
Frequently Asked Questions
Click the following links to view the frequently asked questions for each of our Special Places.
Lizard Island
Phone and Internet Facilities
Dining
Marine and Dive
Medical Facilities
Airport and Flight Information
Q. How do I get to Lizard Island?A. Lizard Island is a 60 minute scenic flight north from Cairns. Flights to and from the island depart twice daily and are organized via our Reservation team (contact us for further details).
Q. How do I get from Cairns Airport to Hinterland Aviation?
A. If you are flying into Cairns on the day of departure our limousine driver will meet you at the baggage carousel and transfer you to Hinterland Aviation. (please advise flight details at time of booking).
Q. How long is the drive to Hinterland Aviation?
A. 10 Minutes from Cairns Airport.
Q. Do I need tickets for Hinterland Aviation?
A. No tickets are required. Please supply your photo identification at check-in.
Q. What connection time do I need between my flight to Cairns and my flight transfer to Lizard Island?
A. You will require one (1) hour for domestic flights within Australia and two hours for International flights.
Q. What is the check-in requirement for Hinterland Aviation?
A. Please check in at least 45 minutes prior to your flight time.
Q. How many engines are on the Hinterland planes?
A. Hinterland Aviation has a fleet of different aircraft. Some are single engine whilst others are a twin engine. The type aircraft is subject to availability and passenger load.
Q. How much luggage does Hinterland Aviation allow?
A. Yes, there is a restriction of 32kg per person (including hand luggage) on all flights to and from Lizard Island. Secure luggage storage is available at the Hinterland Aviation Terminal (complimentary if required).
Q. What is the cost if I require extra luggage allowance?
A. If you require extra luggage allowance the cost is AUD $578 return for an additional 32kg, otherwise we can offer a private charter and book a larger aircraft than what is needed to accommodate your extra luggage.
Q. If I need to leave luggage in Cairns can Hinterland Aviation store it?
A. Yes Hinterland Aviation will be happy to store your excess luggage for you. Please advise us in advance to check storage availability.
Q. What if the flight times to/from Lizard Island does not suit me?
A. If the normal flight times are not suitable, we can certainly organise a private charter flight for you at your preferred time. Please contact our Reservations Team for details.
Q. Can two pilots be arranged for private charter flights?
A. Yes two pilots can be arranged at the time of booking your private charter. Additional charges apply.
Q. What is the latest time a private charter can arrive on Lizard Island?
A. The last departure time in winter ex Cairns is 4.15pm. Arrival on Lizard Island is 5.15pm.
Summer ex Cairns is 5.00pm. Arrival on Lizard Island is 6.00pm.
Q. Can I arrange a private charter from Cooktown directly to Lizard Island?
A. Yes we can arrange this for you.
Phone and Internet Facilities
Q. Is there mobile phone reception?
A. Due to the remote location of the Resort, there is no mobile (cell) phone reception on the Island.
Q. Is the internet available in the rooms?
A. Guests staying in the Pavilion do have access to Wi-Fi. There is no internet connection in the remaining rooms and suites, however complimentary internet access is provided in the Guest Lounge, which is accessible 24 hours a day.
Q. Does your room have a telephone?
A. Yes, all rooms have a telephone for guests use (additional charges apply).
Dining
Q. What dining options does the Island offer?
A. A la carte fine dining throughout the day in Ospreys Restaurant.
Special themed evenings:
Tuesday evening: Asian degustation.
Friday evening: Barbeque Night. (On offer is a superb selection of seafood and meats cooked by the chef in the restaurant to your requirements)
Private Beach Side Dining (not available Tuesday or Friday evenings)
Signature Private Beach Dining
For a special Lizard Island dining experience, choose from two beautiful beach locations. Prior to dinner, you will have the opportunity to meet with the chef to discuss your
7 course degustation menu and matching wine selection. Minimal service interruptions ensure the ultimate seclusion and privacy. The additional charge is $150 per person.
Q. Are the menu's the same every day?
A. There is a change of menu daily – therefore no lunch or dinner menu will be the same throughout your stay.
Q. Is room service available at the Resort?
A. No, unfortunately room service is unavailable. We do however have a fully-stocked mini bar in each room (included in the room rate) and Osprey's Restaurant is open for meals from 7:00am to 10:30am for Breakfast, 12:00pm to 2:30pm for Lunch and 6:30pm to 9:00pm for Dinner. Should you be interested in private dining, we highly recommend our signature beachside dining experience, click here (http://www.lizardisland.com.au/dining/overview-en.html) for details.
Q. Are special diets and food allergies catered for?
A. All special diets and food allergies can be catered for on Lizard Island but due to our remote location we request notification 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
Q. What Do I wear??
A. Lizard Island provides the ultimate reef and relaxation experience. We recommend casual wear during the day and smart casual to semi formal in the evening. Click here
(http://www.lizardisland.com.au/about/weather-en.html) for information on the weather.
