Secluded Beaches, a Private Chef, a Fleet of Boats: This New Lizard Island Property Is Off-the-Charts Luxe

The House at Lizard Island
The House at Lizard Island
The House at Lizard Island
The House at Lizard Island
The House at Lizard Island
The House at Lizard Island
The House at Lizard Island

The House at Lizard Island ·Photo: Courtesy Elise Hassey

It took the owners of this beach house, built on pristine headland near the Great Barrier Reef, 25 years to get planning approval. Now it’s open to guests from a whopping $16,000 per night.

Lizard Island, off the coast of northern Queensland, has stunning beaches, calm turquoise waters and 1000 hectares of national park. It’s only an hour’s flight from Cairns but the luxuriousness of the island makes it one of the most exclusive places to stay in Australia.

Now, after years of planning approvals and engaging top-end architects, the island has a new premium property that comes with a private chef, sommelier, masseuse and a fleet of boats. The House and the Cottage – two adjoining properties that can be hired as one – have opened their doors for bookings this month, offering private access to three beaches on the estate from $16,000 per night.

The properties are managed by the award-winning Lizard Island Resort, which is nearby (but far enough away) so guests can use its facilities including pools, tennis court, gym, restaurant and bars. Those staying at the House or the Cottage will receive chauffeured transfers between the accommodation and the resort whenever they like. But why would you leave?

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The “cheapest” option is to hire the House for two people, for a minimum of three nights, for $16,000. The big-gun option is to stay at the House and the Cottage, which will set you back $28,000 per night for up to eight guests.

It’s a hefty price tag, but that includes a private host who’ll attend to your every request – including facilitating tailor-made experiences like fishing trips or exploring the nearby islands via one of the property’s private boats. Guests get a private chef and a sommelier for all meals plus a bespoke team of experts, including a naturalist, a facialist, a massage therapist and yoga instructor to help you make the most of your stay. And, to ease you in, you’ll get return scenic charter flights from Cairns and transfers from Lizard Island Airport to the House by four-wheel drive or boat.

The building was designed by architect James Davidson of JDA Co.. It took owner Steve Wilson 25 years to gain approval to complete the building. The properties have been fitted out with artworks by Indigenous artists including Sue Pascoe and Fiona Omeenyo, a custom rug by Tibet Sydney, Bemboka bedding and serving ware by Mud Australia and Dinosaur Designs.

“Every single piece chosen for the House has a sense of place,” says Wilson in a statement. “Much of the furniture was hand-built by a local craftsman, while other renowned international pieces stand as functioning works of art … I wanted guests to be captivated but also not feel uncomfortable walking inside with sand on their feet.”

It’s $16,000 per night to stay at the House, which has a three-night minimum stay for two people. It’s $28,000 per night to hire the House and Cottage for up to eight people. Bookings are open now.

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