A chance encounter with an influential government employee paved the way for the Wilson family to build one of the most iconic resorts in Australia. Steven Wilson owner of ‘The House’ on Lizard Island says the plans had been on the drawing board for more than three decades.
The employee indicated the project would never be approved and that was the trigger that made Steven even more determined to make it happen.
The Wilson family dream has been bubbling for more than 30 years and will on the 4th of July come to fulfilment with the resort formally opening.
Unlike its very simple title, The House, this imposing building comes with a pedigree that has been planned for 33 years and has included all the mod cons whilst adhering to the history and ecology of the area.
Situated on a private peninsula and surrounded by the outer Great Barrier Reef the house embodies authentically Australian, with award-winning design, panoramic views of the Coral Sea, exceptional food and alcohol, and intuitive and impeccable service. The ultimate in luxury.
The House comes with a team of experts available to accommodate all conceivable requirements. A dedicated private host will ensure and coordinate a truly memorable experience for guests.
The House is a multi-level three-bedroom residence and closes by is The Cottage. Both buildings can house a total of eight guests. The Cottage is a single-level sanctuary within close walking distance and yet completely distinct from The House, offering additional seclusion and privacy from the main residence. With no detail overlooked, the Cottage is conveniently designed for an au pair, an older child, grandparents, or any personal guests of the House.
The House sits on a prized peninsula of Lizard Island, rich in both Aboriginal and European colonial history and it endeavours to observe and celebrate this heritage while paying respect to the exclusivity of its natural environment.
Guests of The House are invited to arrive either by charter or private plane from Cairns, with a flight path directly over the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique bird’s eye view of its mesmerising, turquoise-shaded beauty. A private chauffeur-driven car meets guests at the airport for a seamless transfer to The House.
Located 240 kilometres (150 miles) north of Cairns and 27 kilometres (17 miles) off the coast of northern Queensland, Lizard Island is a lush unspoiled paradise, covered with over 1000 hectares of National Parkland and surrounded by a protected Marine Park. The Estate itself is built on a private corner of the island, enveloped by three of the Island’s white-sand beaches, which guests can access for snorkelling, diving, fishing and other sustainable explorations.
Lizard Island was purchased by Twiggy Forrest several years ago and the resorts on the island are on commercial agreements.
From AUD $16,000 per night, a 3-night minimum for 2 pax
From AUD $28,000 per night for the entire House and Cottage, up to 8 pax. and Wilson believes there are many prospective customers both here and overseas.
Written by John Savage
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I and my wife lived on Lizard Is. from 1972-75 and where the first in habitants there since 1880 when Captain Watson, wife and baby son Ferrier lived there.
They fished for Bech-de-mer and built a stone home with coral mortar. The foundations are still there in Watson’s Bay.
A 3 month camping trip to Lizard by boat turned into a 3yr adventure. Starting as tour guide, diver and even Honorary Ranger over that time.
The story of Mrs. Watson and her infant son Ferrier seems to be missing and was memorialised on a monument in Cooktown.
Many a story can be told of those early days one of which was Dr. George Miller of Mad Max fame living on Lizard for three months
surviving from what was in the ocean and the land. Probably the very first surviver movie ever made.