Marine and Dive
Q. Can I dive and snorkel right off the beach at Lizard Island?
A. Yes. The Great Barrier Reef is superb surrounding Lizard Island.
Q. To dive on Lizard Island what do I need to bring?
A. Your completed medical form and dive certification.
Q. Are there Stingers on Lizard Island?
A. Stingers feed and live in the shallows along the mainland coast. We do not have stingers or jellyfish problems on Lizard Island.
Q. Do we have stingers suits on the island?
A. Yes we do but these are usually used for guests who require sun protection.
Q. What is the water temperature on Lizard Island?
A. The water temperature ranges between 23’C and up to 30’C in the summer months.
Q. What size wetsuits do we have for guests on Lizard Island?
A. Our smallest is child size 10 and our largest is men size 8 or 2XL, Ladies size 18. We have short and long suits available.
Q. If I am bringing my own wetsuit, what thickness would you recommend?
A. 5mm wetsuits are available at lizard Island and work well through out the year. If you find you get cold easily, you may wish to use a shark skin suit.
Q. Who needs a Refresher dive course?
A. Guests who are certified divers but haven’t been diving in the past 12 months.
Q. When do guests complete this?
A. A refresher dive course is done at 7.45am in the morning of your confirmed dive. Please pre-book this prior to your arrival.
Q. If I am not a diver but want to dive on Lizard what do I do?
A. We offer a Discover Scuba course which includes equipment hire, classroom sessions and one supervised shore dive with a qualified instructor. Our course is 2 hours
in duration and we need to book it for the afternoon prior to your dive day. The cost is AUD $190 per person.
Q. What is the minimum age to attend the Discover scuba course?
A. 13 years.
Q. What medical condition may stop you diving on Lizard Island?
A. Asthma, a collapsed lung or lung operation, reoccurring ear problems, high blood pressure, diabetes. If you are suffering from any of the above please contact our Marine and Dive team on the island prior to arrival to discuss suitability.
Q. What are the restrictions with diving and flying?
A. It is a requirement that you must not dive within 24 hours of flying.
Q. What happens if I am booked on the Full Day Reef Trip and I am flying at 12.30pm the next day?
A. Please advise the dive team. You can then dive in the morning and snorkel in the afternoon.
Q. If I am flying out at 3.25pm tomorrow can I do the full day dive?
A. Yes as long as you advise the dive master. The full day dive usually finishes between 2.30pm-3pm.
Q. If I want to see the fish and coral but do not like the water how can I achieve this?
A. The island has a glass bottom boat and our paddleboards have a perspex window so guests can see the fish and coral under them.
Q. Can I fish off the Island?
A. No Lizard Island is a Marine Park and no fishing is allowed.
Q. When we catch Marlin do we tag & release?
A. Yes.
Medical Facilities
Q. What medical facilities do we offer?
A. We have nurses on call at all times.
Q. How many Automated External Defibrillators does Lizard Have?
A. We have three (3). They are situated as follows: MV Fascination, Serranidae, Reception
Q. If a guest requires urgent medical care what is available?
A. The Royal Flying Doctors is available and they will take at least one hour to arrive.
Q. if I am camping on Lizard Island what do I need to know?
A. If guests are booking flights to visit the campground the following information is helpful for them
To stay at the campground on Lizard Island, guests need to be completely self sufficient. They need to bring their own food, tents etc. There are no shops or facilities to purchase any supplies. There are no open fires allowed on the island although there is a barbeque at the camp Whilst staying at the campground they are not allowed to enter the resort. Some guests request to use the Marine and Dive facilities but this is for resort guests only. When flying with Hinterland to the Island guests are allocated a baggage allowance of 32kg per person which makes taking all of the camping requirements very restricted. If guests require an extra 32kg of luggage they would need to buy an extra seat at AUD $578 return. To camp on Lizard Island guests need to purchase a camping permit from Queensland Wildlife Parks & Services in Cairns prior to their stay.
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/lizard-island/about.html
Heron Island
Phone and Internet Facilities
Dining
Marine and Dive
General
Airport and Flight Information
Q. What time do I need to arrive to catch the helicopter?A. Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for check-in procedures.
Q. Where can I store my excess luggage?
A. Excess Luggage that isn't required can be stored complimentary with Chopperline. Excess luggage that will be required can be sent via the boat transfer.
Q. What time do I need to arrive into Gladstone to catch the boat?
A. 10:00am if arriving into Gladstone Airport / 10:30am if you are driving to the Gladstone Marina.
Q. Where can we park the car at the Marina?
A. If you're making your own way to Gladstone Marina you'll find it at Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone. Secure car lock-up facilities are available for approximately $11 per day ($55 per week) for a covered car park or $9 per day ($45 per week) for an uncovered park.
