-site Marlin Bar where you can grab a XXXX and play pool with the local fishermen and resort staff…yes we did this…and from what I remember, we had a great time.
As I mentioned at the beginning the highlight for me was the diving. The resort owns a number of vessels that guests can use to fish, snorkel or dive. We were treated to a trip to Cod Hole, a legendary dive spot. And it did not disappoint. While most of the group stayed on the surface marvelling at the array of fish and coral, the divers headed down to meet the fearsome and enormous potato cod. They are actually quite friendly but our dive leader does sport some scars on her head from accidentally putting her head in a fish’s mouth! This was an amazing experience and will live in the memory for a very long time.
After Lizard Island we made our way back to Cairns then a coach to Port Douglas for a flying visit to the refurbished Sheraton Mirage. This Sheraton has everything you need for a conference or group stay. Many in the industry will be very pleased it’s back, better than ever.
Next stop was a real surprise and perfect a perfect partner for a Lizard Island incentive combo: Silky Oaks Lodge. Nestled in the treetops of the Daintree Rain Forrest and on the banks of the Mossman Gorge River, this place defines relaxation. Built in and around the forest, Silky Oaks offers the best of nature, spa, and beautiful accommodation options. We were served a sensational lunch including the barramundi that was one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had. If you, or your group, are looking for the perfect place to unwind, this is it.
The trip finished with a chopper ride down the coast for our last night in Cairns. A very large direct selling group was having a function next to the ocean, showing that Cairns can handle these groups with ease and style. We were fortunate to experience the private dining room at Salt House, again a great option for incentive groups.
Thanks again to our hosts, Jen from Business Events Australia, Emma from Business Events Cairns and GBR, and Stuart from Air New Zealand for a great trip and a lot of ideas to share with lucky clients!
– Mark Ferguson