1980s: Diving In and Foundations of Eco-Tourism

As scuba diving surged in popularity, Lady Elliot Island transformed from a remote outpost into a budding dive destination under leaseholder Paul Harvey.

By 1985, John and Judy French, with partners Kerrie and Mary Donoghue, launched Lady Elliot Island Reef Resort, offering a new kind of tourism—nature-based, educational, and low-impact. They relocated buildings from a mining town, constructing eco-cabins, a dive shop, and more, all designed to leave no trace.

From the start, guests enjoyed guided reef walks, birdwatching, and glass-bottom boat tours, deepening their connection with the Reef’s unique environment. A revegetation program began, planting native trees to restore the island’s fragile landscape.

Connecting to the Mainland
Bookings and transport were managed by Bevan Whitaker of Sunstate Airlines, who later became the leaseholder

The 1980s set the stage for Lady Elliot Island’s reputation as a world-class eco-tourism destination—where adventure and stewardship go hand in hand.