Q. Do we need tickets to board the Heron Islander?
A. When you check-in at the Marina, you will be given your boarding passes.
Phone and Internet Facilities
Q. Is there Mobile phone Reception?A. Unfortunately there is no mobile reception on Heron Island.
Dining
Q. Is there only one restaurant?
A. Yes, the Shearwater Restaurant.
Q. Are vegetarian/gluten free/vegan diets catered for?
A. All special diets and food allergies can be catered for on Heron Island but due to our remote location we request notification 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
Marine and Dive
Q. When do the Turtles come onto the Island to lay and hatch?
A. Between November and March.
Q. Can you snorkel right off the island and can snorkel gear be hired?
A. You certainly can snorkel right off the island and snorkel gear can be hired at the Dive Shop.
Q. Do I need to take my own beach towel/sun screen/insect repellent?
A. Towels are provided in the room. Sun screen and insect repellent can be purchased from the boutique.
Q. Are there Stingers in the waters?
A. At times, Jellyfish appear in the waters around Heron Island, however most are non-stinging.
Q. Is it safe to swim during stinger season?
A. Yes - Stingers feed and live in the shallows along the mainland coast. We generally do not have stingers or jellyfish problems on Heron Island.
Q. What is the water temperature?
A. Approximately between 21-29 degrees Celsius.
Q. Do we need to book a dive package in advance?
A. No, dive packages can be booked directly at the resort.
Q. Can we complete a PADI course on the Island?
A. Unfortunately no, but guests are able to complete their open water dives as part of referral dive course but a full dive course is not offered.
Q. What are the restrictions with diving and flying?
A. It is a requirement that you must not dive within 24 hours of flying.
General
Q. What are the Island's babysitting fees?
A. $25 p/h 1 child
$30 p/h 2-3 children
$50 p/h 4-5 children
Q. What is the brand of the Island amenities?
A. Serendipity.
Q. Which room types have dividers/separators?
A. Wistari Suites, Heron Beachside Suites and Reef Family Suites.
Q. What is the wet season?
A. January – March.
Q. How much is the Junior Rangers Program fee?
A. $65 per child (minimum numbers apply).
Q. Why do I need to give credit card details at the time of my reservation?
A. A valid credit card is required to guarantee your reservation, however no charges are processed at time of booking until check out. A 1% credit card surcharge applies.
Q. Are wheelchairs allowed at the resort?
A. Yes wheelchairs are allowed, however can be difficult to maneuver on sandy paths.
Q. Are there any disabled rooms available for people with wheelchairs?
A. Yes, but there is only one and is therefore subject to availability. Please ensure this room is requested at time of booking.
Q. Is there a nurse on the Island?
A. Yes.
Q. Are there cooking facilities on Heron Island or a supermarket where we can buy food?
A. Unfortunately there are no cooking facilities on Heron Island; however, the boutique is open from 9:30am – 5:30pm which sells some food items.
Q. Can I bring my own alcohol?
A. Due to licensing reasons, under no circumstances is alcohol to be brought onto Heron Island. Alcohol is available from the Shearwater Restaurant and Baillie’s Bar.
Q. What is the dress code?
A. Resort neat casual clothing. Footwear is required in both the Shearwater Restaurant and Baillie’s Bar.
Q. Are there televisions in the rooms?
A. To help you escape the everyday world, televisions cannot be found in the rooms. Televisions however can be found in The Pandanus Lounge and Baillie's Bar for those who wish to catch up on current events.
Q. Which rooms have air-conditioning?
A. Wistari Suites, Point Suites & The Beach House.
Wilson Island
Q. How do I get to Wilson Island?
A. Wilson island is accessed via Heron Island. You must take a helicopter or boat transfer to Heron Island followed by a 40 minute boat ride to Wilson Island.
Q. What are the connections to Wilson Island via Heron Island?
A. From Gladstone, the 11:00am boat transfer and 11:15am helicopter transfer meets the 3:00pm sea connection to Wilson Island.
Coming back, the 11:00am sea connection from Wilson Island will meet with 2:00pm boat transfer and either the 12:45pm or 3:30pm helicopter transfers.
Q. Do I have to eat with the other guests on the island in the Long Room or can I have a private dinner on the beach?
A. Private dining is available on request and is subject to availability and weather conditions.
Q. Is it safe to swim during stinger season?
A. Yes - Stingers feed and live in the shallows along the mainland coast. We generally do not have stingers or jellyfish problems on Wilson Island.
