In welcome news for Australia's marine environment, the coral reef surrounding Lady Musgrave Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef has shown remarkable resilience amid the recent mass bleaching event impacting northern areas of the reef.

While areas of the northern reef have suffered significant stress due to rising ocean temperatures, the southern reef has retained its vibrant coral life and marine biodiversity.

It is clear that the entire Great Barrier Reef is under pressure from rising water temperatures, however Lady Musgrave Island remains an example of a vibrant, healthy reef.

Visitors to Lady Musgrave Island can see it is a haven for sea turtles, manta rays and hundreds of coral species, and Lady Musgrave Experience Director Brett Lakey continues to pride himself on showcasing it's vital role in reef recovery and resilience research.

“Lady Musgrave island and lagoon are such special places, we are optimistic that the island's healthy reef can contribute to data collection and inform scientists.” Brett said.

Brett started Lady Musgrave Experience in 2015 and over the past decade has seen firsthand the ever changing marine environment.

“Every day on the reef is different and in the 10 years since we began our eco-tourism tours, we have enjoyed seeing it flourish and implemented sustainable practices to keep it healthy.

“This includes our wind and solar powered HQ Pontoon, operating with a zero-carbon footprint and reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship.

“We also contribute to data collection for the Great Barrier Reef Marne Park Authority, ensuring we give back while providing sustainable and immersive nature-based activities to raise awareness of the reef,” he said.

Lady Musgrave Experience provides the perfect platform for guests to enjoy direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, complete with opportunities for snorkelling, diving, island tours and guided education programs.

About Lady Musgrave Experience

Lady Musgrave Experience operates from Bundaberg, Queensland. Guests enjoy transfers to Lady Musgrave Island on a luxury 35m catamaran with morning tea and a reef presentation by Marine Biologists and/or Master Reef Guides. On arrival at the Lady Musgrave Island lagoon, guests board the luxury Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon, complete with family-friendly amenities including hot showers, before they enjoy time snorkelling in the lagoon, an expert guided tour of Lady Musgrave Island, a glass-bottom boat tour, and a buffet style lunch. Afternoon tea is served on the journey back to Bundaberg, or for those lucky enough to be staying overnight, guests are shown to their glamping tents to sleep on the reef.

During the winter months Lady Musgrave Experience also operated Whale Watching half-day tours from Bundaberg, giving guests the opportunity to witness Humpback Whales breaching and playing along the Humpback Highway from a luxury catamaran with 360 degree observation decks.