1970s: The Vision of Don Adams

By the late 1960s, Lady Elliot Island had been stripped bare by guano mining and invasive goats. It was Don Adams, a Childers-based aviator and cane farmer, who saw potential in the desolate landscape.

In 1969, he cleared a coral airstrip with two tractors and landed a plane the next day, kickstarting the island’s aviation and tourism future.

With his wife Moya, Don launched the island’s first tourism operations and began revegetating it—flying in native seedlings and water week after week.

Their efforts predated the term “eco-tourism,” but embodied its spirit. Don was later awarded a conservation honour for his revegetation work.

Their legacy set the tone for all future leaseholders: nature-based tourism with a hands-on commitment to healing the island.