Q. What is the water temperature?
A. Approximately between 21-29 degrees Celsius.
Q. Do you hire snorkeling gear from Wilson Island?
A. Complimentary Snorkelling gear is available from Heron Island.
Q. If I book the Island exclusively and I am the only one that has been there before, do I receive a past guest discount on the whole exclusive booking?
A. Yes.
Q. Why do I need to give credit card details at the time of my reservation?
A. A valid credit card is required to guarantee your reservation, however no charges are processed at time of booking until check out. No credit card surcharge applies.
Q. Are children aged 13 and above allowed to have their own tents?
A. Yes, however children must be supervised at all times.
Q. Can we have three (3) people in one tent?
A. A maximum of two people per tent applies.
Kings Canyon Resort
Q. If a guest has an allergy or is vegetarian, are they able to participate in the ‘Under a Desert Moon’ experience?
A. Unfortunately ‘Under a Desert Moon’ involves a set menu that does not allow for exceptions.
Q. Are dogs allowed in the campground?
A. Yes, dogs are allowed in the campground however they need to be leashed at all times.
Q. How long does it take to get here from Alice Springs/Ayers Rock?
A. Approx 4-5 hrs from Alice Springs and 3-4 hrs from Ayers Rock.
Q. Are there cooking facilities in the room?
A. Due to fire regulations, there are no cooking facilities
Q. Can you check in after 9.30pm when reception closes?
A. Yes, check in is available via our night audit team until 1.30am
Q. What time does the Under a Desert Moon Start?
A. 6.30pm
Q. Is there internet and how much does it cost?
A. Internet facilities are available for a cost of $10 per hour
Q. What laundry facilities are available?
A. There are 7 Laundries in total, 2 located at the Lodge, 4 in the Campground and 1 located near Carmichaels. The cost is AUD $4 wash and AUD $4 dry, and only accepts AUD $1 coins.
Q. What is the wet season?
A. December to February
Q. Are linen and towels provided in budget lodge rooms?
A. Yes, linen and towels are provided in budget lodge rooms.
Q. Why do I need to give credit card details at the time of my reservation?
A. A valid credit card is required to guarantee your reservation, however no charges are processed at time of booking until check out. A credit card surcharge of 1% applies.
Q. Will there be accommodation for a family with 5 or 6 people in the future?
A. Families with 5-6 people are accommodated in two (2) rooms at present.
Q. How many days would you recommend us stay at the resort?
A. We recommend 2 nights at the Resort.
Q. Do the rooms have heating and cooling?
A. Yes, both heating and cooling are available in our Budget Rooms, Standard Rooms and Deluxe Spa Rooms.
Q. Are there tea & coffee facilities?
A. Yes, tea and coffee making facilities are available in all rooms.
Q. What kind of view do the Standard Rooms have?
A. The Standard Rooms are located within a garden setting and has a verandah looking over the resort grounds.
El Questro Homestead
A. Flights are available from Perth, Darwin or Broome into the town of Kununurra. From Kununurra, we can arrange return transfers or alternatively you can hire a 4WD.
Q. What is the temperature?
A. From May through to the beginning of October, El Questro very rarely gets rain and enjoys warm, sunny days. The winter months of June, July and August see daytime temperatures between the high 20°s and low 30°s and the nights cool off to between 8°C and 18°C. April, May, September and October have warmer temperatures all around, when day time highs can be in excess of 35°C and night time lows are between 15 and 25°C. April and October can be particularly humid with some chance of rain.
Q. Do I need to pre-book any of the tours?
A. While most tours do not require that you book in advance of arrival, some take limited numbers or sell out in peak season and pre-booking of the following is highly advisable: Horse riding, Explosion Gorge and Branco's Lookout, all Helicopter tours and scenic flights, El Questro's Big Day Out, Sunrise breakfast and all tours or flights to the Bungle Bungles, Mitchell Falls, Argyle Diamond Mine or the Ord River. Please contact elquestrohomestead@dncinc.com to discuss
your touring options.
Q. What should I bring and what is the dress standard?
A. Smart casual dress applies for El Questro Homestead. We also recommend you bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking shoes, swimwear and shorts. Sweaters or jumpers are ideal for the winter months. Please see the travel planner section for more details.
Q. Do you have any communications there?
A. The phone number to the Homestead is +61 8 9161 4042. Faxes can be sent to +61 8 9161 4043. Mobile phone coverage is unavailable at the entire El Questro property and your accommodation does not contain a phone, television or Internet access. The library has a computer that all guests may use to access the internet through a broadband connection. You may also connect your personal devices to the wireless connection through out most areas of the house. A telephone is available for guest use (outgoing call charges apply). A television with Foxtel and local stations is also available in the library.
Q. Why do I need to give credit card details at the time of my reservation?
A. A valid credit card is required to guarantee your reservation, however no charges are processed at time of booking until check out. No credit card surcharges apply.
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